Decomposition of the maximum entropy niche function – A step beyond modelling species distribution

摘要: Some algorithms used to model species' distributions are often only considered as black boxes; coefficients of the underlying niche functions not interpreted ecologically. Here, we focus on maximum entropy approach that is commonly and successfully applied in order distribution. By means an eigenanalysis, decompose function into independent factors can be separately. In addition, derive parameters characterize niche, especially considering steepness modelled sensitivity species against changes certain environmental conditions. On example three well-studied Taiga forest tree illustrate capability scope our approach. Given easy availability data occurrences, presented seems a feasible way gain deeper insights related distributions. We special Maxent (multiplicative) factors.These allow interpretation, dimension reduction, visualization.The same suits estimation ecological