Practical Statistics for Field Biology

Practical Statistics for Field Biology provides an excellent introduction to statistical analysis in the life sciences. It helps students choose and analyse statistical tests for their own problems and present their findings, making it essential for any scientist working in this field. The book acknowledges the challenges of applying statistical principles to "real-life" situations such as collecting data in the field, where reliability and controllability are often compromised. To address this, the new edition incorporates advanced methods like multivariate analysis, explaining techniques like principal components analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis through biological examples. This book is useful for undergraduates studying ecology, biology, earth and environmental sciences, as well as postgraduates and practising field biologists who need to apply multivariate techniques. An appendix detailing statistical computing packages available completes the resource, making it a valuable tool for those working in these areas.