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A family of regression equations describing the density distribution of dispersing organisms

Nature volume 286, pages 53–55 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

I have previously shown1 that some of the published regression equations for describing the decline of density of insects with distance from a centre of dispersal were each special cases of a more general equation: N = exp(a+bxc) (1) where N is density at a distance x from a centre of dispersal and a, b, and c are parameters. Equation (1) is a good description of the dispersal of most insects so far investigated1. To describe any single set of data, a simpler expression can often be found to fit, but this approach will lead to as many theories of migration as there are equations. To describe all sets of data by a single generalized model may require greater complexity than equation (1), and more parameters. I present here such a generalization, which may lead to a unified theory.

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  1. Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802

    R. A. J. Taylor

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Taylor, R. A family of regression equations describing the density distribution of dispersing organisms. Nature 286, 53–55 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/286053a0

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