Statistical Tools For Analyzing Ecological Data

Department of Biological Sciences
Visayas State University

Baybay City, Philippines
Exercise No.1
Some Statistical Tools for Analyzing Ecological Data
Submitted by:
Richard Thomas R. Agbisit
Submitted to:
Art Russel R. Flandez
Introduction
In the modern world of high-throughput experiments, we deal with
laboratory equipment constantly and mountains of data. But without an
understanding of statistics and knowledge of the techniques required to
analyze, summarize and interpret these data, we are very limited in what
we can learn from our observations, which will in turn inhibit our ability to
move forward in our research.
By the end of this experiment we will be able to learn and apply statistical
methods and principles. Also we will be able to practice excel software or
other data analysis software. And make conclusion based of the data
gathered.
Materials and Methods
The materials that were used for this activity were the following,
TRANSECT, QUADRAT and REFRACTOMETER.
The experiment was conducted at the VSU beach. The area was then
divided into 4 stations, 2 stations close to the river mouths, Calbiga-a and
Lago-Lago, and the other 2 stations were at least 100 meters away from
the river mouths. A 25 meter transect line was laid out in each station.
Along each transect, five 1x1 meter quadrats were laid. On each quadrat,
all
marine
macrobenthos
were
counted
and
observed.
Using
refractometer, salinity was also recorded for each station.

Using the data gathered, a two-factor ANOVA without replication and a
one-factor ANOVA with replication were made. Graphs were also made to
show differences.
Map of the area where the experiment was conducted.

Results
Table 1. Macrobenthic organisms collected in VSU beach.
Group
2
3
4
TOTAL
5
0
3
22
4
0
19 P- 27
0 MS
0 F 2 value 2 F crit
0 26.06 0.8669
0
25 0.493025 3.8625
0
0 441
25
081
48
66.06
2.1975
0.1579
3.8625
9
0
50
77
25
05
68
48
1.8
0
10
30.06
2.49
0 11.18
25
138.33
0 111.8
1
0
4
Quadrat
1
Source
14
of1
2
4
Variati
on3
SS 0 df
4
Quadr
78.1870
ats 5
50
3
Transe
198.18
TOTAL
18
ctsMean
75
3.6 3
270.56
SD
6.07
Error
25
CV
168.51 9
SE
2
546.93
Total
75
15
Table 1.2 Two-
factor ANOVA without replication.
H0: There are no significant differences in density of macrobenthos among

transect and among quadrats in VSU beach.
Ha: There are significant differences in density of macrobenthos among
transect and among quadrats in VSU beach
: 5%
Decision rule: If p-value 0.05 reject H0
If p-value 0.05 accept H0
Decision: p- value= 0.458765 0.05; accept H0
At 5% level of significance, there are no significant differences in density
of macrobenthos among transects and quadrats in VSU beach
Table 1.3 One-way ANOVA with replication

Source of
Variation
Between
Groups
Within
Groups
Total
SS
284.
55
df
MS
94.85
672
16
42
956.
55
19
F
2.2583
33
P-value
0.1209
08
F crit
3.2388
72
H0: There is no significant difference in density of macrobenthos among

different transects.
Ha: There is a significant difference in density of macrobenthos among
different transects.
= 0.05
Decision rule: reject H0 if p-value < 0.05, accept Ha
Decision: Since 0.121> 0.05, H0 is accepted
At 5% level of significance, there is no significant difference in the density
of macrobenthos among different transects.
6.75
7
6
6.25
5.5
5
4
3
2
1
0.5
0.25
0
1
Figure 1.Density (individual count per m 2) of macro benthic invertebrates

among different quadrats established in VSU.
10
9
7.5
6
4.5
3.6
3
1.8
1.5
0
1
Figure
2.Density
0 3
(individual
count
per
15m2)
of
macro
benthic
invertebrates among different transects established in VSU beach.

Discussion
We were made to go the VSU beach to perform a simple ecological study.
This was to answer if there are differences in density of macrobenthos in
the inertidal zone of VSU beach.
Based on the analysis we performed on the data gathered, we conclude
that at 5% level of significance, there is no significant difference in the
density of macrobenthos among different transects and quadrats.
References
P.M.J. HERMAN, J.J. MIDDELBURG, J. VAN DE KOPPEL AND C.H.R. HEP (1999).
Ecology of Estuarine Macrobenthos

Statistical Tools For Analyzing Ecological Data

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Department of Biological Sciences

Visayas State University

refractometer, salinity was also recorded for each station.

Map of the area where the experiment was conducted.

Table 1.2 Two-

factor ANOVA without replication.

H0: There are no significant differences in density of macrobenthos among

Table 1.3 One-way ANOVA with replication

H0: There is no significant difference in density of macrobenthos among

Figure 1.Density (individual count per m 2) of macro benthic invertebrates

invertebrates among different transects established in VSU beach.

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