The species–area relationship does not have an asymptote!

Aim To attack a widespread myth. Location World-wide. Methods Simple mathematical logical and empirical examples. Results As both species and area are finite and non-negative, the species–area relationship is limited at both ends. The log species–log area relationship is normally effectively linear on scales from about 1 ha to 107 km2. There are no asymptotes. At the intercontinental scale it may get steeper; at small scales it may in different cases get steeper or shallower or maintain its slope. Main conclusion The species–area relationship does not have an asymptote.