An algorithm for the identification of indicator taxonomic units and their use in analyses of ecosystem state

• DOI: 10.1101/2022.05.16.492087
• Publication Date: 2022-05-18T17:40:11Z
• Authors: Hernán de la Vega; Liliana Falco; Leonardo Saravia; Rosana Sandler; Andrés Duhour; Víctor N Velazco; Carlos Coviella
• Keywords: Taxonomic rank; Identification; Sample (material)

Abstract Biological community structure can be used as an ecological state descriptor, and the sensitivity of some taxonomic groups or biological entities to environmental conditions allows for their use indicators. This work describes a mathematical methodology developed identification such units when comparing environments ecosystems under different anthropic impacts. Based on this methodology, freely downloadable R package easy was developed, (Ecoindicators, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5772829 ). solely presence absence information, method identifies indicator each environment, estimates belonging any additional samples given approximates niche unit based two more selected factors, returns frequency in combination factors. By using approximation species present, new sample, physicochemical parameters estimated by present sample. These analyses performed simultaneously units. paper provides description how developed. One advantages method, referred R-package is that it ecosystem which there suitable dataset associated with In addition, both procedure to, tailored other researchers fit own needs. We also expect developers further improve it.