Bayesian methods for ecology

The interest in using Bayesian methods in ecology is increasing, however many ecologists have difficulty with conducting the required analyses. McCarthy bridges that gap, using a clear and accessible style. The text also incorporates case studies to demonstrate mark-recapture analysis, development of population models and the use of subjective judgement. The advantages of Bayesian methods, are also described here, for example, the incorporation of any relevant prior information and the ability to assess the evidence in favour of competing hypotheses. Free software is available as well as an accompanying web-site containing the data files and WinBUGS codes. Bayesian Methods for Ecology will appeal to academic researchers, upper undergraduate and graduate students of Ecology The Interest In Using Bayesian Methods In Ecology Is Increasing, But Most Eeologists Do Not Know How To Carry Out The Required Analyses. This Book Bridges That Gap. It Describes Bayesian Approaches To Analysing Averages, Frequencies, Regression, Correlation And Analysis Of Variance In Ecology. The Book Also Incorporates Case Studies To Demonstrate Mark-recapture Analysis, Development Of Population Models And The Use Of Subjective Judgement. The Advantages Of Bayesian Methods, Including The Incorporation Of Any Relevant Prior Information And The Ability To Assess The Evidence In Favour Of Competing Hypotheses, Are Also Described Here. The Analyses Described In This Book Use The Freely Available Software Winbugs, And There Is An Accompanying Website (http://arcue.botany. Unimelb.cdu.au/bayes.html) Containing The Data Files And Winbugs Codes That Are Used In The Book. The Bayesian Methods Described Here Will Be Of Use To Eeologists From The Level Of Upper Undergraduate And Above.--book Jacket. Introduction -- Critiques Of Statistical Methods -- Analysing Averages And Frequencies -- How Good Are The Models? -- Regression And Correlation -- Analysis Of Variance -- Case Studies -- Mark-recapture Analysis -- Effects Of Marking Frogs -- Population Dynamics -- Subjective Priors -- Conclusion -- Appendices: A.a Tutorial For Running Winbugs ; B. Probability Distributions ; C. Mcmc Algorithms. Michael A. Mccarthy. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 282-292) And Index. Cover; Half-title; Title; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Preface; 1 Introduction; 2 Critiques of statistical methods; 3 Analysing averages and frequencies; 4 How good are the models?; 5 Regression and correlation; 6 Analysis of variance; Case studies; 7 Mark-recapture analysis; 8 Effects of marking frogs; 9 Population dynamics; 10 Subjective priors; 11 Conclusion; Appendices; A A tutorial for running WinBUGS; B Probability distributions; C MCMC algorithms; References; Index. An accessible text describing how to use Bayesian methods of statistical analysis in ecology.