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Logarithmic Regression as a Measure of Population Density Response: Comment on a Report by G. W. Salt
Author(s) -
Solomon M. E.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1934471
Subject(s) - measure (data warehouse) , mathematics , logarithm , statistics , population density , index (typography) , population , mathematical analysis , demography , database , sociology , world wide web , computer science
Using the ratios of successive densities of an increasing insect population, Morris (1963a, b) fitted a straight line to the points in the plot of log N t + 1 versus log N t , and used its slope as an index of density—dependence. Salt (1966) applied the method to protozoan populations, and also demonstrated that the points so plotted may fit a shallow curve rather than a straight line. He used the ratio between the slopes at the beginning and end of the curve as an index of density—dependence. This ratio is however an index of change in density—dependence rather than a measure of its intensity. The implications and treatment of such changes in slope are discussed.