I am still new to some basic ecological concepts. I am dealing with a certain sponge which can grow on rock, coral reefs, and macro algae. Say, if I want to find out the factor that shapes the symbiotic community in the sponge, can coral/algae be the biological factor for statistic analysis? Or do I need to find a specific interaction and to call that a biological factor? I just feel it would be too simple to call a coral/algae 'biological factor'.
Probably, studiyng the biology of the coral and sponge you can find biochemical link between the two species.also, if the sponge grows on the coral physically, there is also a physical factor that influences the growth of the sponge, and as a feedback it can effect the coral. More easy to quantify, i think, is the biochemical connection.
Hi,
You can certainly use coral/algae cover as a biological factor if you want to find a possible correlation between both groups. Go for it, In terms statistic analyses its correct if you want to use it. However, if you want to go further you might need to explore a bit more to explain what is causing this interaction but i guess to find a correlation would be a good first step.
Good luck!
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