Microcosm Experiments for Improved Species Distribution Models

本计画旨在以原生生物为研究对象，建立一个具空间解析性的实验系统，以评估动态分布模式的预测效能，动态分布模式是一种新兴的物种分布模式。物种分布模型是生态科学的一个基本组成部分，并支持一系列与管理受威胁和入侵物种有关的应用。该项目预计将提供洞察这些模型何时可能比非实验室环境中更传统的相关模型更好地工作。这些实验将为动态分布模型的进一步发展提供信息，并有助于确定动态分布模型是否可以有效地应用于物种管理。

This project aims to use a spatially-explicit experimental system based on protists (microscopic organisms) to evaluate the predictive performance of dynamic distribution models, which are a newly-emerging class of species distribution models. Species distribution models are a fundamental part of ecological science, and underpin a range of applications related to managing threatened and invasive species. The project is expected to provide insights into when these models are likely to work better than more traditional correlative models in non-lab environments. The experiments will inform further development of dynamic distribution models, and help determine whether dynamic distribution models can be usefully applied to species management.