Application of wavelet analysis to ecological data

Ecological data are difficult to analyze due to complexity residing in the ecological systems with the variables varying in non-linear fashion. Efficient methods are required to properly extract information out of the complex data. Wavelets have good time-frequency (timescale) localization, can represent data parsimoniously, and can be implemented with very fast algorithms. Brief backgrounds and computational aspects of wavelets were outlined for implementation to ecological data analysis. Wavelets are well suited for building mathematical models of ecological data and the statistical analysis of combined effects of complex factors in ecological network. Wavelet based analysis and synthesis may lead researchers in ecological studies to new insights and novel theories for understanding complex ecological and environmental phenomena. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.