I would like to answer the question about the absence of top predators effect on mammal community by using camera trap data. So,
1. What kind of study design, method and analysis are suitable to solve this question?
Hello Lwin; The data you will get
1. Numbers of prey species
2. Numbers of pre individuals
3. ratios of adults to young.
You can compare these values with the same data from conditions where the predators are present. So for your "control" you will also want to know,
4. Number of predator species
5. Numbers of predator individuals.
Here is a useful reference that will help with the design of your analysis.
Ruxton, GD and N Colegrave. 2003. Experimental design for the life sciences. Oxford Univ Pr. 162 p.
Best regards, Jim Des Lauriers
https://cdn.britannica.com/s:690x388,c:crop/94/137494-050-A8FFF022/cascade-scenario-removal-carnivores-ecosystem.jpg
Check this link out.. Might help you.
You will need to evaluate the effects of the other variables, such as the effect on climate, perpetuation (of the specie) and above all how "easy" for a top animal to gain all its needs of the surroundings. Has the animal been succesful in survival? Does he have a clear advantage?
Maybe the studies conducted would be amongst population genetics, statistics and maybe in terms of Darwin, even though it is not very precise.
I think they are people that can explain this better.
- Badges
- Science method
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Ecology