Using response-ratios for tests of physiological hypotheses in field experiments

摘要: Abstract Biologists, for example, ecophysiologists and ecotoxicologists, often need to explain the physiological responses of organisms in an ecological context hence must consider spatial temporal contingency. Many ecophysiological experiments are based on destructive sampling which can limit replication also means that assessing change response is impossible. Response-ratio analysis provides opportunity directly test hypotheses changes measures between time 1 2. These response-ratios then be used ANOVA or other analysis. Using a rocky shore I demonstrate response-ratio gives more direct hypothesis aggregation by limpets reduces desiccation. Results were consistent with studies there was no difference water loss from groups those solitary. The use simplifies analyses allows researchers include factors account contingency without generating complex analytical structure. If experimenters design their response-ratios, resulting statistical will better three ways; (1) these much simpler tests becomes explicit rather than within interaction term, (2) it easier disentangle result and/or contingencies most importantly, (3) allow combine data ‘before’ versus ‘after’ obtained assays.