Modelling species richness and diversity in grassland communities of the Central Caucasus

Kikvidze, Zaal (2000) Modelling species richness and diversity in grassland communities of the Central Caucasus. Oikos, 89. pp. 123-127. ISSN 1600-0706

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Abstract

In this study I used small squares (4 cm×4 cm) as a sampling technique within plots (128 cm×128 cm) of different elevation, aspect and slope angle in grassland communities (20 plots examined). Then I used a rectangular hyperbole equation (the Michaelis-Menten model) to describe species richness and the Inverse of Simpson Concentration (ISC) as functions of sample size. I checked robustness and precision of the model both by interpolation and extrapolation. Interpolation was similarly good in both cases, while extrapolation produced reliable predictions of ISC but underestimated species richness. Dominance analysis indicated that the underestimation of richness depends on the proportion of bottom species, and that the predicted values of richness roughly coincide with the numbers of dominant species found in plots. Therefore, the model may be used to assess number of dominant species when precision is less important than saving time during a survey. However, the rectangular hyperbole equation appears to be precise and robust in the prediction of ISC, at least in grassland communities. This property may also be employed for extrapolation of diversity indices with a limited sampling effort.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science > Ecology
Divisions: Institutes > 4D Research Institute
Depositing User: Prof. Zaal Kikvidze
Date Deposited: 16 Apr 2015 06:16
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2015 06:16
URI: http://eprints.iliauni.edu.ge/id/eprint/2053

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