Overview
This document contains detailed descriptions of the suplementary code for (Fountain-Jones et al. 2024). Three case studies are presented along with a simulation study.
Case Studies
This repository demonstrates MrIML 2.0 across four ecological systems. Each case study is self-contained with data, code, and interpretation.
Case Study 1: Avian Blood Parasites
Analysis of co-occurrence patterns in vector-borne parasites from New Caledonian birds. Demonstrates asymmetric associations and the relative importance of host abundance versus biotic interactions.
Key findings: Host abundance is the primary driver, but parasite co-occurrence significantly improves predictions. Asymmetric associations reveal directional effects between parasite species.
Case Study 2: Forest Communities
Multi-taxonomic analysis of beetles, birds, and plants across forest successional gradients. Compares assembly mechanisms among different taxonomic groups.
Key findings: Environmental filtering dominates across all groups. Plant communities show strongest responses to successional gradients, while bird and beetle communities respond primarily to altitude and microclimate.
Case Study 3: Ostrich Gut Microbiome
Microbiome development across three gut sections (ileum, caecum, colon) in juvenile ostriches. Examines age-dependent assembly and section-specific patterns.
Key findings: Critical developmental window at 20-40 days post-hatching. Positive associations dominate across all gut sections, with age and weight as primary predictors.
Simulation study
A simulation study.
