A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
iEcology: Harnessing Large Online Resources to Generate Ecological Insights
Authors: Jaric I, Correia RA, Brook BW, Buettel JC, Courchamp F, Di Minin E, Firth JA, Gaston KJ, Jepson P, Kalinkat G, Ladle R, Soriano-Redondo A, Souza AT, Roll U
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Journal name in source: TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Journal acronym: TRENDS ECOL EVOL
Volume: 35
First page : 630
Last page: 639
Number of pages: 10
ISSN: 0169-5347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2020.03.003
Abstract
Digital data are accumulating at unprecedented rates. These contain a lot of information about the natural world, some of which can be used to answer key ecological questions. Here, we introduce iEcology (i.e., internet ecology), an emerging research approach that uses diverse online data sources and methods to generate insights about species distribution over space and time, interactions and dynamics of organisms and their environment, and anthropogenic impacts. We review iEcology data sources and methods, and provide examples of potential research applications. We also outline approaches to reduce potential biases and improve reliability and applicability. As technologies and expertise improve, and costs diminish, iEcology will become an increasingly important means to gain novel insights into the natural world.
Digital data are accumulating at unprecedented rates. These contain a lot of information about the natural world, some of which can be used to answer key ecological questions. Here, we introduce iEcology (i.e., internet ecology), an emerging research approach that uses diverse online data sources and methods to generate insights about species distribution over space and time, interactions and dynamics of organisms and their environment, and anthropogenic impacts. We review iEcology data sources and methods, and provide examples of potential research applications. We also outline approaches to reduce potential biases and improve reliability and applicability. As technologies and expertise improve, and costs diminish, iEcology will become an increasingly important means to gain novel insights into the natural world.
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