Symmetry and range limits in importance indices

Tal Seifan, Merav Seifan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recently, Mingo has analyzed the properties of Iimp, an importance index, and demonstrated that its range is not symmetrical. While agreeing with this comment, we believe that more light needs to be shed on the issue of symmetry in relation to such indices. Importance indices are calculated using three values: performance of the organism in the absence and in the presence of neighbors and maximum performance of the organism in ideal conditions. Because of this structure, importance indices can hardly ever achieve symmetry along the whole range of potential performances. We discuss the limitation of the symmetry range for different symmetry types and for both additive and multiplicative indices. We conclude that importance indices, as other interactions indices, are practical tools for interpreting ecological outcomes, especially while comparing between studies. Nevertheless, the current structure of importance indices prevents symmetry along their whole range. While the lack of “perfect” symmetry may call for the development of more sophisticated importance metrics, the current indices are still helpful for the understanding of biological systems and should not be discarded before better alternatives are well established. To prevent potential confusion, we suggest that ecologists present the relevant index symmetry range in addition to their results, thus minimizing the probability of misinterpretation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4517-4522
Number of pages6
JournalEcology and Evolution
Volume5
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2015

Keywords

  • Cimp
  • Competition
  • Facilitation
  • Iimp
  • Importance
  • Intensity
  • Neighbor effect

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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