Measuring biological diversity using Euclidean metrics

We study the complementary use of Rao's theory of diversity (1986) and Euclidean metrics. The first outcome is a Euclidean diversity coefficient. This index allows to measure the diversity in a set of species beyond their relative abundances using biological information about the dissimilarity between the species. It also involves geometrical interpretations and graphical representations. Moreover, several populations (e.g., different sites) can be compared using a Euclidean dissimilarity coefficient derived from the Euclidean diversity coefficient. These proposals are used to compare breeding bird communities living in comparable habitat gradients in different parts of the world.