Statistical challenges of evaluating diversity patterns across environmental gradients in mega-diverse communities
Journal
Journal of Vegetation Science
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
3
Pages
437-438
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
Ibanez et al. (Journal of Vegetation Science, this issue) applied sample size- and coverage-based rarefaction to analyse the elevational richness pattern in New Caledonian tree communities. We comment on the statistical assumptions behind rarefaction/extrapolation and suggest pooling small plot data to effectively assess/detect the diversity pattern. Broadening the analysis to include abundance-sensitive diversity measures and phylogenetic information can provide important additional insights.
SDGs
Type
journal article