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Levenson HK, Metz BN, Tarpy DR. Effects of study design parameters on estimates of bee abundance and richness in agroecosystems: a meta-analysis. ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 117:92-106. [PMID: 38486925 PMCID: PMC10933562 DOI: 10.1093/aesa/saae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Pollinators are critical for agricultural production and food security, leading to many ongoing surveys of pollinators (especially bees) in crop and adjacent landscapes. These surveys have become increasingly important to better understand the community of potential pollinators, quantify relative insect abundance, and secure crop ecosystem services. However, as some bee populations are declining, there is a need to align and improve bee survey efforts, so that they can best meet research and conservation goals, particularly in light of the logistical and financial constraints of conducting such studies. Here, we mined the existing literature on bee surveys in or around agricultural lands to better understand how sampling methods can be optimized to maximize estimates of 2 key measures of bee communities (abundance and richness). After reviewing 72 papers spanning 20 yr of publication, we found that study duration, number of sites, sampling time, and sampling method most significantly influenced abundance, while the number of trips per year and collection method significantly influenced richness. Our analysis helps to derive thresholds, priorities, and recommendations that can be applied to future studies describing bee communities in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Levenson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Bradley N Metz
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David R Tarpy
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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2
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Black EN, Blair JD, van der Burg KRL, Marshall KE. Crowd-sourced observations of a polyphagous moth reveal evidence of allochronic speciation varying along a latitudinal gradient. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288415. [PMID: 37440520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Allochronic speciation, where reproductive isolation between populations of a species is facilitated by a difference in reproductive timing, depends on abiotic factors such as seasonality and biotic factors such as diapause intensity. These factors are strongly influenced by latitudinal trends in climate, so we hypothesized that there is a relationship between latitude and divergence among populations separated by life history timing. Hyphantria cunea (the fall webworm), a lepidopteran defoliator with red and black colour morphs, is hypothesized to be experiencing an incipient allochronic speciation. However, given their broad geographic range, the strength of allochronic speciation may vary across latitude. We annotated >11,000 crowd-sourced observations of fall webworm to model geographic distribution, phenology, and differences in colour phenotype between morphs across North America. We found that red and black morph life history timing differs across North America, and the phenology of morphs diverges more in warmer climates at lower latitudes. We also found some evidence that the colour phenotype of morphs also diverges at lower latitudes, suggesting reduced gene flow between colour morphs. Our results demonstrate that seasonality in lower latitudes may increase the strength of allochronic speciation in insects, and that the strength of sympatric speciation can vary along a latitudinal gradient. This has implications for our understanding of broad-scale speciation events and trends in global biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Black
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jarrett D Blair
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karin R L van der Burg
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katie E Marshall
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Higino GT, Banville F, Dansereau G, Forero Muñoz NR, Windsor F, Poisot T. Mismatch between IUCN range maps and species interactions data illustrated using the Serengeti food web. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14620. [PMID: 36793892 PMCID: PMC9924135 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Range maps are a useful tool to describe the spatial distribution of species. However, they need to be used with caution, as they essentially represent a rough approximation of a species' suitable habitats. When stacked together, the resulting communities in each grid cell may not always be realistic, especially when species interactions are taken into account. Here we show the extent of the mismatch between range maps, provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and species interactions data. More precisely, we show that local networks built from those stacked range maps often yield unrealistic communities, where species of higher trophic levels are completely disconnected from primary producers. Methodology We used the well-described Serengeti food web of mammals and plants as our case study, and identify areas of data mismatch within predators' range maps by taking into account food web structure. We then used occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to investigate where data is most lacking. Results We found that most predator ranges comprised large areas without any overlapping distribution of their prey. However, many of these areas contained GBIF occurrences of the predator. Conclusions Our results suggest that the mismatch between both data sources could be due either to the lack of information about ecological interactions or the geographical occurrence of prey. We finally discuss general guidelines to help identify defective data among distributions and interactions data, and we recommend this method as a valuable way to assess whether the occurrence data that are being used, even if incomplete, are ecologically accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracielle T. Higino
- Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Francis Banville
- University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada,University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada,Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gabriel Dansereau
- University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada,Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Norma Rocio Forero Muñoz
- University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada,Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fredric Windsor
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Timothée Poisot
- University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada,Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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4
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Naqvi Q, Wolff PJ, Molano‐Flores B, Sperry JH. Camera traps are an effective tool for monitoring insect–plant interactions. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8962. [PMID: 35784070 PMCID: PMC9163375 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect and pollinator populations are vitally important to the health of ecosystems, food production, and economic stability, but are declining worldwide. New, cheap, and simple monitoring methods are necessary to inform management actions and should be available to researchers around the world. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available, close‐focus automated camera trap to monitor insect–plant interactions and insect behavior. We compared two video settings—scheduled and motion‐activated—to a traditional human observation method. Our results show that camera traps with scheduled video settings detected more insects overall than humans, but relative performance varied by insect order. Scheduled cameras significantly outperformed motion‐activated cameras, detecting more insects of all orders and size classes. We conclude that scheduled camera traps are an effective and relatively inexpensive tool for monitoring interactions between plants and insects of all size classes, and their ease of accessibility and set‐up allows for the potential of widespread use. The digital format of video also offers the benefits of recording, sharing, and verifying observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qaim Naqvi
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Patrick J. Wolff
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Champaign Illinois USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
| | | | - Jinelle H. Sperry
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Illinois USA
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Champaign Illinois USA
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5
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Abstract
Community (or citizen) science, the involvement of volunteers in scientific endeavors, has a long history. Over the past few centuries, the contributions of volunteers to our understanding of patterns and processes in entomology have been inspiring. From the collation of large-scale and long-term data sets, which have been instrumental in underpinning our knowledge of the status and trends of many insect groups, to action, including species management, whether for conservation or control, community scientists have played pivotal roles. Contributions, such as pest monitoring by farmers and species discoveries by amateur naturalists, set foundations for the research engaging entomologists today. The next decades will undoubtedly bring new approaches, tools, and technologies to underpin community science. The potential to increase inclusion within community science is providing exciting opportunities within entomology. An increase in the diversity of community scientists, alongside an increasing taxonomic and geographic breadth of initiatives, will bring enormous benefits globally for people and nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Gardiner
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA;
| | - Helen E Roy
- Biological Records Centre, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Oxford OX10 8BB, United Kingdom;
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6
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The Potential Role of School Citizen Science Programs in Infectious Disease Surveillance: A Critical Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18137019. [PMID: 34209178 PMCID: PMC8297284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Public involvement in science has allowed researchers to collect large-scale and real-time data and also engage citizens, so researchers are adopting citizen science (CS) in many areas. One promising appeal is student participation in CS school programs. In this literature review, we aimed to investigate which school CS programs exist in the areas of (applied) life sciences and if any projects target infectious disease surveillance. This review’s objectives are to determine success factors in terms of data quality and student engagement. After a comprehensive search in biomedical and social databases, we found 23 projects. None of the projects found focused on infectious disease surveillance, and the majority centered around species biodiversity. While a few projects had issues with data quality, simplifying the protocol or allowing students to resubmit data made the data collected more usable. Overall, students at different educational levels and disciplines were able to collect usable data that was comparable to expert data and had positive learning experiences. In this review, we have identified limitations and gaps in reported CS school projects and provided recommendations for establishing future programs. This review shows the value of using CS in collaboration with traditional research techniques to advance future science and increasingly engage communities.
