The Use of Subjective Estimates of Cover-Abundance as the Basis for Ordination

Abstract

A method of using subjective estimates of cover-abundance, deriving from a transformation of the Domin scale, as the basis for ordination analysis is described. Relative importance values based on the transformed scale relate well with those originating from quantitative measurements of both frequency and combined cover and frequency, an even higher degree of correlation being apparent in the resultant final ordinations. A high degree of similarity between several ordinations, each based on a different initial method, is also apparent. Some possible explanations for this are considered. The method would appear to be of great value in the field of general surveys as it has the advantage of very much reducing the time needed to record in the field, as well as freeing data, already recorded with the Domin scale, for the purposes of ordination.