A simulation study comparing common methods for analyzing species–habitat associations of plants

• DOI: 10.1111/jvs.13243
• Publication Date: 2024-03-13T13:32:31Z
• Authors: Maximilian H. K. ...; Kerstin Wiegand
• Keywords: Fragmentation; Point pattern analysis; Habitat Fragmentation

Abstract Question Species‐specific habitat associations are one of several processes that lead to a clustered spatial pattern plant populations. This occurs in tropical and temperate forests. To analyze species–habitat associations, four methods commonly used when determining from point environmental raster data. Two the randomize plants, two data patches. However, strengths weaknesses have never been analyzed detail. Methods We conducted simulation study most methods. The gamma test, reconstruction, torus‐translation test randomized‐habitats procedure. simulated neutral landscapes representing patches patterns fine‐scale distributions. built into our simulations known positive negative associations. Results All were equally good at detecting Detected better than ones. Furthermore, correct detections mostly influenced by initial distribution patterns, landscape fragmentation number null model randomizations. Conclusions advantages disadvantages, which is suitable method largely depends on characteristics available shows results consistent between