Treating gaps and biases in biodiversity data as a missing data problem

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Авг. 8, 2024

ABSTRACT Big biodiversity data sets have great potential for monitoring and research because of their large taxonomic, geographic temporal scope. Such become especially important assessing changes in species' populations distributions. Gaps the available data, spatial gaps, often mean that are not representative target population. This hinders drawing large‐scale inferences, such as about trends, may lead to misplaced conservation action. Here, we conceptualise gaps a missing problem, which provides unifying framework challenges solutions across different types sets. We characterise typical classes then use theory explore implications questions trends factors affecting occurrences/abundances. By using this framework, show bias due can arise when sampling and/or availability overlap with those species. But set per se is biased. The outcome depends on ecological question statistical approach, determine choices around sources variation taken into account. argue approaches long‐term species trend modelling susceptible since models do tend account driving missingness. To identify general review empirical studies simulation compare some most frequently employed deal including subsampling, weighting imputation. All these methods reduce but come at cost increased uncertainty parameter estimates. Weighting techniques arguably least used so far ecology both variance Regardless method, ability critically knowledge of, on, creating gaps. outline necessary considerations dealing stages collection analysis workflow.

Язык: Английский

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Meta‐analysis reveals that the effects of precipitation change on soil and litter fauna in forests depend on body size

Global Change Biology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 30(5)

Опубликована: Май 1, 2024

Abstract Anthropogenic climate change is altering precipitation regimes at a global scale. While changes have been linked to in the abundance and diversity of soil litter invertebrate fauna forests, general trends remained elusive due mixed results from primary studies. We used meta‐analysis based on 430 comparisons 38 studies address associated knowledge gaps, (i) quantifying impacts forest diversity, (ii) exploring reasons for variation (iii) examining biases affecting realism accuracy experimental Precipitation reductions led decrease 39% abundance, with 35% increase under increases, while were smaller. A statistical model containing an interaction between body size magnitude showed that mesofauna (e.g. mites, collembola) responded most precipitation. Changes taxonomic richness related solely change. Our suggest ability taxon survive drought conditions, or benefit high also found experiments manipulated way aligns better predicted extreme climatic events than average annual plots likely too small accurately capture mobile taxa. The relationship response here has far‐reaching implications our predict future responses biodiversity will help produce more realistic mechanistic models which aim simulate soils

Язык: Английский

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Sex differences in absolute and relative changes in muscle size following resistance training in healthy adults: a systematic review with Bayesian meta-analysis

PeerJ, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 13, С. e19042 - e19042

Опубликована: Фев. 25, 2025

Background Muscle hypertrophy may be influenced by biological differences between males and females. This meta-analysis investigated absolute relative changes in muscle size following resistance training (RT) females whether measures of size, body region assessed, fibre type, RT experience moderate the results. Methods Studies were included if male female participants healthy (18–45 years old) adults that completed same intervention, a measure pre- to post-intervention was included. Out 2,720 screened studies, 29 studies statistical analysis. Bayesian methods used estimate standardised mean difference (SMD), log response ratio (lnRR) with exponentiated percentage change (Exp. % Change lnRR), probability direction ( pd ) for each outcome. Results Absolute increases slightly favoured compared (SMD = 0.19 (95% HDI: 0.11 0.28); 100%), however, similar sexes lnRR 0.69% −1.50% 2.88%)). Outcomes minimally not participants. upper-body but lower-body regions males. Type I males, II sexes. Conclusion Our findings strengthen understanding have potential induce as (particularly when considering from baseline) our secondary analyses should inform future research investigates sex highly trained type-specific hypertrophy.

Язык: Английский

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Generalized nonlinearity in animal ecology: Research, review, and recommendations

Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 14(7)

Опубликована: Июль 1, 2024

Abstract Generalized linear models (GLMs) are an integral tool in ecology. Like general models, GLMs assume linearity, which entails a relationship between independent and dependent variables. However, because this assumption acts on the link rather than natural scale GLMs, it is more easily overlooked. We reviewed recent ecological literature to quantify use of linearity. then used two case studies confront linearity via fit empirical data. In first study we compared generalized additive (GAMs) mammal relative abundance second tested for occupancy using passerine point‐count 162 published last 5 years five leading ecology journals found less 15% reported testing These transformations GAMs often they test. study, strongly out‐performed as measured by AIC modeling abundance, helped uncover nonlinear responses carnivore species landscape development. 14% species‐specific failed formal statistical test also that differences (i.e., those with transformed variable) model predictions were similar some but not others, implications inference conservation decision‐making. Our review suggests reporting tests rare employing GLMs. show how formally comparing allow relationships variables has potential impact inference, generate new hypotheses, alter implications. conclude suggesting report methods address violations

Язык: Английский

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Multiple stressors affecting microbial decomposer and litter decomposition in restored urban streams: Assessing effects of salinization, increased temperature, and reduced flow velocity in a field mesocosm experiment

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 943, С. 173669 - 173669

Опубликована: Июнь 4, 2024

A multitude of anthropogenic stressors impact biological communities and ecosystem processes in urban streams. Prominent among them are salinization, increased temperature, altered flow regimes, all which can affect microbial decomposer litter decomposition, a fundamental process Impairments caused by these individually or combination recovery after release from not well understood. To improve our understanding multiple impacts we performed an outdoor stream mesocosm experiment with 64 experimental units to assess the response decomposers decomposition. The three applied full-factorial design were salinity (NaCl addition, 0.53 mS cm

Язык: Английский

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Detecting non-additive biotic interactions and assessing their biological relevance among temperate rainforest trees

The American Naturalist, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 204(2), С. 105 - 120

Опубликована: Апрель 9, 2024

AbstractInteractions between and within abiotic biotic processes generate nonadditive density-dependent effects on species performance that can vary in strength or direction across environments. If ignored, nonadditivities lead to inaccurate predictions of responses environmental compositional changes. While there are increasing empirical efforts test the constancy pairwise interactions along gradients, few assess both simultaneously. Using a nationwide forest inventory spans broad ambient temperature moisture gradients throughout New Zealand, we address this gap by analyzing diameter growth six focal tree as function neighbor densities climate, well × climate statistical interactions. The most complex model featuring all interaction terms had highest predictive accuracy. Compared with variables, typically stronger growth, especially when subjected from local climatic conditions density intermediary species. Furthermore, statistically strong (or weak) could be biologically irrelevant significant) depending whether pair interacted under average more extreme conditions. Our study highlights importance considering potential biological relevance assessing global change.

