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Correlation, Regression, and Density Dependence
Author(s) -
Eberhardt L. L.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1933669
Subject(s) - density dependence , series (stratigraphy) , correlation , statistics , mathematics , statistical physics , regression , population , regression analysis , basis (linear algebra) , econometrics , physics , biology , demography , paleontology , geometry , sociology
Several examples are given to illustrate the dangers of inferring the existence of density—dependent population regulation on the basis of correlation analyses. Alternate models based on a series of random number (or random selections from some other frequency distribution) have expected correlation coefficients very close to those cited as demonstrating density dependence. A "Morris plot" can also be generated from a series of random numbers.