Biostatistics with R: An Introductory Guide for Field Biologists

Description

Biostatistics with R provides a straightforward introduction on how to analyse data from the wide field of biological research, including nature protection and global change monitoring. The book is centred around traditional statistical approaches, focusing on those prevailing in research publications. The authors cover t-tests, ANOVA and regression models, but also the advanced methods of generalised linear models and classification and regression trees. Chapters usually start with several useful case examples, describing the structure of typical datasets and proposing research-related questions. All chapters are supplemented by example datasets, step-by-step R code demonstrating analytical procedures and interpretation of results. The authors also provide examples of how to appropriately describe statistical procedures and results of analyses in research papers. This accessible textbook will serve a broad audience, from students, researchers or professionals looking to improve their everyday statistical practice, to lecturers of introductory undergraduate courses. Additional resources are provided on www.cambridge.org/biostatistics.

Jan Leps is Professor of Ecology in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. His main research interests include plant functional ecology, particularly the mechanisms of species coexistence and stability, and ecological data analysis. He has taught many ecological and statistical courses and supervised more than 80 student theses, from undergraduate to PhD. Petr Smilauer is Associate Professor of Ecology in the Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. His main research interests are multivariate statistical analysis, modern regression methods and the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in the functioning of plant communities. He is co-author of multivariate analysis software Canoco 5, CANOCO for Windows 4.5 and TWINSPAN for Windows.

'We will never have a textbook of statistics for biologists that satisfies everybody. However, this book may come closest. It is based on many years of field research and the teaching of statistical methods by both authors. All useful classic and advanced statistical concepts and methods are explained and illustrated with data examples and R programming procedures. Besides traditional topics that are covered in the premier textbooks of biometry/biostatistics (e.g. R. R. Sokal & F. J. Rohlf, J. H. Zar), two extensive chapters on multivariate methods in classification and ordination add to the strength of this book. The text was originally published in Czech in 2016. The English edition has been substantially updated and two new chapters 'Survival Analysis' and 'Classification and Regression Trees' have been added. The book will be essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students, professional researchers, and informed managers of natural resources.' Marcel Rejmanek, Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA