EcoEvoApps: Interactive apps for theoretical models in ecology and evolutionary biology

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Quantitative Biology

Background:

• Mathematical models are crucial for ecological and evolutionary theory but often inaccessible to students and empiricists.
• A gap exists between theoretical models and empirical data due to quantitative barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop accessible, interactive tools for learning quantitative ecological and evolutionary models.
• To bridge the gap between mathematical theory and empirical research in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Main Methods:

• Developed EcoEvoApps, a collection of free, open-source, multilingual R/Shiny applications.
• Apps feature model overviews, interactive simulations, and R code for canonical models in population dynamics, species interactions, and landscape ecology.

Main Results:

• Student surveys indicate EcoEvoApps are valuable learning tools.
• Interactive app usage significantly increased student interest and confidence in mathematical modeling.

Conclusions:

• Interactive tools can enhance the accessibility of theoretical models for a broader audience.
• EcoEvoApps facilitate the integration of theory and data in ecology and evolutionary biology.
• These apps serve as effective pedagogical tools for quantitative biology education.