Ordinal response regression models in ecology

Abstract

Although ordinal data are not rare in ecology, ecological studies have, until now, seriously neglected the use of specific ordinal regression models. Here, we present three models – the Proportional Odds, the Continuation Ratio and the Stereotype models – that can be successfully applied to ordinal data. Their differences and respective fields of application are discussed. Finally, as an example of application, PO models are used to predict spatial abundance of plant species in a Geographical Information System. It shows that ordinal models give as good a result as binary logistic models for predicting presence‐absence, but are additionally able to predict abundance satisfactorily.