Summary
The multivariate techniques of association, factor, and cluster analysis were applied to a set of phytosociological data obtained from an area forming part of the salt desert shrub vegetation in southeastern Utah. Although there were certain advantages to using more objective and quantitative means of synthesizing this vegetation data, the vegetation units obtained were highly similar to those identified by more traditional and subjective approaches involving less effort and expense. The relative simplicity of the vegetation and landscape concerned probably influence these conclusions. Arguments for multivariate analyses are probably stronger where there exists more cryptic and complex interrelationships of vegetation to environment.
Zusammenfassung
Auf pflanzensoziologische Daten aus einem Gebiet, das ein Teil der Salzsteppen-Strauchvegetation im südöstlichen Utah ist, wurden die Multifaktoren-Verfahren der Assoziations-, Faktoren-, und “Cluster” (Häufungs-gruppen)-Analyse angewendet. Zwar war es in manchem vorteilhaften, objektivere und quantitative Mittel für die Synthese diesen Vegetationsdaten zu verwenden. Aber, die so erhaltenen Vegetationseinheiten waren doch jenen weitgehend ähnlich, die mit geringerem Aufwand und billiger durch mehr traditionelle und subjektive Methoden gewonnen wurden. Die relative Einfachheit dieser Vegetation und Landschaft begünstigen wahrscheinlich diese Schlußfolgerung. Im Falle verborgenerer und komplexerer Wechselbeziehungen von Vegetation und Umwelt sind die Argumente für den Einsatz von Multifaktoren-Analysen wahrscheinlich stärker.
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Singh, T., West, N.E. Comparison of some multivariate analyses of perennial atriplex vegetation in southeastern Utah. Plant Ecol 23, 289–313 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207888
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02207888