Siqueiros Beltrones, D.A. & O.U., Hernández Almeida (2022). Diversity measurement of benthic diatom taxocoenoses based on information theory (H’) using genus-to-species ratio. Hidrobiológica. 32(3): 245-249. URL.
David Alfaro Siqueiros Beltrones 1 y Oscar Ubisha Hernández Almeida 2
Background. Within any given taxocenosis of benthic diatoms (BDT), the distribution of the taxa relativeabundances renders them as very abundant, common, uncommon, and rare taxa. This structure is consideredwhen estimating species diversity using Shannon’s index (H’) based on information theory. Thus, becausethis distribution also occurs within the taxonomic hierarchy of BDT, i.e., genera with a high number of spe-cies-infraspecies (SS) or species singletons, estimating species diversity (H’) using the genus/SS ratio insteadof relative abundances, represents an alternative measure of diversity but resorting to a much smaller datamatrix. Hence, the diversity index designated H’G/SS is proposed here. Objective. In this essay, we sought togather evidence that combining information on the genus-level taxa and their included SS provides a reliableestimation of taxonomic diversity for BDT. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that the estimated H’ G/SS for thefloristic of BDT in a particular locality would be as high as the highest value using diatom relative abundances.Method. To test the above, floristic and species diversity (H’) data from several studies of BDT along Mexicanshores were analyzed quantitatively under the premise that diversity estimates based on relative abundancesof species (H’) or the H’G/SS index would be equivalent. Results. Statistical tests supported our hypothesisshowing no significant differences between the original values of H’ and those using H’G/SS. Conclusions. Thisdiversity estimation using H’ G/SS for BDT represents a reliable, quicker, and more comprehensive approach andanother parameter that can be used for further conservationist, ecological, and biogeographical purposes.
Palabras clave: Chlorophyta; Cyanoprokaryota; Phaeophyceae; rhodophyta; Yucatán
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