Seaweed distribution patterns as revealed by ordination with reference to the Atlantic and southern Oceans

Abstract

Ordination by Reciprocal Averaging (RA) and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DECORANA) have been applied to problems of distribution of marine algal floras. The limitations and effectiveness of such methods are discussed and the need to analyse floras as assemblies of species per se rather than being chosen as characterising marine climates is stressed. The openended nature of RA and DECORANA is emphasised as particularly useful in phytogeography with examples from Ascension and Bioko Islands. © 1988 Biologische Anstalt Helgoland.