Alpha diversity
Definition
The diversity in an area or ecosystem, which can be measured as the number of species.
Adapted from Whittaker 1972 1
Scientific Definition: Through evolutionary time additional species can fit into the community in niche hypervolumes different from those of other species, and the niche hyperspace can become increasingly complex. Its complexity relates to the community's richness in species, its alpha diversity.
Whittaker, 1972 1