Applicability of factor analysis in autecological research, with particular reference to Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) Scop.

Factor analysis is introduced into autecological research as a helpful method in order to interpret the results of investigations in which a lot of variables per individual, population, or species must be determined one or several times during the period of growth. Growth patterns of different individuals, populations, or species can simply be compared with each other. This is illustrated in two examples with reference to Chamaenerion angustifolium, and related to the distinction of ecotypes.