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Gardiner MM, Perry KI, Riley CB, Turo KJ, Delgado de la flor YA, Sivakoff FS. Community science data suggests that urbanization and forest habitat loss threaten aphidophagous native lady beetles. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:2761-2774. [PMID: 33767834 PMCID: PMC7981222 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Community scientists have illustrated rapid declines of several aphidophagous lady beetle (Coccinellidae) species. These declines coincide with the establishment of alien coccinellids. We established the Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz program to measure the seasonal occupancy of coccinellids within gardens across a wide range of landscape contexts. Following the Habitat Compression Hypothesis, we predicted that gardens within agricultural landscapes would be alien-dominated, whereas captures of natives would be higher within landscapes encompassing a high concentration of natural habitat.Within the state of Ohio, USA, community scientists collected lady beetles for a 7-day period across 4 years in June and August using yellow sticky card traps. All identifications were verified by professional scientists and beetles were classified by three traits: status (alien or native), mean body length, and primary diet. We compared the relative abundance and diversity of coccinellids seasonally and determined if the distribution of beetles by size, status, and diet was related to landscape features.Alien species dominated the aphidophagous fauna. Native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance was positively correlated with forest habitat while alien species were more common when gardens were embedded within agricultural landscapes. Urbanization was negatively associated with both aphidophagous alien and native coccinellids. Synthesis and Applications: Our census of native coccinellid species within residential gardens-a widespread and understudied habitat-was enabled by volunteers. These data will serve as an important baseline to track future changes within coccinellid communities within this region. We found that native coccinellid species richness and native aphidophagous coccinellid abundance in gardens were positively associated with forest habitat at a landscape scale of 2 km. However, our understanding of when and why (overwintering, summer foraging, or both) forest habitats are important remains unclear. Our findings highlight the need to understand how declining aphidophagous native species utilize forest habitats as a conservation priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayla I. Perry
- Department of EntomologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Christopher B. Riley
- Department of EntomologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- Bartlett Tree Research LaboratoriesCharlotteNCUSA
| | | | - Yvan A. Delgado de la flor
- Department of EntomologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
- California Department of Pesticide RegulationSacramentoCAUSA
| | - Frances S. Sivakoff
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal BiologyThe Ohio State UniversityMarionOHUSA
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Bonelli M, Melotto A, Minici A, Eustacchio E, Gianfranceschi L, Gobbi M, Casartelli M, Caccianiga M. Manual Sampling and Video Observations: An Integrated Approach to Studying Flower-Visiting Arthropods in High-Mountain Environments. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11120881. [PMID: 33322607 PMCID: PMC7764373 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the rising interest in biotic interactions in mountain ecosystems, little is known about high-altitude flower-visiting arthropods. In particular, since the research in these environment can be limited or undermined by harsh conditions and logistical difficulties, it is mandatory to develop effective approaches that maximize possibilities to gather high-quality data. Here we compared two different methods, manual sampling and video observations, to investigate the interactions between the high-mountain arthropod community and flowers of Androsace brevis (Primulaceae), a vulnerable endemic alpine species with a short flowering period occurring in early season. We manually sampled flower-visiting arthropods according to the timed-observations method and recorded their activity on video. We assessed differences and effectiveness of the two approaches to estimate flower-visiting arthropod diversity and to identify potential taxa involved in A. brevis pollination. Both methods proved to be effective and comparable in describing the diversity of flower visitors at a high taxonomic level. However, with manual sampling we were able to obtain a fine taxonomic resolution for sampled arthropods and to evaluate which taxa actually carry A. brevis pollen, while video observations were less invasive and allowed us to assess arthropod behavior and to spot rare taxa. By combining the data obtained with these two approaches we could accurately identify flower-visiting arthropods, characterize their behavior, and hypothesize a role of Hymenoptera Apoidea and Diptera Brachycera in A. brevis pollination. Therefore, we propose integrating the two approaches as a powerful instrument to unravel interactions between flowering plants and associated fauna that can provide crucial information for the conservation of vulnerable environments such as high-mountain ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bonelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.M.); (E.E.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Melotto
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Alessio Minici
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.M.); (E.E.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Elena Eustacchio
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.M.); (E.E.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Luca Gianfranceschi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.M.); (E.E.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Mauro Gobbi
- Section of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, MUSE–Science Museum, 38122 Trento, Italy;
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.M.); (E.E.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- BAT Center–Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Caccianiga
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.M.); (E.E.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- BAT Center–Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Citizen science data reveals the need for keeping garden plant recommendations up-to-date to help pollinators. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20483. [PMID: 33235301 PMCID: PMC7686498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread concern over declines in pollinating insects has led to numerous recommendations of which “pollinator-friendly” plants to grow and help turn urban environments into valuable habitat for such important wildlife. Whilst communicated widely by organisations and readily taken up by gardeners, the provenance, accuracy, specificity and timeliness of such recommendations remain unclear. Here we use data (6429 records) gathered through a UK-wide citizen science programme (BeeWatch) to determine food plant use by the nations’ bumblebee species, and show that much of the plant use recorded does not reflect practitioner recommendations: correlation between the practitioners’ bumblebee-friendly plant list (376 plants compiled from 14 different sources) and BeeWatch records (334 plants) was low (r = 0.57), and only marginally higher than the correlation between BeeWatch records and the practitioners’ pollinator-friendly plant list (465 plants from 9 different sources; r = 0.52). We found pollinator-friendly plant lists to lack independence (correlation between practitioners’ bumblebee-friendly and pollinator-friendly lists: r = 0.75), appropriateness and precision, thus failing to recognise the non-binary nature of food-plant preference (bumblebees used many plants, but only in small quantities, e.g. lavender—the most popular plant in the BeeWatch database—constituted, at most, only 11% of records for any one bumblebee species) and stark differences therein among species and pollinator groups. We call for the provision and use of up-to-date dynamic planting recommendations driven by live (citizen science) data, with the possibility to specify pollinator species or group, to powerfully support transformative personal learning journeys and pollinator-friendly management of garden spaces.
