A tribute to Claude Shannon (1916–2001) and a plea for more rigorous use of species richness, species diversity and the ‘Shannon–Wiener’ Index

TLDR

Species richness and diversity are often used interchangeably, and the Shannon Index—also called Shannon–Wiener or Shannon–Weaver—is the most common species diversity metric. The authors recommend that authors clearly define whether they mean species richness or species diversity. They explain the dual naming of the Shannon Index and pay tribute to Claude Shannon.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the literature, the terms species richness and species diversity are sometimes used interchangeably. We suggest that at the very least, authors should define what they mean by either term. Of the many species diversity indices used in the literature, the Shannon Index is perhaps most commonly used. On some occasions it is called the Shannon–Wiener Index and on other occasions it is called the Shannon–Weaver Index. We suggest an explanation for this dual use of terms and in so doing we offer a tribute to the late Claude Shannon (who passed away on 24 February 2001).