The Applied Vegetation Dynamics Laboratory - Research Approaches

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Multivariate
modelling

Process-based
models

Cellular automata
modelling

Selected
references

	Approaches - Modelling We have used a combination of multivariate modelling, process-based modelling and cellular automata type models to help understand given applied ecological problems. Multivariate modelling Here we have used CANOCO to understand the way that succession operates in lowland heath, relating species abundance in different successional stages with soil factors, an important determinant of heathland quality. Canoco model of Dorset and Thurstaston heaths

	This approach has been used to rank sites on the basis of "their nearness to heathland" and thus hopefully identifying those that will be easiest to restore to heathland. It also identifies those manages sites that are not doing what they are told! We have also used the concept of variation partitioning to identify those variables that are important in explaining species distributions and those that are redundant.
	Concept of Variation Partitioning - the variation within the multivariate model is partitioned as described below, and various environmental variables are then measured alone and in combination with others and the amount shared estimated.

	In our Cavenham dataset Time was redundant - as all variation explained by time was explained by other variables.

Contact: Applied Vegetation Dynamics Laboratory, School of Environmental Science, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB

Direct: Professor Marrs +44 (0) 151 795 5172

Lab telephone: +44 (0) 151 795 5173

Fax:+44 (0) 151 795 5171