A method for the analysis of environmental factors controlling patterns of species composition in aquatic communities

Abstract In aquatic environmental studies, data from biological samples and from associated observations on environmental variables are often analyzed to determine whether environmental factors are controlling patterns of species composition. Analysis methods which reduce biological data such as species abundances to a more useable form, including ordination, classification and diversity index methods, are critically reviewed. Methods which relate these reduced data to environmental data are also reviewed. Classification (or cluster) analysis of the biological data followed by multiple discriminant analysis of the species-assemblage groups on the environmental variables is the recommended procedure, which is illustrated by an example. Application of these methods to pollution studies is discussed. Possible modifications and extensions are considered.

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