Ecology and Evolution

Scope & Guideline

Championing open access to transformative ecological insights.

Introduction

Welcome to the Ecology and Evolution 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 Ecology and Evolution, 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
ISSN2045-7758
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2011 to 2024
AbbreviationECOL EVOL / Ecol. Evol.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Ecology and Evolution' publishes research that spans a wide array of topics within the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. It emphasizes empirical studies that contribute to our understanding of ecological interactions, evolutionary processes, and biodiversity. The journal seeks to provide insights that bridge the gap between ecological and evolutionary perspectives, enhancing our comprehension of complex biological systems.
  1. Ecological Interactions and Processes:
    Research focused on understanding the dynamics of species interactions, community assembly, and ecosystem functioning, particularly in response to environmental changes.
  2. Evolutionary Biology and Genetics:
    Studies that explore the genetic basis of evolutionary changes, speciation processes, and the role of evolutionary mechanisms in shaping biodiversity.
  3. Conservation and Biodiversity:
    Investigations aimed at understanding the factors influencing biodiversity loss and the effectiveness of conservation strategies, particularly in the face of anthropogenic pressures.
  4. Phylogenetics and Systematics:
    Research that utilizes molecular and morphological data to resolve phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary histories among taxa.
  5. Adaptation and Phenotypic Plasticity:
    Studies examining how organisms adapt to environmental changes and the genetic and ecological factors that contribute to phenotypic variation.
  6. Microbial Ecology and Evolution:
    Research that addresses the roles of microorganisms in ecological systems and their evolutionary dynamics, including host-microbe interactions.
Recent publications in 'Ecology and Evolution' highlight several emerging trends that reflect the evolving nature of ecological and evolutionary research. These themes suggest a growing emphasis on integrating innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.
  1. Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications:
    There is a marked increase in studies utilizing eDNA techniques for biodiversity monitoring and conservation, reflecting advancements in genetic methodologies and a shift towards non-invasive research methods.
  2. Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity:
    Research examining the effects of climate change on ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes is trending upwards, indicating a heightened awareness of global environmental changes.
  3. Urban Ecology and Human-Wildlife Interactions:
    The exploration of ecological dynamics in urban environments and the interactions between humans and wildlife is gaining traction, highlighting the relevance of ecological research in anthropogenic landscapes.
  4. Functional Ecology and Trait-Based Approaches:
    An increasing focus on functional traits and their ecological implications is evident, as researchers seek to understand how traits influence species interactions and ecosystem functions.
  5. Microbiome Studies in Ecology and Evolution:
    Emerging research on the role of microbiomes in ecological and evolutionary contexts is becoming more prevalent, suggesting a growing recognition of the importance of microbial communities in shaping host biology.

Declining or Waning

While 'Ecology and Evolution' continues to explore a diverse array of topics, certain research themes have seen a decline in prominence over recent years. This waning interest may reflect shifting priorities in the field or the maturation of certain research areas.
  1. Paleoecology and Historical Biogeography:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications focusing on paleoecological studies and historical biogeographical analyses, possibly due to a shift towards contemporary ecological and evolutionary research.
  2. Physiological Ecology:
    Research exploring physiological adaptations in relation to ecological contexts appears to be less frequently published, suggesting a potential gap in understanding the physiological underpinnings of ecological interactions.
  3. Invasive Species Dynamics:
    Although still relevant, studies specifically focusing on the dynamics of invasive species have become less prevalent, perhaps overshadowed by broader conservation and biodiversity themes.
  4. Traditional Taxonomy:
    The traditional approaches to taxonomy, particularly those that do not incorporate molecular techniques, seem to be declining as molecular phylogenetics becomes more dominant.

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