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2011

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Thermal Adaptation And Diversity In Tropical Ecosystems: Evidence From Cicadas (Hemiptera, Cicadidae), Allen F. Sanborn, James E. Heath, Polly K. Phillips, Maxine S. Heath, Fernando G. Noriega Dec 2011

Thermal Adaptation And Diversity In Tropical Ecosystems: Evidence From Cicadas (Hemiptera, Cicadidae), Allen F. Sanborn, James E. Heath, Polly K. Phillips, Maxine S. Heath, Fernando G. Noriega

Department of Biological Sciences

The latitudinal gradient in species diversity is a central problem in ecology. Expeditions covering approximately 16u549 of longitude and 21u49 of latitude and eight Argentine phytogeographic regions provided thermal adaptation data for 64 species of cicadas. We test whether species diversity relates to the diversity of thermal environments within a habitat. There are general patterns of the thermal response values decreasing in cooler floristic provinces and decreasing maximum potential temperature within a habitat except in tropical forest ecosystems. Vertical stratification of the plant communities leads to stratification in species using specific layers of the habitat. There is a decrease in …


Bias Correction And Downscaling Of Climate Model Outputs Required For Impact Assessments Of Climate Change In The U.S. Northeast, Kazi F. Ahmed Dec 2011

Bias Correction And Downscaling Of Climate Model Outputs Required For Impact Assessments Of Climate Change In The U.S. Northeast, Kazi F. Ahmed

Master's Theses

Global Climate Models (GCMs) are the typical sources of future climate data required for impact assessments of climate change. However, GCM outputs are related to model-related uncertainties and involve a great deal of biases. Bias correction of model outputs is, therefore, necessary before their use in impact studies. The coarse resolution of GCM simulations is another hindrance to their direct use in fine-scale impact analysis of climate change. Although downscaling of GCM outputs can be performed by dynamical downscaling using Regional Climate Models (RCMs), it requires large computational capacity. When daily climate data from multiple GCMs are required to be …


Constructing Spatial Weight Matrix Using Local Spatial Statistics And Its Applications, Weiming Yu Dec 2011

Constructing Spatial Weight Matrix Using Local Spatial Statistics And Its Applications, Weiming Yu

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, we extend the spatial weight matrix defined by Getis and Aldstadt (2004) to a more general case. The modified spatial weight matrix performs better than the original spatial weight matrix since the modified spatial weight matrix adjusts weights of observations based on the distance from other observations. Both the simulation study and the application to the ecological process of invasion of non-native invasive plants (NNIPs) provide evidences for the better performance of the modified spatial weight matrix. We also develop procedures that can be used to quantify the invasion stages of NNIPs. The resultant map of invasion …


Stable Isotope Diet Reconstruction Of Feral Horses (Equus Caballas) On The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, Usa, Megan Kathleen Nordquist Dec 2011

Stable Isotope Diet Reconstruction Of Feral Horses (Equus Caballas) On The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, Usa, Megan Kathleen Nordquist

Theses and Dissertations

Feral horse management has become a subject of significant controversy in the United States. This is because of differing opinions and minimal recent empirical data on feral horses. In recent years, numbers of feral horses have increased due to governmental horse removal restrictions (specifically the Wild Horse and Burro act of 1971). With increasing numbers of feral horses on rangelands, land managers are challenged with identifying the appropriate course of action for satisfying groups with differing opinions. The purpose of this study is to characterize diet consumption through the use of stable isotope dietary analysis (δ15N and δ13C). We did …


Variability Of Sediment Nutrients And Benthic Macro-Invertebrates In Recreational Fishing Ponds, Tyler James Stubbs Dec 2011

Variability Of Sediment Nutrients And Benthic Macro-Invertebrates In Recreational Fishing Ponds, Tyler James Stubbs

Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this study was to identify trends of sediment nutrients and benthic macro-invertebrates in recreational fishing ponds. The Ekman dredge and the Yabby pump, also were compared for benthic macro-invertebrate sampling effectiveness. Large ranges in the coefficient of variation for Pw (52 – 123.9), C:N (13.4 – 124), density (61.5 – 98.5), and diversity (67 – 142) indicated significant spatial variability within and among ponds. Invertebrate familial diversity was the only variable that did not show any significant temporal variation (H = 4.31, P = 0.230). Results from the gear comparison indicated no differences between the Ekman …


