A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

iEcology: Harnessing Large Online Resources to Generate Ecological Insights




AuthorsJaric 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

PublisherELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON

Publication year2020

JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution

Journal name in sourceTRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION

Journal acronymTRENDS ECOL EVOL

Volume35

First page 630

Last page639

Number of pages10

ISSN0169-5347

DOIhttps://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.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 15:44