Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option.
The value of z lies in the range of______regardless of the taxonomic group or the region.
(a) 0.1 to 0.2
(b) 0.3 to 0.8
(c) 0.1 to 1.0
(d) 0.6 to 1.8

Options

A. 0.1 to 0.2
B. 0.3 to 0.8
C. 0.1 to `1.0`
D. 0.6 to 1.8

Answer

To solve the question, we need to determine the appropriate range for the value of z, which is related to species richness as described by Alexander Von Humboldt. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to arrive at the correct answer:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Species Richness
- Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a particular area. Alexander Von Humboldt studied how species richness changes with the area explored.

### Step 2: Analyze the Relationship Between Area and Species Richness
- Humboldt observed that as the area explored increases, species richness also increases, but only up to a certain limit. Beyond this limit, species richness becomes constant.

### Step 3: Graphical Representation
- The relationship between area (x-axis) and species richness (y-axis) can be plotted on a graph. Humboldt found that when this relationship is plotted on a logarithmic scale, it results in a straight line.

### Step 4: Identify the Equation
- The equation representing this relationship is:
\[ \log S = \log C + z \cdot \log A \]
where:
- S = species richness
- C = a constant
- A = area
- z = slope of the line (regression coefficient)

### Step 5: Determine the Value of z
- For smaller areas, the value of z typically ranges from 0.1 to 0.2.
- For larger areas, the value of z can range from 0.6 to 1.2.
- The question specifies that the value of z is to be considered regardless of the taxonomic group or the region.

### Step 6: Choose the Correct Option
- Given that the question asks for the value of z regardless of the taxonomic group or region, the most appropriate option is:
**(a) 0.1 to 0.2**.

### Final Answer
The value of z lies in the range of **0.1 to 0.2** regardless of the taxonomic group or the region.

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