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An oversimplification of physiological principles leads to flawed macroecological analyses
Justin G Boyles1, Danielle L Levesque2, Julia Nowack3
1Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory Center for Ecology School of Biological Sciences Southern Illinois University Carbondale IL USA.
Ecology and Evolution
|December 14, 2019
Summary
Macrophysiological analyses can predict species ranges but often oversimplify endotherm physiology. Integrating accurate thermoregulation and energetics is crucial for better macroecological predictions.
Area of Science:
- Endotherm physiology
- Macroecology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Macrophysiological analyses predict species range limits.
- Current models often oversimplify endotherm energetics and thermoregulation.
- This limits the applicability of macroecological predictions.
Discussion:
- The classic Scholander-Irving model is a common basis for macrophysiological analyses.
- Oversimplifications in this model reduce the accuracy of predictions.
- There is a need for more physiologically realistic models.
Key Insights:
- Macrophysiological analyses require accurate integration of endotherm physiology.
- Thermoregulatory and energetic simplifications hinder predictive power.
- Improved physiological models enhance macroecological understanding.
Outlook:
- Encouraging research teams to refine macrophysiological models.
- Promoting the integration of detailed physiology into macroecology.
- Advancing the predictive capabilities of ecological range modeling.
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