Korosov A., Marfitsyna N. Introduction to probabilistic neural networks for ecologists // Principy èkologii. 2026. № 1. P. 3‒2. DOI: 10.15393/j1.art.2026.16902


Issue № 1

Methods of ecological investigations

pdf-version

Introduction to probabilistic neural networks for ecologists

Korosov
   Andrey Victorovich
DSc, professor, Petrozavodsk State University, 33 Lenin Ave., Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, 185910, Russia, korosov@psu.karelia.ru
Marfitsyna
   Natalya Alexandrovna
Petrozavodsk State University, 33 Lenin Ave., Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, 185910, Russia, marfitsyna.nata@mail.ru
Keywords:
neural networks
euclidean distance
gaussian
distribution density
sexual dimorphism
image interpretation
Summary: The article examines the algorithm for constructing and calculating a probabilistic neural network (PNN)using examples from ecology. First, the components and key concepts (distance, kernel, neuron) are considered separately, followed by the key stages of the entire technology. The network structure is presented in more detail: in addition to the typical four layers (input, radial, summation, output), the neuron layer is represented by three sub-layers. This explains the variety of terms used to denote it in various publications. The concept of a radial basic activation function is examined in detail using examples. The role of a single model parameter, the kernel diameter, is discussed. As an example, two ecological problems are solved: the sexual identification of animals and the decoding of different animal habitats from a satellite image. In addition to the main description, a solution to the problem using AI technologies is presented. A technology for assessing the effectiveness of classification and ways to optimize these solutions are considered. The application of the PNN package in the R environment for constructing probabilistic neural networks is demonstrated.

© Petrozavodsk State University

Received on: 27 December 2025
Published on: 27 March 2026

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