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Testing the Dispersion of Juveniles Relative to Adults: A New Analytic Method
Author(s) -
Hamill David N.,
Wright S. Joseph
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1939817
Subject(s) - dispersion (optics) , randomness , ecology , interpretation (philosophy) , plane (geometry) , statistics , mathematics , biology , computer science , physics , geometry , optics , programming language
When there are two types of points in a plane, their "relative dispersion" is the tendency for one type to be located near or far from the other. We present a method for describing and testing relative dispersion. Our motivation in developing this test was the need to analyze the dispersion of juvenile plants relative to conspecific adults. To demonstrate the usefulness of the method, we simulated plant populations under randomness and under five alternative "dispersion—generating processes." The results from analyses of these populations illustrate the method and its use in the interpretation of dispersion pattern. In addition, these results provide insight into the types of patterns resulting from these dispersion—generating processes.