What are the most commonly used methods for creating species distribution models?5 answersSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are typically created using various techniques, with the choice of method influenced by data availability and impacting model outcomes. One common approach involves incorporating expert knowledge through expert elicitation processes, where experts provide valuable information on species distributions, leading to improved predictions when combined with survey data. Additionally, SDMs play a crucial role in estimating species abundance based on environmental variables, aiding in conservation planning and reserve selection. These models often rely on environmental data, particularly climatic and topographical variables, to represent large-scale physiological conditions and small-scale factors affecting energy input and moisture availability for species.
What is the best species distribution model software?5 answersThe best species distribution model software is a matter of debate, with various tools offering different strengths. MaxEnt is a popular choice for species distribution modeling, known for its flexibility and effectiveness. However, the FlexSDM R package introduces modeling flexibility and integration with other tools, providing a tailored approach for diverse modeling needs. On the other hand, the ENphylo algorithm combines Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) and phylogenetic imputation to accurately predict species distributions, especially for rare or extinct species with limited occurrence records. Each software tool has its advantages, with MaxEnt being widely used, FlexSDM offering flexibility, and ENphylo excelling in predicting distributions for rare and extinct species.
What is species distribution modelling?5 answersSpecies distribution modelling (SDM) is a widely utilized tool in biogeography that describes how species interact with their environment, predicts their spatial distributions, and aids in various conservation and ecological studies. SDM involves integrating species data (presence/absence, abundance) with environmental data (climatic, topographical) to create models that help understand past species dynamics, identify biodiversity patterns, define ecoregions, prioritize conservation efforts, and forecast species range shifts in response to global changes. The choice of sampling type and environmental resolution significantly impacts the reliability of SDM, with sampling type having a stronger effect on model relevance than resolution. Challenges in SDM include clarifying the niche concept, improving sample design, model parameterization, predictor selection, and assessing model performance and transferability.
What are the key factors that influence species distribution modeling?4 answersKey factors influencing species distribution modeling include the choice of sampling type, resolution of environmental conditions, model transferability, incorporation of species interactions, and accuracy challenges. Sampling type, such as segment- or areal-based, significantly impacts model relevance. Model transferability is crucial, affected by geographical distance, degree of extrapolation, and species traits like distribution size and lifespan. Incorporating species interactions is challenging but essential for accurate predictions, requiring consideration of spatial scales and diverse training data. Accuracy challenges stem from various factors like environmental and species data, ecological differences, computational resources, model choice, and spatial resolution. These factors collectively emphasize the complexity and importance of making informed decisions in species distribution modeling.
The contraction of distribution range of mammals?4 answersThe contraction of mammal distribution ranges is influenced by a combination of factors including large body mass, increase in air temperature, loss of natural land, high human population density, small body size, generalist diet, and high reproductive rates. Environmental variables, such as mean annual precipitation, have a greater effect on species persistence and extinction compared to anthropogenic variables. The three main null models proposed for range contraction (demographic, contagion, and refuge) do not consistently conform to observed contraction patterns, suggesting the need for alternative models that account for both relative position and intensity of human impacts. Past climate change, particularly Quaternary range contractions and reduced suitability, predicts current mammal extinction risk, especially for threatened and small-bodied species. Habitat destruction from anthropogenic land use change is the main driver of range contraction, causing an average 23% loss of species ranges thus far, with tropical, small-ranged, and endangered species being particularly impacted.
How can species distribution modeling be used to predict the risk of tick-borne diseases?5 answersSpecies distribution modeling can be used to predict the risk of tick-borne diseases by assessing the potential geographic range of tick species and their associated pathogens. These models capture habitat suitability for ticks by considering environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, and land cover. By incorporating location records of tick species and associated pathogens, distribution maps can be created using geographic information system (GIS) software. These models can also take into account the distribution of host species, which play a role in the transmission cycle of tick-borne diseases. Predictive models can estimate the suitable habitats for tick species worldwide, helping to identify areas at risk for tick-borne diseases. This information can inform public health decision-making, surveillance efforts, and the development of surveillance and control measures to mitigate the risks posed by tick-borne diseases.