Dichotomous keys are the most popular type of identification keys. Studies have been conducted to evaluate dichotomous keys in many aspects. In this paper we propose an index for quantitative evaluation of dichotomous keys (Edicho). The index is based on the evenness and allows comparing identification keys of different sizes.

In this study we describe the structure and composition of ant communities in the endemic Moroccan Argan forest, using pitfall traps sampling technique throughout the four seasons between May 2006 and February 2007. The study focused on two distinct climatic habitats within the Essaouira Argan forest, a semi-continental site at Lahssinate, and a coastal site at Boutazarte. Thirteen different an...

The grassy landscape of north-eastern Uttar Pradesh showed quite high species richness and a total of 287 plant species belonging to 183 genera under 53 families were encountered within the sampled communities. We categorized each of 31 locations under 12 disturbance types under two light regimes. Their effects were observed in relation to different diversity attributes of grassland communities...

Abstract Natural range of variation (NRV) may be used to establish decision thresholds or action assessment points when ecological thresholds are either unknown or do not exist for attributes of interest in a managed ecosystem. The process for estimating NRV involves identifying spatial and temporal scales that adequately capture the heterogeneity of the ecosystem; compiling data for the attrib...

The depletion of forest in developing countries due to extended pastures, agricultural land, fuel wood and etc. is a serious concern. Therefore planting trees for reforestation and extended forest area is a essential assignment. Forest plantation with a basic criterion affects to understory plant diversity. This effects may make some species absent or appear. The objective of this study is to a...

Litter decomposition is a fundamental path for nutrient cycling in natural ecosystem. However, it remains unclear how species diversity, including richness and evenness, affects the dynamics context of grassland degradation. Using litter bag technique, we investigated litter-mixing effects two coexisting dominant ( Leymus chinensis Lc Phragmites australis Pa), as monocultures mixtures with even...