What is biodiversity?

What is the best way to carry out a science experiment about biodiversity?

• This experiment will investigate the effect of differing environmental settings on the biodiversity of life in a selected area. This investigation will conduct an experiment on an area in which there is little if no human presence and one near an area with evident human presence. I'm wanting to know what the best way to sample an area and evaluate it for biodiversity would be. What kinds of tests/techniques would be best to use? Thanks for any help!

• Answer:

  You could for example compare the plant biodiversity of a forest or a State Park, with that found in a city park. First, define a certain area, e.g. 30 x 30 feet in each environment. You could e.g. put 4 rocks on each of the corners. Then, count the different species of plants in each 30 x 30 feet area. So in a park your area might contain one tree, 1000s of grasses (but all 1 species!) and maybe some shrubs. What is the total number of plant species found in the city park? Then, do the same for a "wild" area. Make sure to follow local regulations, so do not go of the path where that is not allowed, and do not destroy or take anything. How many plant species will you find here? You do not need to know much about plants. Just observe how they look, make notes, and start counting. Instead of 1 30x30 feet area per environment, you could also count 3 different 10x10 areas. Happy counting!