Studying biodiversity: is a new paradigm really needed?
BioScience
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Authors in this journal have recommended a new approach to the conduct of biodiversity science. This data-driven approach requires the organization of large amounts of ecological data, analysis of these data to discover complex patterns, and subsequent development of hypotheses corresponding to detected patterns. This proposed new approach has been contrasted with more-traditional knowledge-based approaches in which investigators deduce consequences of competing hypotheses to be confronted with actual data, providing a basis for discriminating among the hypotheses. We note that one approach is directed at hypothesis generation, whereas the other is also focused on discriminating among competing hypotheses. Here, we argue for the importance of using existing knowledge to the separate issues of (a) hypothesis selection and generation and (b) hypothesis discrimination and testing. In times of limited conservation funding, the relative efficiency of different approaches to learning should be an important consideration in decisions about how to study biodiversity.
Suggested Citation
Nichols, J., Cooch, E.G., Nichols, J., Sauer, J., 2012, Studying biodiversity: is a new paradigm really needed?: BioScience, v. 62, no. 5, p. 497-502, https://doi.org/10.1525/bio.2012.62.5.11.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Studying biodiversity: is a new paradigm really needed? |
| Series title | BioScience |
| DOI | 10.1525/bio.2012.62.5.11 |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Institute of Biological Sciences |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | BioScience |
| First page | 497 |
| Last page | 502 |