Optimizing biodiversity prediction from abiotic parameters

Tamvakis, A., Trygonis, V., Miritzis, J., Tsirtsis, G. and Spatharis, S. (2014) Optimizing biodiversity prediction from abiotic parameters. Environmental Modelling and Software, 53, pp. 112-120. (doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2013.12.001)

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Abstract

An integrated methodology is proposed for the effective prediction of biodiversity exclusively from abiotic parameters. Phytoplankton biodiversity was expressed as richness, evenness and dominance indices and abiotic parameters included temperature, salinity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphates. Prediction was based on three machine learning techniques: model trees, multilayer perceptron and instance based learning. To optimize diversity prediction, indices were calculated on a large number of phytoplankton field assemblages, but also on corresponding noise-free simulated assemblages. Biodiversity was most accurately predicted by the instance based learning algorithm and the efficiency was doubled with simulated assemblages. Based on the optimal algorithm, indices, and dataset, a software package was developed for phytoplankton diversity prediction for Eastern Mediterranean waters. The proposed methodology can be adapted to any group of organisms in marine and terrestrial ecosystems whereas important applications are the integration of community structure in ecological models and in assessments of global change scenarios.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Spatharis, Dr Sofie
Authors: Tamvakis, A., Trygonis, V., Miritzis, J., Tsirtsis, G., and Spatharis, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Environmental Modelling and Software
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1364-8152
ISSN (Online):1873-6726

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