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The Philosophy of Outliers: Reintegrating Rare Events Into Biological Science
Chelsea N Cook1, Angela R Freeman2, James C Liao3
1Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
|July 20, 2021
Summary
Scientists should re-evaluate "outlier" data, recognizing rare events and individuals as crucial drivers of evolution. Embracing this perspective enhances our understanding of biological diversity and evolutionary processes.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Phenotypic Variation
- Biological Sciences
Background:
- Individual variation in morphology, physiology, and behavior is a key area of biological research.
- Historically, outlier observations or rare events in experiments have been excluded from analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reframe the scientific perspective on
- outliers
- to better understand biological diversity and evolution.
- To highlight the significance of rare events and individuals in driving evolutionary change.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical shift in data interpretation.
- Funding novel collaborations through science 'weavers'.
- Integrating long-term field and laboratory studies.
Main Results:
- Outlier data can represent real biological phenomena, not just experimental noise.
- Recognizing rare events provides insights into evolutionary mechanisms.
- Integrative approaches reveal the action of outliers in populations.
Conclusions:
- A cultural shift towards integrative science is necessary.
- Incorporating diverse teams, citizen scientists, and local naturalists will enrich research.
- This approach will improve the understanding of variation and evolution and transform science education.
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