Novel community data in ecology-properties and prospects

Hartig, F. and Abrego, N. and Bush, A. and Chase, J.M. and Guillera-Arroita, G. and Leibold, M.A. and Ovaskainen, O. and Pellissier, L. and Pichler, M. and Poggiato, G. and Pollock, L. and Si-Moussi, S. and Thuiller, W. and Viana, D.S. and Warton, D.I. and Zurell, D. and Yu, D.W. (2024) Novel community data in ecology-properties and prospects. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 39 (3). pp. 280-293. ISSN 0169-5347

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Abstract

New technologies for monitoring biodiversity such as environmental (e)DNA, passive acoustic monitoring, and optical sensors promise to generate automated spatiotemporal community observations at unprecedented scales and resolutions. Here, we introduce 'novel community data' as an umbrella term for these data. We review the emerging field around novel community data, focusing on new ecological questions that could be addressed; the analytical tools available or needed to make best use of these data; and the potential implications of these developments for policy and conservation. We conclude that novel community data offer many opportunities to advance our understanding of fundamental ecological processes, including community assembly, biotic interactions, micro- and macroevolution, and overall ecosystem functioning. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.]