Theory and methods in anthracology: 3. Sampling validity

Résumé

This paper presents a suite to a series of articles on the anthracological methodology in the tropics. Sampling validity, based on the analysis of saturation and Gini-Lorenz curves, is discussed. The study of the latter being still rare, we present the theoretical embasement of this approach, its use in temperate regions and its application to the tropical vegetation. Validation of palaeoecological interpretation based on statistical analyses are also presented, with examples of the results that can be obtained from its application to present vegetation and to anthracological data.