A mathematical approach to defining spatially recurring species groups in a montane rain forest on Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Author:

Maka, Jean E.

Title:

A mathematical approach to defining spatially recurring species groups in a montane rain forest on Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Year:

1973

Pages:

vii, 112 p.

Subject:

Forest ecology Hawaii Island Mauna Loa Plants Hawaii Island Rain forests Hawaii Island Vegetation boundaries Mauna Loa

Summary:

This project was undertaken to determine whether spatial arrangements could be detected and species groups defined mathematically in a montane rain forest ecosystem, which is located on the island of Hawaii on the east side of Mauna Loa in the Kilauea Forest Reserve. The vegetation was divided into four height layers, each of which contained species of similar life-form. A mathematical approach was used to determine if the vegetation could be further stratified on the ground. The data collected consisted of species quantities in quadrats along transects. Species were compared by ordination for similarity in occurrence by quadrats. The spatial arrangement within each life-form layer was determined by a new approach, called the heterogeneity test, utilizing random samples, the sum-of-squares clustering of the species and the comparison of the resultant dendrograms by statistical tests. Species groups within a heterogeneous layer were isolated by the sum-of-squares clustering. The ordination of plots in general revealed some variation, but no different species assemblages were detected within any of the layers. The ordination of species of the three understory layers indicated a gradually changing arrangement of common species with rare species interspersed randomly or in homogeneous arrangement at the scales tested.

URL:

https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/26047

Collection:

Monographs