Do amateurs and citizen science fill the gaps left by scientists?

Fontaine, Colin; Fontaine, Benoît; Prévot, Anne-Caroline

doi:10.1016/j.cois.2021.03.001

Cited by 21 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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Section: Moving Forwardmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To address gaps in knowledge regarding the natural history and trait–environment relationships in urban organisms, integrated research that combines observational studies (e.g., natural history and behavioral research) with experimental data of species living in cities is important. One approach to building a foundation of natural history information for urban organisms that have been successful in non‐urban environments (Fontaine et al, 2021 ; Sforzi et al, 2018 ) is to incorporate community‐sourced data collection into research. For example, Puckett et al ( 2020 ) used museum specimens to study changes in brown rat cranial shape over time, and Cosentino and Gibbs ( 2022 ) used community‐sourced data to demonstrate the parallel evolution of clines in melanic Eastern gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ).…”

Section: Challenge 2: Trait–environment Relationships and The Natural...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research

Winchell

Avilés‐Rodríguez

Carlen

et al. 2022

Ecology and Evolution

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Although the field of urban evolutionary ecology has recently expanded, much progress has been made in identifying adaptations that arise as a result of selective pressures within these unique environments. However, as studies within urban environments have rapidly increased, researchers have recognized that there are challenges and opportunities in characterizing urban adaptation. Some of these challenges are a consequence of increased direct and indirect human influence, which compounds long‐recognized issues with research on adaptive evolution more generally. In this perspective, we discuss several common research challenges to urban adaptation related to (1) methodological approaches, (2) trait–environment relationships and the natural history of organisms, (3) agents and targets of selection, and (4) habitat heterogeneity. Ignoring these challenges may lead to misconceptions and further impede our ability to draw conclusions regarding evolutionary and ecological processes in urban environments. Our goal is to first shed light on the conceptual challenges of conducting urban adaptation research to help avoid the propagation of these misconceptions. We further summarize potential strategies to move forward productively to construct a more comprehensive picture of urban adaptation, and discuss how urban environments also offer unique opportunities and applications for adaptation research.

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Section: Moving Forwardmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Challenge 2: Trait–environment Relationships and The Natural...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research

Winchell

Avilés‐Rodríguez

Carlen

et al. 2022

Ecology and Evolution

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show abstract

“…To address gaps in knowledge regarding the natural history and trait-environment relationships in urban organisms, integrated research that combines observational studies (e.g., natural history and behavioral research) with experimental data of species living in cities is important. One approach to building a foundation of natural history information for urban organisms that has been successful in non-urban environments (Sforzi et al 2018, Fontaine et al 2021) is to incorporate community-sourced data collection into research. For example, Puckett et al (2020) used museum specimens to study changes in brown rat cranial shape over time, and Cosentino and Gibbs (2022) used community-sourced data to demonstrate parallel evolution of clines in melanic Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis ).…”

Section: Moving Forwardmentioning

confidence: 99%

Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research

Winchell

Avilés‐Rodríguez

Carlen

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Although the field of urban evolutionary ecology is in its infancy, much progress has been made in identifying adaptations that arise as a result of selective pressures within these unique environments. However, as studies within urban environments have rapidly increased, researchers have recognized there are challenges and opportunities in characterizing urban adaptation. Some of these challenges are novel as a consequence of increased direct and indirect human influence, which compounds long-recognized issues with research on adaptive evolution more generally. In this perspective, we discuss several common research challenges to urban adaptation related to: (1) methodological approaches, (2) trait-environment relationships and the natural history of organisms, (3) agents and targets of selection, and (4) habitat heterogeneity. Ignoring these challenges may lead to misconceptions and further impede our ability to draw conclusions regarding evolutionary and ecological processes in urban environments. Our goal is to first shed light on the conceptual challenges of conducting urban adaptation research to help avoid propagation of these misconceptions. We further summarize potential strategies to move forward productively to construct a more comprehensive picture of urban adaptation, and discuss how urban environments also offer unique opportunities and applications for adaptation research.

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“…Citizen scientists are not only reliable data providers. In our project, their task is crucial in identifying collected insects at the family and species level, as many citizen science experts can assist the project via their unique knowledge of certain insect groups [58]. The project also aims to connect the knowledge of isolated hobby entomologists.…”

Section: Communication Environmental Education Participation and Citi...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Insect-Friendly Road Lighting—A Transdisciplinary Multi-Stakeholder Approach Involving Citizen Scientists

Schroer

Austen

Moczek

et al. 2021

Insects

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(1) The project “Tatort Streetlight” implements an insect-friendly road light design in a four year before–after, control–impact (BACI) approach involving citizen scientists. It will broaden the stakeholder interests from solely anthropogenic perspectives to include the welfare of insects and ecosystems. Motivated by the detrimental impacts of road lighting systems on insects, the project aims to find solutions to reduce the insect attraction and habitat fragmentation resulting from roadway illumination. (2) The citizen science approach invites stakeholders to take part and join forces for the development of a sustainable and environmentally friendly road lighting solution. Here, we describe the project strategy, stakeholder participation and motivation, and how the effects of the alternative road luminaire and lighting design can be evaluated. (3) The study compares the changes in (a) insect behavior, (b) night sky brightness, and (c) stakeholder participation and awareness. For this purpose, different experimental areas and stakeholders in four communities in Germany are identified. (4) The project transfers knowledge of adverse effects of improperly managed road illumination and interacts with various stakeholders to develop a new road lighting system that will consider the well-being of street users, local residents, and insects.

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Do amateurs and citizen science fill the gaps left by scientists?

Cited by 21 publications

References 53 publications

Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research

Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research

Moving past the challenges and misconceptions in urban adaptation research

Towards Insect-Friendly Road Lighting—A Transdisciplinary Multi-Stakeholder Approach Involving Citizen Scientists

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