Applying additive modeling and gradient boosting to assess the effects of watershed and reach characteristics on riverine assemblages

Methods in Ecology and Evolution
By: , and 

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Abstract

Issues with ecological data (e.g. non-normality of errors, nonlinear relationships and autocorrelation of variables) and modelling (e.g. overfitting, variable selection and prediction) complicate regression analyses in ecology. Flexible models, such as generalized additive models (GAMs), can address data issues, and machine learning techniques (e.g. gradient boosting) can help resolve modelling issues. Gradient boosted GAMs do both. Here, we illustrate the advantages of this technique using data on benthic macroinvertebrates and fish from 1573 small streams in Maryland, USA.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Applying additive modeling and gradient boosting to assess the effects of watershed and reach characteristics on riverine assemblages
Series title Methods in Ecology and Evolution
DOI 10.1111/j.2041-210X.2011.00124.x
Volume 3
Issue 1
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Methods in Ecology and Evolution
First page 116
Last page 128
Country United States
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