科研之友
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摘要
What if there was a way to solve one of the most complex and important scale challenges that ecologists face: the selection of the appropriate sampling scale resolution and extent when conducting studies. To date, the investigator conducting any study has been tasked with this challenge. Qualitatively different patterns arise as the scale resolution or extent of the observation is changed. Likewise, different patterns arise as the scales of the sampling are changed. Too often, data at one resolution are aggregated or interpretations of patterns at smaller scale resolutions and extents are extrapolated to larger extents. When this is done, either modifiable areal unit problems or extrapolation errors arise. I argue that consilient developments in movement ecology, graph (network) theory and analyses, and important technical advances in biologging can be linked synergistically to directly address the sampling scale problem, particularly in studies where understanding animal response to changing landscapes is the goal. The essence of the solution is that rather than having to decide the spatial extent and resolution to use, the issue is avoided by allowing the telemetered animal to show the relevant scales it uses as it moves during its daily, seasonal, and annual activities. The consilient result is that big data at the appropriate scales can be extracted rather than aggregated as is now the rule. Without data aggregation, no modifiable areal unit problems are involved because the dynamics are network based. Additionally, use of first passage time methodology and measurement of area-restricted movements allow assessments of the scales of activity and the effects of environmental covariates on animal movement. I begin with a brief history of the concept of scale, describing what is considered to be the essence of the problem. I follow with a brief explanation of the developments in movement ecology, graph theory and analysis, and the technical advancements in biologging with examples from studies of wildlife species that are using these new developments. I then describe how their consilient integration can provide a different way of thinking about scale resolution and extent in ecology and suggest how ecologists can avoid the observer sampling scale complication by making a critical scale distinction and by using first passage time analyses. (c) 2016 The Wildlife Society. Recent developments in movement theory, network analyses, and biologging, coupled with first passage time analyses, allow a new approach to habitat selection and the possibility to avoid troublesome scale sampling problems. Modifiable areal unit problems inherent in most habitat selection models can be avoided.
- 出版日期2017-2
