Mathematics and Cognition  Seminar

Spring 2004

Thursdays 1:40  Psych 205

Seminar Schedule:<http://math.la.asu.edu/~tom/cognition/math+cogsched.html>

On April 8, at 1:40 PM in Psych 205,
the Mathematics and Cognition Seminar will
present lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Wentz
of the Department of Geography,
titled

"A comparison of two methods for interpolating the tracks of primates:
linear weighted distance and constrained random walk"


Abstract.

 
The goal of this paper is to implement and to test two interpolation
techniques that create continuous tracks of two primate species (Ateles
geoffroyi, the red spider monkey, and Cebus capucinis, the white-faced
capuchin). Continuous tracks were needed to calculate overall home range and to analyze the daily ranging patterns for each species. Establishing continuous tracks of primates through field data alone, however, was impossible due to challenging field conditions. A need arose to estimate their positions when their actual position was unknown. The results of the analysis using tracks with interpolated positions confirmed that Ateles tend to move directly to their destination while Cebus tended to follow a more wandering track.