Язык: Английский

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Trait divergence in plant community assembly is generated by environmental factor interactions

Journal of Vegetation Science, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 35(3)

Опубликована: Май 1, 2024

Abstract Question What conditions drive trait divergence during community assembly through environmental filtering, and why are some communities more trait‐diverse than others? Methods An individual‐based, stochastic, spatially explicit metacommunity simulation model produced data on species traits, autocorrelated, nested, feedback‐generated factors, resulting composition. I quantified environmentally driven alpha using the correlation r ( RE ) to measure relationship between Rao functional diversity factors. Environmentally beta was assessed VE ), involving factors squared residuals V of a second‐order polynomial regression community‐weighted means E ). Permutation tests, assuming independence traits composition, were used establish significance Additionally, method applied grassland soil collected in plots across southern Brazil. Both simulated real analysed at two spatial resolutions. Results Significant correlations frequent with factor interactions incorporated simulations, while mostly remained within expected Type error range when absent. stronger finer resolution weaker smaller units combined into larger units. for specific leaf area (SLA) related variables, likely due their interacting effects total vegetation cover. When small aggregated units, became non‐significant, increased. Conclusions emerges affecting selection individuals based traits. these including hidden, ones, arises or dimension, depending scale This suggests that plant‐to‐plant positive negative interactions, which can feedback generate heterogeneity, do not necessarily lead if interact.

Язык: Английский

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Complex temporal trends in biomass and abundance of Diptera communities driven by the impact of agricultural intensity

Insect Conservation and Diversity, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 17(6), С. 1072 - 1083

Опубликована: Июль 18, 2024

Abstract Insect biodiversity and abundance declines have been reported widely are expected to alter ecosystem functions processes. Land use change has recognised as a major cause of such declines. However, variation in local environmental drivers the scale available monitoring data left large knowledge gaps which taxa declining, where greatest, how these will impact ecosystems. We used 11 years (2006–2016) on 40 farms distributed over ~10,000 km 2 southern Québec, Canada, quantify agricultural intensity temporal trends biomass Diptera (true flies). There was difference between farms, we found be driven by landcover. Contrary expectation, increases time were greater areas with higher intensity, especially an increase cereal crops. In contrast, steeper although only maize soy production rather than cereals wheat. Variation forest cover around had least effect trends. per total number increasing intensive cover, suggesting presence community turnover towards smaller bodied flies lower individual biomass. Our results imply that land may not species composition insect assemblages but also distribution key functional traits body size.

Язык: Английский

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Grouped and Vibrating: The Influence of Group Size, Triggering Stimuli, and Leg Loss in Bobbing in an Arachnid

Ethology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 18, 2025

ABSTRACT Animals across taxa form aggregations, with increased defenses as one of the benefits. Some defensive behaviors grouped animals involve body movements. However, how those are triggered varies, and between‐individual morphological variation affects them remains unknown. In this project, we explored three drivers bobbing—an up‐and‐down vibration behavior assumed to be a response—with field observations lab experiment in species arachnid order Opiliones ( Prionostemma sp.2). First, bobbing duration groups variable number individuals, could modulate their engagement ensure successful predator‐deterrent behavior. We found that group size. Second, effect different triggering stimuli might represent natural scenarios an approaching predator. touching stimulus (gentle stick touching) longer than airflow blow). Third, if individuals' leg condition (whether they had all eight or fewer legs when found) variations did not affect engagement, was similar between intact individuals missing legs. Together, these data provide novel observational experimental insights into collective animals. While individual conditions does understudied arachnids, variability size impacted movement behavioral defenses.

Язык: Английский

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Underrepresentation of dietary‐specialist larval Lepidoptera in small forest fragments: Testing alternative mechanisms

Journal of Animal Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Фев. 27, 2025

Abstract Growing evidence suggests that organisms with narrow niche requirements are particularly disadvantaged in small habitat patches, typical of fragmented landscapes. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship remain unclear. Dietary specialists may be constrained by availability their food resources as area shrinks. For herbivorous insects, host plants filtered out fragments neutral sampling processes and deterministic plant community shifts due to altered microclimates, edge effects browsing ungulates. We examined between forest fragment abundance dietary‐specialist dietary‐generalist larval Lepidoptera (caterpillars) northeastern USA. surveyed caterpillars over 3 years equal‐sized plots within 32 varying 1014 ha. tested whether abundances species richness dietary increased more than those generalists increasing and, if so, difference could explained reduced or white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). The overall was positively related area; substantially weaker for generalists. There notable variation among diet breadth groups, however. no effect on diversity caterpillars. Deer activity not either Plant composition strongly associated area. Larger were likely include both correlated decreased a slightly stronger impact specialists. Although lack fragments, did depend caterpillar breadth. This study provides further decreasing patch disproportionately impacts specialist consumers. Because derived from plots, it is robust some criticisms levelled at fragmentation research. consumer declines, however, elusive.

Язык: Английский

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