New method reveals hidden community patterns in subalpine meadows.
Understanding how communities are structured is important, but current analysis methods are limited. In this study, researchers used a method where two transects intersect at right angles to collect data on community patterns. They then used a technique called detrended correspondence analysis to analyze these patterns. The results showed the size and shape of patches in different communities at various scales. Applying these methods to subalpine meadows revealed that they are effective for studying community patterns.