kogumiskõver

A kogumiskõver, or accumulation curve, is a graphical representation used in various fields to illustrate the cumulative number of species or other entities encountered as a function of the sampling effort. This sampling effort can be measured in various ways, such as the number of individuals sampled, the area surveyed, or the time spent collecting data. The shape of the kogumiskõver provides insights into the biodiversity of a community or the efficiency of a sampling method.

Typically, a kogumiskõver starts at zero and rises as more sampling effort is applied. Initially, the curve may rise steeply, indicating that many new species are being discovered with each additional sample. As the sampling effort increases, the curve generally starts to level off. This plateauing suggests that fewer new species are being found, and the majority of the species present in the area have likely been observed.

The steepness and the point at which the curve asymptomptotes to a plateau are important indicators. A steeply rising curve that quickly flattens suggests a community with low species richness or a highly effective sampling method. Conversely, a curve that continues to rise gradually even with extensive sampling effort might indicate a very diverse community or the need for further sampling to fully capture the species present.

Kogumiskõverad are widely used in ecology for species diversity assessment, evaluating the completeness of species inventories, and comparing the effectiveness of different sampling techniques. They help researchers determine if sufficient sampling effort has been expended to provide a reliable estimate of the total number of species.