SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 42

SSC CHSL - 11 Aug 2023 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q42

In the context of ecology, the given equation shows the relationship between the size of an area and the number of species present in it. Accordingly, by which letter is the regression coefficient denoted?
log S = log C + Zlog A

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Z.

In the ecological equation:
log S = log C + Z log A

  • S = Number of species

  • A = Area

  • C = Constant (intercept)

  • Z = Regression coefficient (slope of the line)

This equation is known as the species–area relationship, which describes how the number of species (S) increases with the area (A). The regression coefficient Z indicates the rate at which species richness increases with area — a fundamental concept in ecology and biogeography.