Performance of four ordination techniques assuming three different non-linear species response models

Summary The performances of four ordination techniques (reciprocal averaging, parametric mapping, gaussian ordination and non-metric multidimensional scaling) are evaluated using artificial data based on three vegetation models: the gaussian response curve, -function curves, and an ecological response model. No technique performs well with the artificial data not based on a gaussian model. Non-metric multidimensional scaling seemed marginally better than other techniques. Some of the implications of this failure are discussed.