Which is the difference between a rarefaction curve with OTUs and Paths in the y-axis?

Question

[antonioggsousa]

Hello!

I know what are rarefaction curves and i can understand the graphic. But now we have rarefaction curves with OTUs and Paths in the y-axis and i don´t understand the term "Paths" neither can't interpret it. Usually a rarefaction curve with Paths give us a flatter curve than OTUs and i can't understand why.

Thank you for your time. With the best regards, @renh@