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On objectives of methods of ordination

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Summary

The objectives of a number of methods of ordination are examined and a major distinction made between two approaches. The first of these has as a primary objective the efficient redescription of data, and is typified by principal components analysis. However the linear additive model implied in component analysis and the predominance of unique variance, together with lack of scale invariance suggests that other methods of dimensionality reduction might be more appropriate ecologically—either the non-metric methods of multidimensional scaling or the methods of factor analysis. The second approach, typified by Curtis and McIntosh continuum analysis, seeks to order the stands so that the resulting data matrix has a particular form, and is not directly concerned with dimensionality reduction. Continuum analysis is not the only such pathseeking method, and the objectives of several others are briefly examined. Finally the methods of Hill for seriation and the intrinsic dimensionality approach of Trunk seem to provide methods close to those required for the examination of ecological data. Concluding comments are made on problems of interpretation and the effects of sampling and description on the value of the results, especially in the light of the present tendency to employ simulated data to test the efficacy of methods of analysis.

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  1. Division of Tropical Pastures, C.S.I.R.O., Cunningham Laboratory, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia

    M. B. Dale

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Dale, M.B. On objectives of methods of ordination. Plant Ecol 30, 15–32 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02387874

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