Premium
Testing causal structure in the biogeography of avian extinctions on oceanic islands
Author(s) -
Karels Tim J.,
Dobson F. Stephen,
ZimblerDeLorenzo Heather S.,
Skibiel Amy L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1365-2699
pISSN - 0305-0270
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2009.02129.x
Subject(s) - biogeography , insular biogeography , null hypothesis , regression , causal model , ecology , geography , econometrics , biology , statistics , mathematics
In their recent comment in this journal, T. M. Blackburn and colleagues called into question the use of standardized partial regression modelling (also called path analysis and structural equation modelling) when null expectations for regression coefficients are not zero. Here, we answer their critique by showing how randomization can be used to illuminate and interpret causal modelling in analyses that have non‐zero expectations. Causal modelling is a powerful tool that can yield novel insights in biogeography when properly interpreted.