​An ecologist calculates the Shannon-Wiener diversity index for an ecosystem with high species diversity. Which one of the following statements about this diversity index is INCORRECT?​

Correct option is C

The correct option is (c)

EXPLANATION-

The formula for the Shannon-Wiener index  H'  is-

$$H' = - \sum_{i=1}^{S} p_i \ln(p_i)$$

where,  is the total number of species, and $$p_i$$ is the proportion of the species in the community​​​

Statement C-  Evenness has a direct impact on the Shannon index. When abundances are uneven (one or a few species dominate), the index decreases. Therefore, the index is sensitive to species evenness, not independent of it.

So, the statement  (c) is wrong which make it a correct option.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE-

Statement A - This statement is correct.
The index value rises when there are more species because species richness contributes positively to diversity. More species mean higher potential diversity.

Statement B- ​This statement is correct.
The Shannon index is highest when species are evenly distributed because evenness reduces dominance and increases uncertainty about species identity in a random sample.

Statement D- ​This statement is correct.
A low Shannon index reflects low diversity, which typically happens when one or a few species dominate the ecosystem, reducing evenness and overall diversity.