VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Quantitative vegetation analysis
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:05:18
Abstract
We learn how to infer from space-time patterns to vegetation processes, changes in environmental conditions and plant-animal interactions. Attractive applications are presented: Recovery in the Swiss National Park and the problem of climate-induced changes in Swiss forests. We demonstrate static and dynamic models depicting these systems.
Objective
Students are able to conceive research questions in plant ecology, to plan field surveys and eperiments, to analyse multivariate data as well as to interpret the results. Using simple static and dynamic models the systems properties are assessed.
Content
Typical research questions, typical applications Sampling design, experimental design and measurement Vegetation analysis I (handling vegetation tables), II (multivariate statistics) Ecological analysis and indicator values Transformation and comparison of multivariate data sets Ordination and information reduction Classification and ecological patterns Models and analytical strategies
Resources
Lecture Notes
A short introduction to data analysis in vegetation ecologyAvailable as .pdf from O. Wildi
Literature
Legendre P. & Legendre L. 1998. Numerical Ecology. 2nd ed. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Quantitative vegetation analysis |
|
2 h weekly |