What defines "species richness" in an ecological context?

In ecology, "species richness" specifically refers to the count of different species present in a certain area. It is a key component of biodiversity and provides insight into the ecological health and complexity of an environment. A higher species richness typically indicates a more diverse ecosystem, which can contribute to its resilience and stability.

This concept focuses strictly on the variety of species rather than the abundance or number of individuals within those species. For instance, in a forest where there are many different types of trees, the richness is defined by the total number of tree species, not by how many individual trees of each species are present. Understanding species richness is essential for conservation efforts, as it helps identify areas of high biodiversity that may require protection and management.