Citation:

FERRARO, S. P. Ecological periodic tables: Killer apps for translational ecology. Presented at Pacific Estuarine Research Society 2011, Astoria, OR, March 03 - 05, 2011.

Impact/Purpose:

The chemical periodic table, the Linnaean system of classification and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram are information organizing structures that have transformed chemistry, biology and astronomy, respectively.

Description:

The chemical periodic table, the Linnaean system of classification and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram are information organizing structures that have transformed chemistry, biology and astronomy, respectively. Ecological periodic tables are information organizing structures with the potential to transform ecology. The elements in ecological periodic tables are operationally defined habitat types. Tabled attributes of the elements are predictably recurring (hence, “periodic” in the table’s name) properties of biotic communities using the habitat types. These will typically be indicators of habitat quality or preference such as species richness, abundance and biomass. If scientific knowledge is to be actionable, it must be communicated in ways stakeholders, including policymakers, resource managers and the general public, can understand. Ecological periodic tables are rich in environmental and resource-management-relevant information. And they are easy to understand. This combination makes them killer applications for translational ecology. By helping to bridge the communication gap that often exists between scientists and non-scientists, ecological periodic tables improve the likelihood that ecological knowledge will be used in the formulation of environmental policies and in the resource management decision-making process.

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