Species abundance patterns have been recently one of key issues in ecology regarding determination of the allowable species richness in a determined area (i.e., island biogeography) and elucidation of structural coherence residing in the relationships between species and their corresponding abundance in communities. The topic of relative species abundance or species abundance distribution (SAD) is considered significant in revealing origination of community establishment in theoretical aspect and in presenting ecological states in response to environmental impact in practical aspect. Conventional models used in SADs including geometric series, log series, log normal distribution and broken stick model were introduced along with example cases. Theoretical interpretation of species abundance patterns was additionally outlined covering the neutral model, power law analysis and application of principles in statistical physics. The future of SADs and the species‐abundance related topics was discussed regarding community organization mechanism and ecological monitoring in response to disturbances.

• Tae‐Soo Chon(Division of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University)