Temporal Patterns Of Happiness And Information In A Global Social Network: Hedonometrics And Twitter, Peter Sheridan Dodds, Kameroncker Decker Harris, Isabel M. Kloumann, Catherine A. Bliss, Christopher M. Danforth Dec 2011

Temporal Patterns Of Happiness And Information In A Global Social Network: Hedonometrics And Twitter, Peter Sheridan Dodds, Kameroncker Decker Harris, Isabel M. Kloumann, Catherine A. Bliss, Christopher M. Danforth

College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Faculty Publications

Individual happiness is a fundamental societal metric. Normally measured through self-report, happiness has often been indirectly characterized and overshadowed by more readily quantifiable economic indicators such as gross domestic product. Here, we examine expressions made on the online, global microblog and social networking service Twitter, uncovering and explaining temporal variations in happiness and information levels over timescales ranging from hours to years. Our data set comprises over 46 billion words contained in nearly 4.6 billion expressions posted over a 33 month span by over 63 million unique users. In measuring happiness, we construct a tunable, real-time, remote-sensing, and non-invasive, text-based …


Residential Radon Appears To Prevent Lung Cancer, Bobby R Scott Dec 2011

Residential Radon Appears To Prevent Lung Cancer, Bobby R Scott

Dose-Response: An International Journal

Residential radon has been found to be associated with lung cancer in epidemiological/ ecological studies and the researchers have inappropriately concluded that residential radon causes lung cancer. Their conclusion relates to the linear-no-threshold (LNT) hypothesisbased, risk-assessment paradigm; however, the LNT hypothesis has been invalidated in numerous studies. It is shown in this paper that our hormetic relative risk (HRR) model is consistent with lung cancer data where detailed measurements of radon in each home were carried out. Based on the HRR model, low-level radon radioactive progeny is credited for activated natural protection (ANP) against lung cancer including smoking-related lung cancer. …


Dose-Response, Vol 9, No 4, Table Of Contents Dec 2011

Dose-Response, Vol 9, No 4, Table Of Contents

Dose-Response: An International Journal

No abstract provided.


On Ecological Studies: A Short Communication, John Hart Dec 2011

On Ecological Studies: A Short Communication, John Hart

Dose-Response: An International Journal

The typical objective of research is to try and identify cause-and-effect relationships. As with any research design, there are strengths and weaknesses involved in trying to achieve this objective. Some study designs are stronger than others in attempting to establish cause-and-effect associations. The task of establishing cause-and-effect relationships is challenging (Hill, 1965) and any study that does not include experimentation, that is by manipulating a variable’s exposure, is inhibited from drawing causal inferences (Heath, 1995). Similarly, statistical significance is also based on probability rather than certainty. This article focuses on a particular research design, namely, the ecological study, and attempts …


Deadly Radon In Montana?, John Hart Dec 2011

Deadly Radon In Montana?, John Hart

Dose-Response: An International Journal

No abstract provided.


Geographic Disparities Associated With Stroke And Myocardial Infarction In East Tennessee, Ashley Pedigo Golden Dec 2011

Geographic Disparities Associated With Stroke And Myocardial Infarction In East Tennessee, Ashley Pedigo Golden

Doctoral Dissertations

Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are serious conditions whose burdens vary by socio-demographic and geographic factors. Although several studies have investigated and identified disparities in burdens of these conditions at the county and state levels, little is known regarding their geographic epidemiology at the neighborhood level. Both conditions require emergency treatments and therefore timely geographic accessibility to appropriate care is critical. Investigation of disparities in geographic accessibility to stroke and MI care and the role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in reducing treatment delays are vital in improving health outcomes. Therefore, the objectives of this work were to: (i) classify …


Multiple Responses By Cerulean Warblers To Experimental Forest Disturbance In The Appalachian Mountains, Than James Boves Dec 2011

