Uniting Experiments and Big Data to advance ecology and conservation

McCleery, Robert A.; Guralnick, Robert; Beatty, Meghan A.; Belitz, Michael W.; Campbell, Caitlin J.; Idec, Jacob H.; Jones, Maggie M.; Kang, Yiyang; Potash, Alex D.; Fletcher, Robert J.

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.010

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 68 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Here, our study adds an important macrovevolutionary lens to previous experimental predator-prey work. Uniting these two levels of information provides important advancement to our understanding of complex evolutionary dynamics and opens new lines of inquiry for future research [115]. Such multi-scale investigation into the relative pressures of competing eco-evolutionary forces can help illuminate the historical context within which other elaborate traits have originated and diversified across taxonomic systems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Macroevolutionary Constraint and Selection on Anti-Bat Moth Tails

Rubin,

Campbell,

Carvalho

et al. 2024

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Elaborate traits evolve via intense selective pressure, often overpowering ecological constraints. Hindwing tails that thwart bat attack have repeatedly originated in moon moths (Saturniidae), with longer tails having more pronounced anti-predator effect. Understanding the relative evolutionary balance between predation pressure and possible limiting factors requires a macroevolutionary perspective. To estimate the eco-evolutionary forces shaping tails, we conducted phylogenetically-informed linear regressions. We built a well-sampled, time-calibrated phylogeny of the entirely tailed moth group (Actias + Argema) and performed ancestral state reconstruction and biogeographical analyses. To generate metrics of evolutionary pressures, we developed estimates of bat predator abundance and estimated environmental conditions associated with individual moth wing measurements. This integrative approach reveals evidence for positive selection on hindwing tails and body size by bats and negative selective pressure from environmental factors. Our study provides insight into the tradeoffs between strong biotic selective pressures and abiotic constraints that shape elaborate traits across the tree-of-life.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Macroevolutionary Constraint and Selection on Anti-Bat Moth Tails

Rubin,

Campbell,

Carvalho

et al. 2024

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…We proposed a step back focusing on improving transparent data reporting because standardizing field experiment reporting has the potential to enhance our capacity to understand generalities and develop new theories based on empirical and functional relationships across spatial and temporal scales (McCleery et al., 2023). Our guidelines consist of a multilingual checklist (see Appendix S2) that can be easily implemented in ecological restoration projects.…”

Section: Practical Guidelines With Minimum Standards For Data Reporti...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The guidelines can also be used in sites where new ecosystems will be created and/or interventions have other goals within the restorative continuum (Gann et al., 2019). Our guideline is a tool for restoration practitioners, scientists and decision makers aiming to increase the value of scientific evidence and moving TGB restoration experiments towards a more open, reliable and transparent science (McCleery et al., 2023; O'Dea et al., 2021). Below, we discussed the main issues regarding data reporting and provided suggestions for minimum standards for data reporting and experimental designs with a full checklist in (Appendix S2).…”

Section: Practical Guidelines With Minimum Standards For Data Reporti...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Systematic review of field research reveals critical shortfalls for restoration of tropical grassy biomes

Medeiros,

Ordóñez‐Parra,

Buisson

et al. 2024

Journal of Applied Ecology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Scientists and policymakers are becoming aware of the pressing need to restore tropical grassy biomes (TGB), which are home to unique biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services to hundreds of millions of people. TGB face increasing threats, including forest‐ and tree‐centric restoration approaches that promote their degradation and we still lack a systematic assessment of where and how TGB restoration research has been done to guide policy and practice. We synthesized knowledge on field restoration experiments by conducting a systematic literature review to map TGB restoration field studies, examine the association of restoration techniques and degradation sources and investigate the diversity of indicators used to monitor restoration outcomes. TGB restoration was concentrated at Brazilian and Australian savannas, with large blindspots in Asia, Africa and northern and western South America. Studies were largely context‐dependent, with an inconsistent usage of restoration techniques to different sources of degradation. Less than half of the indicators evaluated were monitored consistently through time, often using a low‐dimensional approach related to ecosystem functioning. Few studies manipulated fire, herbivores and soils, the key drivers for the re‐establishment of TGB dynamics. Unfortunately, many studies lacked negative (degraded ecosystems), positive (reference ecosystems) controls, or both, impairing attempts to robustly determine restoration outcomes. Our overview of field research on TGB restoration highlights that research needs improvement to refine our ability to assess, plan, implement and monitor restoration. Severe issues with experimental designs and data reporting are identified as barriers to find generality and upscale TGB restoration to meet the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Synthesis and applications. Our synthesis calls for enhanced field experiments, transparent data reporting and quantitative syntheses to guide large‐scale TGB restoration. The overall lack of knowledge on improving resilience and measuring outcomes hampers meaningful comparisons between studies and hinders synthetic views essential for determining appropriate restoration techniques for different degradation sources and suitable monitoring indicators. To overcome the scarcity of reliable and transparent data supporting TGB restoration, we propose a simple checklist for minimum research reporting information and more complete multilingual standardized guidelines.

show abstract