The calculation tool that determines species diversity within a given environment by quantifying the number of species present and their relative abundance. For example, it takes species richness and evenness into account; a habitat with many species represented relatively equally will yield a higher index value than a habitat dominated by just a few species.
This method is a valuable resource for ecological studies, conservation efforts, and environmental monitoring. Its application enables researchers to assess the impact of habitat disturbances, track changes in biodiversity over time, and compare the diversity of different ecosystems. Originating from information theory, its adaptation to ecology provides a standardized metric for evaluating community structure and health.
