Classification, biodiversity and conservation: describe question

An ecologist investigated the biodiversity of flowering plants in two different habitats: a mature woodland (Area A) and a recently restored grassland (Area B). Random quadrat sampling was carried out in each area, and the number of individuals of each plant species was recorded. Simpson's index of diversity (D) was calculated for each area using the formula:

$$D = 1 - \sum \left(\frac{n}{N}\right)^2$$

where $n$ is the number of individuals of a particular species and $N$ is the total number of individuals of all species.

The calculated values of D were:

• Area A (woodland): D = 0.88
• Area B (grassland): D = 0.42

Describe what these values of D indicate about the biodiversity in each area.