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Navigating the multiple meanings of β diversity: a roadmap for the practicing ecologist
Author(s) -
Anderson Marti J.,
Crist Thomas O.,
Chase Jonathan M.,
Vellend Mark,
Inouye Brian D.,
Freestone Amy L.,
Sanders Nathan J.,
Cornell Howard V.,
Comita Liza S.,
Davies Kendi F.,
Harrison Susan P.,
Kraft Nathan J. B.,
Stegen James C.,
Swenson Nathan G.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01552.x
Subject(s) - miami , library science , state (computer science) , ecology , sociology , environmental ethics , biology , philosophy , computer science , geology , algorithm , soil science
Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 19–28 Abstract A recent increase in studies of β diversity has yielded a confusing array of concepts, measures and methods. Here, we provide a roadmap of the most widely used and ecologically relevant approaches for analysis through a series of mission statements. We distinguish two types of β diversity: directional turnover along a gradient vs. non‐directional variation. Different measures emphasize different properties of ecological data. Such properties include the degree of emphasis on presence/absence vs. relative abundance information and the inclusion vs. exclusion of joint absences. Judicious use of multiple measures in concert can uncover the underlying nature of patterns in β diversity for a given dataset. A case study of Indonesian coral assemblages shows the utility of a multi‐faceted approach. We advocate careful consideration of relevant questions, matched by appropriate analyses. The rigorous application of null models will also help to reveal potential processes driving observed patterns in β diversity.