Using experimental indices to quantify the strength of species interactions

作者:Novak Mark*; Wootton J Timothy
来源:Oikos, 2010, 119(7): 1057-1063.
DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0706.2009.18147.x

摘要

Here we clarify some of the assumptions made in the application of the two most commonly used indices for measuring the strengths of species interactions with manipulative removal/addition experiments: Paine's index and the dynamic index. We explain how the values these indices are intended to measure - the per capita interaction strength between two species - are typically not estimated in common currencies. We then introduce extensions to these indices that alleviate a subset of previously made assumptions and limitations. These include a reformulation of Paine's index appropriate for an open-recruitment system, and an extension of the dynamic index applicable to interactions of a particular nonlinear form. While we focus our language on predator-prey interactions, our discussions are pertinent to the measurement of species effects in other types of interactions as well (Mitchell and Wass 1996, Freckleton et al. 2009).

  • 出版日期2010-7