Multiple Responses By Cerulean Warblers To Experimental Forest Disturbance In The Appalachian Mountains, Than James Boves

Doctoral Dissertations

The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) is a mature forest obligate and one of the fastest declining songbird species in the United States. This decline may be related to a lack of disturbance within contemporary forests; however, the consequences of disturbance on the species have not been rigorously evaluated. Thus, we assessed multiple responses by Cerulean Warblers to a range of experimental forest disturbances across the core of their breeding range in the Appalachian Mountains. We quantified individual and population responses to these manipulations, and assessed the potential consequences of disturbance on the sexual signaling system. Male ceruleans were …


The Economics Of Partial Artemia Replacement Using Two Commercially Available Feeds In The Diets Of Litopenaeus Vannamei From Z3/M1 – Pl10, Monique A. Giguere Dec 2011

The Economics Of Partial Artemia Replacement Using Two Commercially Available Feeds In The Diets Of Litopenaeus Vannamei From Z3/M1 – Pl10, Monique A. Giguere

Open Access Theses

The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to identify commercially available feeds that could serve as suitable replacements for newly hatched Artemia in the diets of L. vannamei from Z3/M1 to PL10 without significantly affecting survival, final length and weight, and quality of the larvae and 2) to identify an ideal substitution rate between live Artemia and a replacement feed that maximizes feed and labor costs savings, survival, and PL quality. In Experiment 1, two commercially available Artemia replacement feeds, Zeigler EZ Artemia and Bernaqua Vitellus, were administered according to manufacturer’s guidelines in order to identify which feed served …


The Association Between Reading Comprehension And Prerequisite Skills For Children In Poverty, Hyo Jin Yoon Dec 2011

The Association Between Reading Comprehension And Prerequisite Skills For Children In Poverty, Hyo Jin Yoon

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between reading comprehension and the prerequisite skills typically assessed by a school based speech pathologist with a focus on children raised in poverty. Based upon previous studies, three hypotheses were developed. First, children from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds would not perform as well as children from the standardization sample on norm referenced language tests although the language tests would predict reading comprehension. Second, decoding would not be as good a predictor of reading comprehension for children from low SES backgrounds as it is in typically developing children from middle …


The Impact Of Ambrosia Trifida (Giant Ragweed) On Native Prairie Species In An Early Prairie Restoration Project, Krisztian Megyeri Dec 2011

The Impact Of Ambrosia Trifida (Giant Ragweed) On Native Prairie Species In An Early Prairie Restoration Project, Krisztian Megyeri

Senior Honors Theses

As the ecological importance of prairies is becoming more recognized, the number of prairie restoration projects is increasing worldwide. One of the major challenges in restoring any disturbed ecosystem is the successful establishment of native species at the expensive of invasive species. While some weedy species are gradually replaced as other, more desired, species become established, there are invasive species that, due to their level of dominance, may out-compete native species indefinitely. The objectives of this study were 1) to quantify the impact of Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed) on the plant community of a newsly established prairie, 2) to assess …


Using Gis To Determine The Influence Of Wetlands On Cayuga Iroquois Settlement Location Strategies, David J. Birnbaum Dec 2011

Using Gis To Determine The Influence Of Wetlands On Cayuga Iroquois Settlement Location Strategies, David J. Birnbaum

HIM 1990-2015

The archaeological record of the Iroquois supports that settlements were regularly relocated during the protohistoric period (1500-1650 A.D.). With the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer software, archaeologists may analyze variables potentially resulting in or influencing the movement of settlements. Through the use of spatial analysis, I argue that Cayuga Iroquois settlement locations were influenced by the environmental characteristics of their surrounding landscape. Specifically, wetlands are believed to have influenced settlement location choices in central New York state. This study examines the spatial relationships between wetland habitats and protohistoric period Cayuga Iroquois settlements where swidden maize agriculture comprised most …


A Method For Determining The Appropriate Spatial Resolution To Detect Ligustrum Sinense In Shelby Farms Park Using Worldview-2 Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery., Rodney Quarles Dec 2011