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10
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Breeze TD, Bailey AP, Balcombe KG, Brereton T, Comont R, Edwards M, Garratt MP, Harvey M, Hawes C, Isaac N, Jitlal M, Jones CM, Kunin WE, Lee P, Morris RKA, Musgrove A, O'Connor RS, Peyton J, Potts SG, Roberts SPM, Roy DB, Roy HE, Tang CQ, Vanbergen AJ, Carvell C. Pollinator monitoring more than pays for itself. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom D. Breeze
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development University of Reading Reading UK
| | - Alison P. Bailey
- Department Land Management and Systems Lincoln University Lincoln New Zealand
| | - Kelvin G. Balcombe
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development University of Reading Reading UK
| | | | | | - Mike Edwards
- Edwards Ecological and Data Services Ltd Wallingford UK
| | - Michael P. Garratt
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development University of Reading Reading UK
| | - Martin Harvey
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences The Open University Milton Keynes UK
| | | | - Nick Isaac
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Wallingford UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rory S. O'Connor
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development University of Reading Reading UK
- Department of Biology Leeds University Leeds UK
| | | | - Simon G. Potts
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development University of Reading Reading UK
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MacPhail VJ, Gibson SD, Hatfield R, Colla SR. Using Bumble Bee Watch to investigate the accuracy and perception of bumble bee ( Bombus spp.) identification by community scientists. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9412. [PMID: 32655993 PMCID: PMC7331626 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Community science programs provide an opportunity to gather scientific data to inform conservation policy and management. This study examines the accuracy of community science identifications submitted to the North American Bumble Bee Watch program on a per species level and as compared to each species’ conservation status, as well as users (members of the public) and experts (those with expertise in the field of bumble bee biology) perceived ease of species identification. Photos of bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus) are submitted to the program by users and verified (species name corrected or assigned as necessary) by an expert. Over 22,000 records from over 4,900 users were used in the analyses. Accuracy was measured in two ways: percent agreement (percent of all records submitted correctly by users) and veracity (percent of all verified records submitted correctly by the users). Users generally perceived it harder to identify species than experts. User perceptions were not significantly different from the observed percent agreement or veracity, while expert perceptions were significantly different (overly optimistic) from the observed percent agreement but not the veracity. We compared user submitted names to final expert verified names and found that, for all species combined, the average percent agreement was 53.20% while the average veracity was 55.86%. There was a wide range in percent agreement values per species, although sample size and the role of chance did affect some species agreements. As the conservation status of species increased to higher levels of extinction risk, species were increasingly more likely to have a lower percent agreement but higher levels of veracity than species of least concern. For each species name submitted, the number of different species verified by experts varied from 1 to 32. Future research may investigate which factors relate to success in user identification through community science. These findings could play a role in informing the design of community science programs in the future, including for use in long-term and national-level monitoring of wild pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Hatfield
- The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sheila R Colla
- Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Almeida BK, Garg M, Kubat M, Afkhami ME. Not that kind of tree: Assessing the potential for decision tree-based plant identification using trait databases. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2020; 8:e11379. [PMID: 32765978 PMCID: PMC7394705 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Advancements in machine learning and the rise of accessible "big data" provide an important opportunity to improve trait-based plant identification. Here, we applied decision-tree induction to a subset of data from the TRY plant trait database to (1) assess the potential of decision trees for plant identification and (2) determine informative traits for distinguishing taxa. METHODS Decision trees were induced using 16 vegetative and floral traits (689 species, 20 genera). We assessed how well the algorithm classified species from test data and pinpointed those traits that were important for identification across diverse taxa. RESULTS The unpruned tree correctly placed 98% of the species in our data set into genera, indicating its promise for distinguishing among the species used to construct them. Furthermore, in the pruned tree, an average of 89% of the species from the test data sets were properly classified into their genera, demonstrating the flexibility of decision trees to also classify new species into genera within the tree. Closer inspection revealed that seven of the 16 traits were sufficient for the classification, and these traits yielded approximately two times more initial information gain than those not included. DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrate the potential for tree-based machine learning and big data in distinguishing among taxa and determining which traits are important for plant identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna K. Almeida
