Hierarchical clusters of vegetation types

Wallace, C. S. and Dale, M. B. (2005) Hierarchical clusters of vegetation types. Community Ecology, 6 (1). pp. 57-74. ISSN 1585-8553

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Abstract

In this paper, we examine possible sources of hierarchical (nested) structure in vegetation data. We then use the Minimum Message length principle to provide a rational means of comparing hierarchical and non-hierarchical clustering. The results indicate that, with the data used, a hierarchical solution was not as efficient as a nonhierarchical one. However, the hierarchical solution seems to provide a more comprehensible solution, separating first isolated types, probably caused from unusual contingent events, then subdividing the more diverse areas before finally subdividing the less diverse. By presenting this in 3 stages, the complexity of the non-hierarchical result is avoided. The result also suggests that a hierarchical analysis may be useful in determining homogeneous areas.

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