Evaluating Patterns of a White-Band Disease (WBD) Outbreak in Acropora palmata Using Spatial Analysis: A Comparison of Transect and Colony Clustering Spatial Analysis of Caribbean White-Band Disease
2011
Studying White-Band Disease in Coral Reefs
Sample size: 375
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer A. Lentz, Jason K. Blackburn, Andrew J. Curtis
Primary Institution: Louisiana State University
Hypothesis
What are the spatial patterns of white-band disease (WBD) outbreaks in Acropora palmata?
Conclusion
The study found that higher resolution sampling provided more accurate estimates of WBD prevalence and spatial distribution.
Supporting Evidence
- Localized clusters of WBD were identified using spatial analysis techniques.
- Higher resolution sampling resulted in more realistic disease estimates.
- The study area showed significant clustering of WBD at certain spatial scales.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a disease affects coral reefs and found that the way we collect data can change what we think about the disease's spread.
Methodology
The study used Ripley's K statistic and DMAP spatial filtering to analyze spatial patterns of WBD.
Limitations
The study did not have a temporal component to track disease spread over time.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.1
Confidence Interval
99%
Statistical Significance
p=0.1
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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