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Miami1301 Memorial DriveCoral GablesFlorida33143USA
| | - Manish Garg
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Miami1251 Memorial DriveCoral GablesFlorida33143USA
| | - Miroslav Kubat
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of Miami1251 Memorial DriveCoral GablesFlorida33143USA
| | - Michelle E. Afkhami
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Miami1301 Memorial DriveCoral GablesFlorida33143USA
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13
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Pusceddu M, Floris I, Mannu R, Cocco A, Satta A. Using verified citizen science as a tool for monitoring the European hornet (Vespa crabro) in the island of Sardinia (Italy). NEOBIOTA 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.50.37587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The European hornet, Vespa crabro L. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), is a eusocial insect native to Eurasia that was accidentally introduced in the island of Sardinia (Italy) in 2010. This alien generalist predator could impact on native insect species through predation or competition by modifying interspecific relations in sensitive island ecosystems. As part of the Interreg project ALIEM, the present work regarded the first monitoring activity of the European hornet conducted in Sardinia by means of verified citizen science. The main goals of this study were to define the distribution area of the wasp in 2018 and evaluate the profile and the performance of citizen scientists. Our results showed that V. crabro is mainly located in north-eastern Sardinia and that the hotspot was probably the commercial port of Olbia. Furthermore, data provided by contributors were very accurate and none of the parameters considered to define the participants (age, gender, education level, job category) was a true predictor of a volunteer’s ability to recognise the wasp. In conclusion, this small-scale study suggests that citizen scientists could be a valuable aid to monitor already-established alien species and could be part of a surveillance network for early detection of other potentially invasive alien species not yet introduced in Sardinia, such as the yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina, which is already present in northern Italy.
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14
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Brown ED, Williams BK. The potential for citizen science to produce reliable and useful information in ecology. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:561-569. [PMID: 30242907 PMCID: PMC7754136 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We examined features of citizen science that influence data quality, inferential power, and usefulness in ecology. As background context for our examination, we considered topics such as ecological sampling (probability based, purposive, opportunistic), linkage between sampling technique and statistical inference (design based, model based), and scientific paradigms (confirmatory, exploratory). We distinguished several types of citizen science investigations, from intensive research with rigorous protocols targeting clearly articulated questions to mass-participation internet-based projects with opportunistic data collection lacking sampling design, and examined overarching objectives, design, analysis, volunteer training, and performance. We identified key features that influence data quality: project objectives, design and analysis, and volunteer training and performance. Projects with good designs, trained volunteers, and professional oversight can meet statistical criteria to produce high-quality data with strong inferential power and therefore are well suited for ecological research objectives. Projects with opportunistic data collection, little or no sampling design, and minimal volunteer training are better suited for general objectives related to public education or data exploration because reliable statistical estimation can be difficult or impossible. In some cases, statistically robust analytical methods, external data, or both may increase the inferential power of certain opportunistically collected data. Ecological management, especially by government agencies, frequently requires data suitable for reliable inference. With standardized protocols, state-of-the-art analytical methods, and well-supervised programs, citizen science can make valuable contributions to conservation by increasing the scope of species monitoring efforts. Data quality can be improved by adhering to basic principles of data collection and analysis, designing studies to provide the data quality required, and including suitable statistical expertise, thereby strengthening the science aspect of citizen science and enhancing acceptance by the scientific community and decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor D. Brown
- Science and Decisions CenterU.S. Geological Survey12201 Sunrise Valley DriveRestonVA20192U.S.A.
| | - Byron K. Williams
- The Wildlife Society5410 Grosvenor Lane, Suite 200BethesdaMD20814U.S.A.