A Method For Determining The Appropriate Spatial Resolution To Detect Ligustrum Sinense In Shelby Farms Park Using Worldview-2 Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery., Rodney Quarles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the appropriate scale to detect Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense Lour.), an invasive plant species in Shelby Farms Park. To test predictions that accuracy of detection of Chinese Privet varies with the spatial resolution of WorldView-2 satellite imagery. Supervised maximum likelihood classifications are performed upon WorldView-2, 8-band multispectral image mosaics at 2, 4, 6, and 8 meter pixel resolutions. The appropriate scale for detection was selected by performing accuracy assessments of selected land use classes, which were shown to be the least spectrally separable from Chinese Privet, using confusion matrices to report user’s …


Composition And Ecophysiological Proficiency Of Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands: Investigating Basin, Landscape, And Microtopographic Scales, Jamie Duberstein Dec 2011

Composition And Ecophysiological Proficiency Of Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands: Investigating Basin, Landscape, And Microtopographic Scales, Jamie Duberstein

All Dissertations

A hierarchical approach to forest community assessment was conducted by first focusing on landscape associations to edaphic factors among major tidal freshwater forested wetland basins in the Southeast. Four general tree communities exist along coastal rivers in the southeastern United States, based on the most prominent species in each: Water Tupelo, Swamp Tupelo, Dwarf Palmetto, and Cabbage Palm. Microhabitat usage and preference by trees were then examined, both across all species and within species, as related to such factors as coast, presence on rivers with dams, tree community assemblage, relative distance from the river, specific river basin, and microsite availability. …


Reproductive Biology Of The Flattened Porcelain Crab, Petrolisthes Rufescens (Porcellanidae: Anomura: Crustacea) From Ain Sukhna, Gulf Of Suez, Egypt, Awaad El-Sayed, Mostafa Fouda, Ahmed Azab, Ismail Ismail Dec 2011

Reproductive Biology Of The Flattened Porcelain Crab, Petrolisthes Rufescens (Porcellanidae: Anomura: Crustacea) From Ain Sukhna, Gulf Of Suez, Egypt, Awaad El-Sayed, Mostafa Fouda, Ahmed Azab, Ismail Ismail

Al-Azhar Bulletin of Science

The reproductive biology of the porcelain crab Petrolisthes rufescens(Heller, 1861) population at Ain Sukhna (62 km south Suez City) was studied during the period from April 2000 to May 2001. Sexual dimorphism was determined based on morphological differences between sexes. Abdomen is semi-circular with four pairs of biramous appendages in females, but tapering with only two pairs of unequal uniramous appendages (pleopds) in males. Size at first maturity was determined using allometric growth occurring at puberty from the relationships between male's 2nd pleopodal length and chelae length against carapace length (C.L.) and by the appearance of distinctive ovaries in females. …


Potential Effects Of Altered Precipitation Regimes On Primary Production In Terrestrial Ecosystems, Joanna S. Hsu Dec 2011

Potential Effects Of Altered Precipitation Regimes On Primary Production In Terrestrial Ecosystems, Joanna S. Hsu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In addition to causing an increase in mean temperatures, climate change is also altering precipitation regimes across the globe. General circulation models project both latitude-dependent changes in precipitation mean and increases in precipitation variability. These changes in water availability will impact terrestrial primary productivity, the fixation of carbon dioxide into organic matter by plants. In my thesis, I addressed the following three questions: 1.) What will be the relative effect of changes in the mean and standard deviation of annual precipitation on mean annual primary production? 2.) Which ecosystems will be the most sensitive to changes in precipitation? 3.) Will …


Effects Of Canopy And Cultural Treatments On Fine Fuel Production, Fire Behavior, And Short-Term Fire Effects In Loblolly Pine (>I/I< L.) Stands Being Restored To Longleaf Pine (>I/I< Mill.), Carsyn Tennant Dec 2011

Effects Of Canopy And Cultural Treatments On Fine Fuel Production, Fire Behavior, And Short-Term Fire Effects In Loblolly Pine (>I/I< L.) Stands Being Restored To Longleaf Pine (>I/I< Mill.), Carsyn Tennant

