Continent-scale phenotype mapping using photographs from citizen scientists

摘要: Field investigations of phenotypic variation in free living organisms are often limited scope owing to time and funding constraints. By collaborating with online communities amateur naturalists, investigators can greatly increase the amount diversity data their analyses while simultaneously engaging a public audience. Here, we present method for quantifying phenotypes individual citizen scientists photographs. We then show that our protocol measuring wing from photographs yields accurate measurements two species Calopterygid damselflies. Finally, results case studies: (1) an analysis pigmentation male smoky rubyspots (Hetaerina titia) showing previously undocumented geographical seasonal polyphenism, (2) relative size spots banded demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens) Great Britain questioning documented evidence character displacement. Additionally, that, most observations target were made by members large established community naturalists at iNaturalist.org, efforts recruitment through various outreach initiatives successful. Our demonstrate be used create high quality datasets using photographs, and, when combined metadata (e.g., date location), broaden studies temporal phenotypes. engagement process also powerful way conduct hypothesis-driven research aiming elucidate processes impact trait evolution landscape scales.