Institute of Information and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Albany Campus, Auckland, New Zealand.
Ecol Lett. 2011 Jan;14(1):19-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01552.x. Epub 2010 Nov 11.
A recent increase in studies of β diversity has yielded a confusing array of concepts, measures and methods. Here, we provide a roadmap of the most widely used and ecologically relevant approaches for analysis through a series of mission statements. We distinguish two types of β diversity: directional turnover along a gradient vs. non-directional variation. Different measures emphasize different properties of ecological data. Such properties include the degree of emphasis on presence/absence vs. relative abundance information and the inclusion vs. exclusion of joint absences. Judicious use of multiple measures in concert can uncover the underlying nature of patterns in β diversity for a given dataset. A case study of Indonesian coral assemblages shows the utility of a multi-faceted approach. We advocate careful consideration of relevant questions, matched by appropriate analyses. The rigorous application of null models will also help to reveal potential processes driving observed patterns in β diversity.
最近对β多样性的研究越来越多，产生了一系列令人困惑的概念、度量和方法。在这里，我们通过一系列任务陈述，为最广泛使用和具有生态相关性的分析方法提供了路线图。我们区分了两种类型的β多样性：沿梯度的方向性周转率与非方向性变化。不同的度量方法强调生态数据的不同特性。这些特性包括对存在/缺失与相对丰度信息的重视程度，以及联合缺失的包含与排除。明智地使用多种度量方法可以揭示给定数据集β多样性模式的潜在性质。对印度尼西亚珊瑚组合的案例研究表明了多方面方法的实用性。我们主张仔细考虑相关问题，并配以适当的分析。严格应用零模型也将有助于揭示驱动β多样性观察模式的潜在过程。
