A factor analysis of the distribution of some Puerto Rican liverworts

Abstract

Trends in the distribution patterns of 155 species of leafy hepatics over 10 distinct areas in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico were revealed by factor analysis. The three factors of the Q-mode (area × area) analysis contrasted (1) high-altitude with low-altitude habitats, (2) shaded, moist habitats with open, more exposed habitats of all elevations, and (3) disturbed low-elevation habitats with less disturbed habitats of all elevations. The R-mode (species × species) analysis produced almost identical distribution trends. The coincidence of these two results allowed us to determine which plant species were primarily indicative of habitat differences.