optimos.prime

optimos.prime computes ecological optima and tolerance ranges for biological species from species abundance and environmental-variable matrices using a weighted-average approach.

Key Features:

• Calculation Methodology: Uses a weighted-average approach to determine species optima and tolerance ranges relative to environmental factors.
• Data Inputs: Operates on species abundance matrices alongside corresponding environmental-variable matrices.
• Data Visualization: Produces caterpillar plots that display calculated optima and tolerance ranges.
• Robustness for Large Datasets: Implements methodologies intended to reduce errors commonly associated with large ecological datasets.
• Example Datasets: Demonstrates functionality using sample data from a phytoplankton database.

Scientific Applications:

• Ecological Research: Derives species-specific ecological optima and tolerance ranges to evaluate how environmental variables influence species distribution and abundance.
• Biodiversity Studies: Provides environmental-preference metrics for species that can inform biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.
• Environmental Monitoring: Facilitates analysis of large ecological datasets to detect shifts in environmental parameters indicative of ecosystem change.

Methodology:

Computations apply a weighted-average method to species abundance and environmental-variable matrices to derive optima and tolerance ranges, generate caterpillar plots for visualization, and are exemplified with a phytoplankton database sample.