SPATIAL PATTERN-ANALYSIS IN ECOLOGY BASED ON RIPLEY K-FUNCTION - INTRODUCTION AND METHODS OF EDGE CORRECTION

Spatial pattern analysis based on Ripley's K-function is a second-orde r analysis of point patterns in a two-dimensional space. The method is increasingly used in studies of spatial distribution patterns of plan t communities, but the statistical methods involved are sometimes poor ly understood or have been modified without evaluating the effects on results. The procedures of field data acquisition, statistical analysi s, and the test for the null hypothesis of complete spatial randomness are described and the presentation of results is discussed. Different methods of edge correction were tested on a computer-generated random pattern and a mapped distribution of a Mediterranean shrubland. The i nclusion of buffer zones around mapped plots describes the spatial pat tern most accurately, but may not warrant the additional labour involv ed. Three variations of the weighted edge correction yielded comparabl e results for the distribution patterns tested. The toroidal edge corr ection may give biased results for nonrandom patterns. Recommendations for standardisation of the statistical procedures and data presentati on are given.