BRYOPHYTE DIVERSITY: CASE STUDIES USING THE BRILLOUIN INDEX TO DESCRIBE EPIPHYTES AND AN ALKALINE MARSH

Abstract

  The Shannon and Brillouin diversity indices have been compared, and an easily calculated approximation of the Brillouin equation was found applicable for most bryophyte studies. Based on this discussion, the correct derivation of H_max and H_min, using the complete Stirling's approximation (not the basis of the Shannon formula) is included.

  Brillouin diversity indices have been calculated for epiphytic bryophytes on northern hardwoods (H ≤ 3.85) and in an alkaline marsh (H ≤ 2.58). Diversity reached an asymptote at about 12 samples in each habitat. Number of species was a good predictor of diversity (r＞.9), but cover was not (r＝.2-.83).