Comparison of diversity indices for median versus pooled taxonomic profiles.

<p>Simple regression lines were drawn in solid black for each median individual versus pooled samples scatterplot. The dashed blue lines (slope = 1, y-intercept = 0) represent where a hypothetical (median = pooled) relationship would exist if all individuals had identical taxonomic profiles. Both the OTU-based and genera-based comparisons using the Shannon diversity index indicate only a slight and almost constant elevation of the diversity between the median individual and pooled samples. However, τ is able to capture the lengthening tail attributed to the low abundant taxa that are exclusive to certain individuals. See <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0032118#pone.0032118.s004" target="_blank">Table S2</a> for a mapping of abbreviations to habitat names. Green, red, black and blue points represent vaginal, skin, oral, and stool body regions, respectively.