Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics

Scope & Guideline

Championing Rigorous Scholarship in Ecology and Evolution

Introduction

Welcome to the Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1543-592x
PublisherANNUAL REVIEWS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeBook Series
Convergefrom 2003 to 2023
AbbreviationANNU REV ECOL EVOL S / Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. Syst.
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address4139 EL CAMINO WAY, PO BOX 10139, PALO ALTO, CA 94303-0139

Aims and Scopes

The Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics focuses on synthesizing and presenting significant developments in the study of ecological systems and evolutionary processes. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and aims to provide insights into complex ecological interactions and evolutionary dynamics.
  1. Ecological Interactions and Dynamics:
    The journal consistently explores the intricate relationships among organisms, their environments, and the evolutionary processes that shape these interactions. This includes studies on species interactions, community dynamics, and ecosystem functioning.
  2. Evolutionary Mechanisms and Adaptation:
    A core focus is on the mechanisms of evolution, including genetic variation, natural selection, and adaptation strategies across diverse taxa, examining how these processes contribute to biodiversity.
  3. Impact of Climate Change and Environmental Stressors:
    The journal addresses the effects of climate change and other anthropogenic factors on ecological and evolutionary processes, emphasizing the need for research that informs conservation efforts and ecological resilience.
  4. Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Changes:
    Research on biological invasions, including the introduction and impact of non-native species, is a significant aspect, highlighting the ecological consequences and management strategies necessary to mitigate these impacts.
  5. Conservation and Sustainability:
    The journal prioritizes studies that provide insights into conservation biology, focusing on the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of ecosystems in the face of environmental change.
The Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics has identified several emerging themes that reflect contemporary challenges and advancements in the field. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to current ecological and evolutionary issues.
  1. Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity:
    Recent papers increasingly address the implications of climate change on species distribution, adaptation, and ecosystem dynamics, underscoring the urgency of understanding and mitigating these effects.
  2. Urban Ecology and Human Impacts:
    There is a growing focus on urban ecology, examining how urbanization affects ecological processes, species interactions, and biodiversity, which is crucial for developing sustainable cities.
  3. One Health Approach:
    The integration of ecological, evolutionary, and health perspectives—particularly in the context of zoonotic diseases and ecosystem health—has gained traction, reflecting an interdisciplinary trend in addressing global health challenges.
  4. Functional Trait Analysis:
    Emerging interest in functional trait variation and its implications for ecological interactions and evolutionary processes indicates a shift toward understanding the roles of specific traits in shaping communities.
  5. Novel Disturbance Regimes:
    Research on new disturbance regimes, such as those resulting from human activity or climate change, highlights the importance of understanding how ecosystems respond to unprecedented environmental changes.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a robust focus on various ecological and evolutionary themes, certain topics have shown a decline in prominence in recent publications. These waning themes suggest a shift in research priorities or emerging interests within the field.
  1. Paleobiology and Historical Ecology:
    Although paleobiological insights have been integral to understanding long-term ecological processes, recent publications indicate a decline in this focus, possibly due to a shift towards contemporary ecological and evolutionary challenges.
  2. Symbiotic Relationships in Microbial Ecology:
    Research centered on specific microbial symbioses has decreased, as the broader themes of ecological interactions and evolutionary dynamics take precedence in the journal's recent issues.
  3. Traditional Ecological Knowledge:
    There appears to be a waning interest in incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into modern ecological research, which may reflect a narrowing of focus on empirical and experimental studies.

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