Assessing Historical Fish Community Composition in Barton Creek
Author Information
Author(s): Ben Labay, Adam E. Cohen, Blake Sissel, Dean A. Hendrickson, Douglas F. Martin, Sahotra Sarkar
Primary Institution: University of Texas, Austin
Hypothesis
Can historical fish community composition be accurately estimated using surveys, historical collection data, and species distribution models?
Conclusion
The study found that the fish community in Barton Creek is more diverse than previously indicated by historical data and survey methods.
Supporting Evidence
- The study utilized a combination of historical records and modern surveys to assess fish diversity.
- Sixteen native species were identified with high modeled probability of occurrence that were not found in the 2008 survey.
- Species distribution models provided a more comprehensive understanding of historical fish community composition.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at fish in Barton Creek to see how many different kinds there used to be compared to now, and they found more types of fish than expected.
Methodology
The study used fish surveys from 1993 and 2008, historical collection data, and species distribution models to assess fish community composition.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from relying on incomplete historical data and the limitations of species distribution models.
Limitations
The historical collection data were sparse and varied in collection methods, which may limit the accuracy of historical comparisons.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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