Diversity of habitat over a geographical area is

Options

A. Alpha diversity
B. Beta diversity
C. Gamma diversity
D. Delta diversity

Answer

To answer the question "Diversity of habitat over a geographical area is", we will analyze the different types of diversity mentioned in the options and determine which one correctly describes the concept of habitat diversity across a geographical area.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Alpha Diversity**:
- Alpha diversity refers to the diversity of species within a specific habitat or ecosystem. It measures the variety of species in a particular area.
- **Hint**: Think of alpha diversity as the number of different species in a single location.

2. **Understanding Beta Diversity**:
- Beta diversity measures the rate of species replacement or turnover between different habitats. It indicates how different the species composition is from one habitat to another.
- **Hint**: Consider beta diversity as the comparison of species between two or more habitats.

3. **Understanding Gamma Diversity**:
- Gamma diversity refers to the total diversity of habitats across a larger geographical area or landscape. It encompasses both alpha and beta diversity and provides a broader view of biodiversity across multiple ecosystems.
- **Hint**: Gamma diversity is like looking at the overall variety of habitats in a large region.

4. **Understanding Delta Diversity**:
- Delta diversity is less commonly referenced in ecological studies and typically refers to the differentiation of diversity across wide geographical areas. However, it is not a standard term used to describe habitat diversity.
- **Hint**: Delta diversity is not widely recognized in the same context as the other types.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the definitions, the correct answer to the question "Diversity of habitat over a geographical area is" is **Gamma Diversity**. It represents the total diversity of habitats across a larger landscape.

### Final Answer:
The diversity of habitat over a geographical area is **Gamma Diversity**.