Body-size distributions and size-spectra: universal indicators of ecological status?

Abstract

The sizes of individual organisms, rather than their taxonomy, are used to inform management and conservation in some aquatic ecosystems. The European Science Foundation Research Network, SIZEMIC, facilitates integration of such approaches with the more taxonomic approaches used in terrestrial ecology. During its 4-year tenure, the Network is bringing together researchers from disciplines including theorists, empiricists, government employees, and practitioners, via a series of meetings, working groups and research visits. The research conducted suggests that organismal size, with a generous helping of taxonomy, provides the most probable route to universal indicators of ecological status.

Keywords

allometry; taxonomy; ecosystem assessment

Published in

Biology Letters
2010, Volume: 6, number: 4, pages: 434-437 Publisher: ROYAL SOC

SLU Authors

• Belgrano, Andrea

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2010.0240

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/43115