RCN: Invasion Biology of Insects--Collections and Approaches

该研究协调网络综合了理解和预测生物入侵的方法。这项工作涉及39名参与者，并汇集了来自分子遗传学、昆虫博物馆藏品和统计计算的数据。网络活动包括：(1)数据库开发；(2)特定入侵物种研讨会；(3)研究交流以开发方法；（四）年度专题讨论会；(5)焦点小组讨论与入侵物种有关的紧迫和新出现的问题。生物入侵是一个重大的生态和经济问题，由于全球运输和贸易，其影响可能会增加。然而，入侵生物学向预测科学的发展受到信息不完全的阻碍：对大多数外来入侵物种来说，大尺度的时空格局是未知的，对许多物种来说，甚至它们的身份都是不确定的。本项目研究陆生节肢动物（特别是昆虫），因为它们对各种自然和管理生境有影响，并且需要协调具有不同任务（如基础研究、应用管理、教育）的机构的研究人员的努力。RCN将在国内和国际上提供一系列级别的培训。该项目将有利于自然科学、农业和生物安全领域，并将为学生、研究人员和政策制定者提供有关外来入侵物种的网上信息。

This research coordination network synthesizes approaches to understand and predict biological invasions. The work involves 39 participants and pulls together data from molecular genetics, insect museum collections, and statistical computation. Networking activities include: (1) database development, (2) workshops on particular invasive species, (3) research exchanges to develop methodology; (4) annual symposia; and (5) focus groups to address urgent and emerging issues associated with invasive species.Biological invasions are of major ecological and economic concern and their impacts are likely to increase as a result of global transportation and trade. However, the development of the field of invasion biology into a predictive science is hampered by incomplete information: for most alien invasive species broad-scale spatial and temporal patterns are unknown and for many species even their identity is uncertain. This project studies terrestrial arthropods (particularly insects) because of their impact in a variety of natural and managed habitats and the need to coordinate efforts of researchers at institutions with different missions (e.g., basic research, applied management, education). The RCN will provide training at a range of levels both nationally and internationally. The project will benefit the fields of natural science, agriculture, and biosecurity, and will also provide web-accessible information on alien invasive species for students, researchers, and policy makers.