Ecological Similarity Code

Ecological Similarity Number

Relative Similarity Description

Relative Similarity Category

Example

Explanation

Relative Similarity Score

Empty Cell

0

The reference and map do not correspond and they DO NOT SHARE ANY of the Major Types of Ecological Similarity.

INCORRECT

Rocky Mountain Aspen Forest & Woodland map and Intermountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub reference

No Major Types of Ecological Similarity are appropriate for this error. Relationship is incorrect.

1

A

1

The reference and map do not correspond but they DO SHARE the same NLCD class, are juxtaposed, OR have a special substrate in common.

SOMEWHAT SIMILAR

Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub map and Rocky Mountain Gambel-Oak Mixed Montane Shrubland reference

Both Ecological Systems are nested within the N50 NLCD Class and do not share any other Major Types of Ecological Similarity. Relationship is somewhat correct.

2

C

D

B

1

The reference and map do not correspond, but they DO SHARE dominant/codominant species OR have exactly 2 major types of Major Types of Ecological Similarity in common.

MODERATELY SIMILAR

Inter-mountain Basins Greasewood Flat map and Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed Salt Desert Scrub reference

These Ecological Systems share C- Juxtaposition and D- Special Substrates. Relationship is moderately similar.

3

AB

2

AC

2

AD

2

BC

2

BD

2

CD

2

ABC

3

The reference and map do not correspond, but they DO SHARE 3 or more major types of Major Types of Ecological Similarity.

VERY SIMILAR

Rocky Mountain Aspen Forest & Woodland map and Inter-Mountain West Aspen - Mixed Conifer Forest & Woodland reference

These Ecological Systems share A- Physiognomic Structure, B- Dominant Species Composition and C- Juxtaposition. Relationship is very similar.

4

ABD

3

ACD

3

BCD

3

ABCD

4

Correct Match Cell

5

The reference and map match.

CORRECT

Mogollon Chaparral map and Mogollon Chaparral reference

Both map and reference match. Relationship is correct.

5