Check interaction data format

A canopy-recruit interactions data set must contain, at least, the raw data of the observed frequency of each canopy-recruit pair in each sampling unit (e.g. plot, quadrat, transect). For standardization, the columns in this data set must be named:

• Plot. Plot ID. Uniquely identifies each of the sampling units over which the interactions have been surveyed. Include this column even if you only surveyed one plot.

• Canopy. Name of the canopy species. If your survey included any type of open interspaces (e.g., canopy gaps, open ground, spaces away from a canopy plant), include these as a single node named "Open" (note the capital "O"). If you use full scientific names (e.g. latin binomials), concatenate the epithets with a lower dash (e.g. Olea_europaea).

• Recruit. Name of the recruit species. If you use full scientific names, concatenate the epithets with a lower dash (e.g. Olea_europaea).

• Frequency. Frequency of the canopy-recruit interaction in the study plot, indicated as number of individuals of the recruit species found under individuals of the canopy species.

Usage

check_interactions(int_data = NULL)

Arguments

int_data

data frame containing interaction data.

Value

The function will return error(s) if problems are detected. Otherwise an OK message.

Examples

int_data <- load_interactions()
check_interactions(int_data)
#> Format OK!