Taxonomic distinctness and environmental assessment

摘要: The objectives of this paper are to test the performance taxonomic distinctness index, δ+, in a number environmental impact scenarios, examine its relationship with functional diversity and influence habitat type on index. The index was applied data free-living marine nematodes from coasts Britain Chile. The environmentally degraded locations generally reduced comparison that more pristine locations, often significantly so. Some types may have naturally lower values than others. However, unless habitats some way δ+ do not fall below 95% confidence limit simulated distribution under null hypothesis assemblages behave as if they random selection regional species pool. This ameliorates problem encountered richness measures biodiversity, which much strongly affected by complexity, thus making comparisons difficult between sets different or where is uncontrolled. Taxonomic shown be related trophic diversity: reduction will lead distinctness, although necessarily richness. Trophic composition itself clearly pollution, but also responsive major type. These features coupled lack dependence sampling effort differences rigour workers statistical framework for assessment significance departure expectation, suggest it prove biologically ecologically relevant measure biodiversity. This demonstrates has theoretical logistical advantages over purposes assessment.