THE MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT DIFFERENCES IN ECOLOGICAL-STUDIES

Height can be an important parameter in ecological studies, and is oft en used in ecological fieldwork to illustrate niche overlap and commun ity structure. There are several different methods available to measur e relative height, each with advantages and disadvantages. The benefit s of each method For ecological Fieldwork are discussed. We recommend, and describe, a technique that uses the fact that a free-flowing tube of water will find its own level. Instructions for making the necessa ry equipment and recording data in the field are given. This technique is particularly suitable for ecological use due to the accuracy that can be obtained, the simplicity of the equipment, and the ease with wh ich the technique can be grasped.