Estimation of the non-linear parameter in Generalised Diversity-Interactions models is unaffected by change in structure of the interaction terms

Abstract Many approaches for modelling the biodiversity and ecosystem function (BEF) relationship have been developed over recent decades. Diversity-Interactions modelling, a regression-based approach, models BEF by expressing functions as linear combination of species-specific effects, species’ proportions, interactions. The species interactions in model can take different forms (e.g., unique interaction term each pair species, or single any species) may include non-linear parameter ( $$\theta$$ θ ) an exponent to capture relationships, giving rise Generalized (GDI) modelling. structure terms describes underlying biological processes ecosystem, while value determine shape relationship. When fitting GDI models, it is unclear whether one should choose first then estimate θ, vice versa. It also unknown robust changes model. Using simulation study, we test robustness compare multiple selection identify optimal computationally efficient procedure models. Results show that remains unbiased regardless terms, most reuse this other structures.