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Harnessing meta-analyses' insights in ecology and evolution research
Pietro Pollo1,2, April Robin Martinig1,3, Ayumi Mizuno4
1Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.
Royal Society Open Science
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Ecologists and evolutionary biologists often cite meta-analyses but overlook key quantitative findings like effect size magnitude and data limitations. Improved citation practices are needed to fully harness these powerful research syntheses.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolution
- Scientific Literature Synthesis
Background:
- Meta-analyses are crucial for synthesizing research in ecology and evolution.
- Understanding and application of meta-analysis findings by researchers remain uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify meta-analytical concepts (effect sizes, heterogeneity) for researchers.
- To investigate citation frequency and context of meta-analyses in ecology and evolution.
- To promote improved citation practices for meta-analyses.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual clarification of meta-analysis terms.
- Analysis of meta-analysis citations in 2023 ecology and evolution publications.
- Evaluation of how meta-analysis findings are reported in cited articles.
Main Results:
- Approximately 21% of articles cited at least one meta-analysis.
- Meta-analysis citations (0.62%) exceeded their publication frequency (0.44%).
- Citation often mentioned effect size direction but omitted magnitude and data limitations.
Conclusions:
- Researchers frequently cite meta-analyses but do not fully utilize their quantitative insights.
- There is a need to enhance how meta-analysis results, including limitations, are incorporated into ecological and evolutionary research.
- Recommendations are provided to improve the citation and application of meta-analyses.
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