All Theses

Across the southeastern United States, anthropogenic factors such as land conversion and fire suppression have resulted in the prevalence of loblolly pine in areas historically occupied by longleaf pine. Compared to longleaf pine forests, loblolly stands often contain a substantial broad-leaved midstory and lack the ground layer that contributes fuels essential for the frequent, low intensity surface fire regime necessary to sustain the longleaf ecosystem. Currently, there is considerable interest in restoring longleaf pine habitats to areas occupied by loblolly pine. The retention of mature canopy trees is often necessary to maintain ecosystem function, to preserve habitat features, and to …


A Comparison Of Presettlement And Modern Forest Composition Along An Elevation Gradient In Central New Hampshire, Matthew A. Vadeboncoeur, Steven P. Hamburg, Charles V. Cogbill, Wendy Y. Sugimura Dec 2011

A Comparison Of Presettlement And Modern Forest Composition Along An Elevation Gradient In Central New Hampshire, Matthew A. Vadeboncoeur, Steven P. Hamburg, Charles V. Cogbill, Wendy Y. Sugimura

Earth Systems Research Center

Tree species composition is influenced not only by edaphic and climatic factors but also by natural and human-caused disturbances. To understand interactions among these influences, we compared forest species composition data from the time of European settlement with modern data. We derived elevation data for 2529 trees mapped by early land surveys (1770–1850) across a 1000 m elevation gradient in central New Hampshire and compared these with modern data (2004–2009) from the Forest Inventory and Analysis program (123 plots containing 2126 trees) and from permanent plots representing case studies of different land-use histories. Spruce and beech are much less abundant …


Structural Determinants Of Homicide: The Big Three, Maria Tcherni Dec 2011

Structural Determinants Of Homicide: The Big Three, Maria Tcherni

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications

Building upon and expanding the previous research into structural determinants of homicide, particularly the work of Land, McCall and Cohen (1990), the current paper uses county-level data to disentangle three major influences on homicide rates: poverty, racial composition, and the disruption of family structure. Theoretical foundations of these influences are laid out, and the effects of the three factors on homicide rates are tested at two time periods as far removed from one another as possible: 1950-1960 and 1995-2005. All major variables typically used in homicide research are included as controls. The results of analyses show that the effects of …


A Comparison Of Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) Nesting Behavior Among Habitats Differing In Anthropogenic Disturbance, Elizabeth Williams Dec 2011

A Comparison Of Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) Nesting Behavior Among Habitats Differing In Anthropogenic Disturbance, Elizabeth Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Eastern gray squirrels inhabit a large range of heterogeneous habitats and climates, and live with various levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Previous studies have examined this species in unmodified and modified surroundings; however, a comparison of populations between these habitats has yet to be published. Their widespread occurrence coupled with their success in urban areas and the invasive nature of introduced populations, suggests this species is behaviorally flexible. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of anthropogenic disturbance and development on gray squirrel nesting behavior by comparing variables related to nesting habitat preference among habitats of differing levels …


Time Use And Food Pattern Influences On Obesity, Jane M. Kolodinsky, Amanda B. Goldstein Dec 2011

Time Use And Food Pattern Influences On Obesity, Jane M. Kolodinsky, Amanda B. Goldstein

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Faculty Publications

The rise of obesity in the United States over the past 25 years has resulted in an increase in the number of research studies published related to the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to the problem. Most would agree that obesity is a multi-dimensional problem that requires a range of solutions related to individual diet and activity, food and built environment, and public policy. Examination of complex relationships between food choice, time use patterns, sociodemographic characteristics and obesity has been limited by data availability and disciplinary focus. Using the theory of the production of health capital, this paper links empirical …


Genetic Structure Of Grass Carp Populations In The Missouri And Mississippi River Basins, Usa, Bobbi M. Adams, Katie N. Bertrand, Michael L. Brown, Donald Auger Dec 2011

Genetic Structure Of Grass Carp Populations In The Missouri And Mississippi River Basins, Usa, Bobbi M. Adams, Katie N. Bertrand, Michael L. Brown, Donald Auger

