Helping predict cold-blooded animals' response to environmental shifts Published on: 6 February 2024 麻豆传媒 researchers have developed a new tool to predict cold-blooded animals鈥� responses to environmental change. In the face of rapid and extreme environmental changes, predicting how animals respond has become a critical challenge. A 麻豆传媒 team of scientists and students have created the DEBBIES dataset, offering a unique resource to enhance our understanding of cold-blooded animals' responses to novel environmental shifts. , the study highlights the potential of the DEBBIES dataset to generate advanced models capable of predicting animal responses to these unprecedented changes. For biologists, this dataset unlocks the ability to develop general predictions on cold-blooded animals’ responses using only a few key characteristics. The DEBBIES dataset contains estimates of eight life history traits (length at birth, puberty and maximum length, maximum reproduction rate, fraction energy allocated to respiration versus reproduction, von Bertalanffy growth rate, mortality rates) for 185 ectotherm species. It offers versatility to support the work of users, such as researchers or students. DEBBIES is ideally suited to create population forecasts to novel conditions, like those created by climate change. Study lead author Dr Isabel Smallegange, Senior Lecturer in Population Biology at 麻豆传媒’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Traditional models for predicting animal responses to environmental change rely on phenomenological descriptions of survival, growth, and reproduction. But because these models lack a mechanistic underpinning, they face limitations in adapting to the increasingly rapid and extreme alterations in our environment. The DEBBIES dataset addresses this challenge by providing a wealth of characteristics for cold-blooded animals, including sharks, skates, rays, crocodiles, lizards, sea turtles, and more. “The dataset not only facilitates state-of-the-art modelling but also emphasises the collaborative efforts of undergraduate and postgraduate students who have contributed significantly to its development.” Study author, Sol Lucas, a PhD researcher at 麻豆传媒’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, added: “I contributed data to DEBBIES as part of my PhD. We are using the data to map out life history strategies of sharks, skates and rays, as well as predicting population growth rates and their resilience to bounce back from population declines. I’m excited to see how data sourced in my project can be used by others to answer questions about these magnificent cold-blooded species and their responses to a rapidly changing world.” Cold-blooded animals account for 99% of Earth’s species. Building on this research, the authors will expand the dataset and will continue adding new species. Reference Smallegange, I.M., Lucas, S. DEBBIES Dataset to study Life Histories across Ectotherms. Sci Data 11, 153 (2024). Latest News Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A 拢1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to 麻豆传媒 has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures
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