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15
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Cooley JR, Arguedas N, Bonaros E, Bunker G, Chiswell SM, DeGiovine A, Edwards M, Hassanieh D, Haji D, Knox J, Kritsky G, Mills C, Mozgai D, Troutman R, Zyla J, Hasegawa H, Sota T, Yoshimura J, Simon C. The periodical cicada four-year acceleration hypothesis revisited and the polyphyletic nature of Brood V, including an updated crowd-source enhanced map (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada). PeerJ 2018; 6:e5282. [PMID: 30083444 PMCID: PMC6074776 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The periodical cicadas of North America (Magicicada spp.) are well-known for their long life cycles of 13 and 17 years and their mass synchronized emergences. Although periodical cicada life cycles are relatively strict, the biogeographic patterns of periodical cicada broods, or year-classes, indicate that they must undergo some degree of life cycle switching. We present a new map of periodical cicada Brood V, which emerged in 2016, and demonstrate that it consists of at least four distinct parts that span an area in the United States stretching from Ohio to Long Island. We discuss mtDNA haplotype variation in this brood in relation to other periodical cicada broods, noting that different parts of this brood appear to have different origins. We use this information to refine a hypothesis for the formation of periodical cicada broods by 1- and 4-year life cycle jumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Cooley
- College of Integrative Sciences, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, United States of America.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Nidia Arguedas
- Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Gerry Bunker
- Massachusetts Cicadas, Marlborough, MA, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Chiswell
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Marten Edwards
- Department of Biology, Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, United States of America
| | - Diane Hassanieh
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Diler Haji
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - John Knox
- Department of Biology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, United States of America
| | - Gene Kritsky
- Department of Biology, Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Mills
- Research Services, The University of Connecticut Libraries, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Dan Mozgai
- Cicada mania, NJ, United States of America
| | | | - John Zyla
- Mid-Atlantic Cicadas, MD, United States of America
| | - Hiroki Hasegawa
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teiji Sota
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jin Yoshimura
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Chris Simon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
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16
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Morán‐Ordóñez A, Canessa S, Bota G, Brotons L, Herrando S, Hermoso V. Efficiency of species survey networks can be improved by integrating different monitoring approaches in a spatial prioritization design. Conserv Lett 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Morán‐Ordóñez
- Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology lab, Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) Solsona Catalonia Spain
- Centre for Research on Ecology and Forestry Applications (CREAF) Cerdanyola del Valles Catalonia Spain
| | - Stefano Canessa
- Wildlife Health Ghent, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDepartment of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Ghent University Merelbeke Belgium
| | - Gerard Bota
- Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology lab, Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) Solsona Catalonia Spain
| | - Lluis Brotons
- Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology lab, Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) Solsona Catalonia Spain
- Centre for Research on Ecology and Forestry Applications (CREAF) Cerdanyola del Valles Catalonia Spain
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) Cerdanyola del Valles Catalonia Spain
| | - Sergi Herrando
- Natural History Museum of Barcelona, Catalan Ornithological Institute (ICO) Barcelona Catalonia Spain
| | - Virgilio Hermoso
- Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology lab, Centre de Ciència i Tecnologia Forestal de Catalunya (CTFC) Solsona Catalonia Spain
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17
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Brannon MP, Brannon JK, Baird RE. Educational Applications of Small-Mammal Skeletal Remains Found in Discarded Bottles. SOUTHEAST NAT 2017. [DOI: 10.1656/058.016.0sp1005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard E. Baird
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Box 9655, Mississippi State, MS 39762
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18
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Roy HE, Baxter E, Saunders A, Pocock MJO. Correction: Focal Plant Observations as a Standardised Method for Pollinator Monitoring: Opportunities and Limitations for Mass Participation Citizen Science. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155571. [PMID: 27159165 PMCID: PMC4861288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150794.].
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