The Prairie Naturalist

We provided an early characterization of the genetic structure of the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) population as it expands its distribution in both the Missouri and Mississippi River basins. Further, we provided initial comparisons of allelic richness at 17 polymorphic microsatellite markers between 56 grass carp from the USA, and six from the Yangtze River in China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight and size ranges of alleles for fish collected from the invaded and native ranges were similar (P ≤ 0.001; 107–226 bp) to those previously reported in the literature. Distance-based clustering …


Gis Assisted Problem Analysis Of Trail Erosion In Monongahela National Forest, Steven J. Storck Dec 2011

Gis Assisted Problem Analysis Of Trail Erosion In Monongahela National Forest, Steven J. Storck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This research investigates the frequency and patterns of trail erosion on purposefully selected natural surface trails in Monongahela National Forest. Trail erosion is considered a non-self-limiting process which degrades trail beds making them unattractive, difficult to travel on, and has the potential to impact local streams with the introduction of silt. Recreation ecology research delineates factors which influence the rate of erosion on a trail into three broad categories: recreational use, environmental conditions, and managerial actions. This study tests the relationship of variables from each of these categories to the local patterns of erosion. Three sampling strategies are used to …


Msh1 Influence On Plant Mitochondrial Genome Recombination And Phenotype In Tobacco, Peibei Sun Dec 2011

Msh1 Influence On Plant Mitochondrial Genome Recombination And Phenotype In Tobacco, Peibei Sun

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Plant mitochondrial genomes are composed of unusually complex structures, due to active recombination at numerous repeated sequences in the genome. The maintenance of mitochondrial genome stability is under the control of identifiable nuclear genes. In plants, three nuclear genes (MSH1, RECA3 and OSB1) have been shown to participate in recombination surveillance and the suppression of illegitimate recombination in mitochondria. Disruption of these loci in Arabidopsis results in reproducible mitochondrial genome rearrangements. We demonstrated that repeat-mediated de novo recombination was also enhanced in both Arabidopsis and tobacco during passage through in vitro culture. Furthermore, in vitro conditions led …


Earthworms Of Arkansas And Contributions Of Earthworm Evolutionary Origin And Ecological Group To Nitrogen Cycling In A Model Soil And Tall Fescue System, Peter John Tomlinson Dec 2011

Earthworms Of Arkansas And Contributions Of Earthworm Evolutionary Origin And Ecological Group To Nitrogen Cycling In A Model Soil And Tall Fescue System, Peter John Tomlinson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Evolutionary origin and ecological niche may impact how earthworm species affect N cycling. Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb) S. J. Darbysh) infection with the toxic endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum Glenn, Bacon & Hanlin (E+) may influence earthworm communities in soil compared to non-toxic endophyte (NE+) infected tall fescue. Conversely, different earthworms may contribute different amounts of N to E+ vs. NE+ tall fescue. A field survey was conducted from January 2007 to January 2008 to determine the impact of E+ and NE+ tall fescue, planting date, and seasonal variables, e.g. soil temperature and moisture, on earthworm species, abundances, and population …


Exploration Of Stream Habitat Spatial Modeling; Using Geographically Weighted Regression, Ordinary Least Squares Regression, And Natural Neighbor Interpolation To Model Depth, Flow, And Benthic Substrate In Streams, Kenneth R. Sheehan Dec 2011

Exploration Of Stream Habitat Spatial Modeling; Using Geographically Weighted Regression, Ordinary Least Squares Regression, And Natural Neighbor Interpolation To Model Depth, Flow, And Benthic Substrate In Streams, Kenneth R. Sheehan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Assessment and modeling of stream habitat are integral to understanding streams and the biota within them. In the past several decades, assessment sophistication of ecologic systems increased due to analysis power afforded by gains in computing capability. Spatial data analysis methodology grew alongside computing power and incorporated spatial qualities of ecological data, thereby providing new insights. New methods like geographically weighted regression (GWR) and more established methods like interpolation are now being used in ecological studies to guide assessments and management decisions. However, their accuracy and utility for analysis of stream habitat data have not been fully explored. To clarify …