Self-similarity in the distribution and abundance of species

If the fraction of species in area A that are also found in one-half of tha t area is independent of A, the distribution of species is self-similar and a number of observed patterns in ecology, including the widely cited speci es-area relationship connecting species richness to censused area, follow. Self-similarity also leads to a species-abundance distribution, which devia tes considerably from the commonly assumed Lognormal distribution and predi cts considerably more rare species than the latter. Because the abundance d istribution is derived under the condition of self-similarity, it:may be wi dely applicable beyond ecology.