Spatial modeling for the distribution of species in plant communities

Species distribution modeling is a primary ecological activity that has witnessed substantial evolution since the turn of the 21st century. For plant communities, two key features are the move from individual to joint species modeling and the move from regression modeling assuming independence across sites to the introduction of spatial structure across sites. The latter transition has also illuminated the distinction between presence/absence data modeled in the form of Bernoulli trials and presence-only data modeled as a spatial point pattern. The contribution here is to review a portion of this rapidly growing literature, emphasizing the role of spatial statistics in the interplay between ecological process needs and stochastic modeling tools.

Duke Scholars

Author Alan E. Gelfand Statistical Science