Species Diversity Index Calculator
Calculate biodiversity indices, analyze species richness, and understand ecological diversity
Understanding Species Diversity
Species diversity is a measure of biodiversity that considers both species richness and evenness in a community. Our calculator helps analyze ecological communities using various diversity indices and provides insights into community structure.
Species Diversity Calculator
Calculate biodiversity indices and analyze community structure
Understanding Species Diversity
Diversity Indices
Understanding biodiversity metrics
- Shannon-Wiener Index
- Simpson's Index
- Species richness
- Species evenness
Community Structure
Analyzing species distribution
- Relative abundance
- Dominant species
- Rare species
- Population patterns
Ecological Factors
Influences on diversity
- Habitat conditions
- Resource availability
- Competition
- Disturbance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is species diversity?
Species diversity is a measure of biodiversity that considers both the number of different species (richness) and their relative abundances (evenness) in a community. It provides insights into ecosystem health and stability.
What does the Shannon-Wiener Index measure?
The Shannon-Wiener Index measures species diversity by combining richness and evenness. Higher values indicate greater diversity. It's sensitive to rare species and considers the proportional abundance of each species.
How is Simpson's Index different?
Simpson's Index measures the probability that two randomly selected individuals belong to different species. It ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater diversity. It gives more weight to common species.
Why is evenness important?
Evenness measures how equally abundant different species are in a community. High evenness indicates a stable ecosystem where resources are well-distributed. Low evenness suggests dominance by one or few species.
How do you interpret diversity indices?
Diversity indices should be compared between similar habitats or over time. Higher values generally indicate healthier ecosystems, but local context matters. Consider multiple indices for a complete understanding.
Important Notes
- Higher diversity indicates healthier ecosystems
- Consider both richness and evenness
- Multiple indices provide different insights
- Sample size affects calculations
- Compare similar habitats
- Regular monitoring recommended