Testing For Independence of Observations in Animal Movements

摘要: Many analyses of animal movements assume that an animal's position at time t + 1 is independent its t, but no statistical procedure exists to test this assumption with bivariate data. Using empirically derived critical values for the ratio mean squared distance between successive observations from center activity, we demonstrate a independence first proposed by Schoener. For cases in which null hypothesis rejected, present determining interval autocorrelation becomes negligible. To illustrate implementation test, locational data obtained radio-tagged adult female cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) were used. The can be used design efficient sampling schedule movement studies, and it also useful revealing behavioral phenomena such as home range shifting any tendency animals follow prescribed routes their daily activities. Further, may provide means examining how use space affected internal clock.