DEBBIES Dataset to study Life Histories across Ectotherms.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Demography

Background:

• Life history traits significantly influence species' life history strategies and demographic dynamics.
• Existing datasets often lack comprehensive life history trait data for many ectotherm species, limiting broad comparative analyses.
• Dynamic energy budget models offer a mechanistic framework to link life history traits to population-level outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the DEBBIES dataset, a novel compilation of eight key life history traits for 185 ectotherm species.
• To enable the parameterization of dynamic energy budget integral projection models (DEB-IPMs) for ecological and conservation applications.
• To facilitate cross-taxonomical comparisons and population forecasts for ectotherms, including data-deficient species.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of eight essential life history traits (e.g., length at birth, growth rate, mortality) for 185 ectotherm species.
• Dataset validation through technical assessment of agreement between observed and predicted longevity, generation time, and age at maturity.
• Development of DEB-IPMs utilizing the DEBBIES dataset to model population dynamics and resilience.

Main Results:

• The DEBBIES dataset offers extensive life history trait data for 185 ectotherm species.
• Technical validation confirmed satisfactory agreement between predicted and observed demographic parameters across species.
• DEB-IPMs parameterized with DEBBIES allow for robust population forecasts under novel conditions.

Conclusions:

• The DEBBIES dataset is a valuable resource for advancing ectotherm population ecology and conservation.
• It facilitates mechanistic understanding of life history trade-offs and their demographic consequences.
• The dataset empowers biologists to generate general predictions on ectotherm population responses using limited trait data.