A method for determining a representative count of a sample dependent on number of species is presented for application to various algal communities. Constant species curves are calculated as efficiency = (number of individuals–number of species)/number of individuals and diagrammed on a plot of efficiency versus number of individuals counted. Efficiency is defined as the probability that a new species encountered is minimal. That is, as the ratio of number of species to number of individuals approaches 1, more individuals will need to be counted in order to achieve a representative count. Data and calculations of efficiency from two algal communities are presented for illustration.
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Pappas et al. (1996) studied this question.
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