3. 4. The rate of origination = O = new taxa arising / existing taxon / unit time The rate of extinction = E = probability of extinction during period dt. thus, change in diversity = dN/dt = ON - EN = N(O-E) Note:- Diversity will be constant if O = E, diversity will increase if O > E (speciation rates exceed extinction rates) and decrease if O Solution 3. 4. The rate of origination = O = new taxa arising / existing taxon / unit time The rate of extinction = E = probability of extinction during period dt. thus, change in diversity = dN/dt = ON - EN = N(O-E) Note:- Diversity will be constant if O = E, diversity will increase if O > E (speciation rates exceed extinction rates) and decrease if O.