Species' range model metadata standards: RMMS

摘要: AIM: The geographic range and ecological niche of species are widely used concepts in ecology, evolution conservation many modelling approaches have been developed to quantify each. Niche distribution methods require a litany design choices; differences among subdisciplines created communication barriers that increase isolation scientific advances. As result, understanding reproducing the work others is difficult, if not impossible. It often challenging evaluate whether model has built appropriately for its intended application or subsequent reuse. Here, we propose standardized metadata framework enables researchers understand decisions while making models fully citable reproducible. Such reproducibility critical both policy reports, international standardization better comparison between different scenarios research groups. INNOVATION: Range (RMMS) address three challenges: they (a) designed convenience encourage use, (b) accommodate wide variety applications, (c) extensible allow community steer them as needed. RMMS based on dictionary specifies hierarchical structure catalogue aspects process. balances constrained, minimalist vocabulary improve with flexibility users modify extend. To facilitate an R package, rangeModelMetaData, build templates, automatically fill values from common objects, check inconsistencies standards, suggest values. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Modelling Metadata tools foster cross‐disciplinary advances biogeography, allied disciplines by improving evaluation, sharing, searching, comparisons studies. Our initially proposed standards here be modified extended evolve trends needs.