ECOLOGY LETTERS

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the depths of ecological science for a sustainable tomorrow.

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of ECOLOGY LETTERS through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore ECOLOGY LETTERS in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1461-023x
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1998 to 2024
AbbreviationECOL LETT / Ecol. Lett.
Frequency12 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

Ecology Letters focuses on the integration of ecological and evolutionary processes, emphasizing empirical research that explores the dynamics of species interactions, community assembly, and ecosystem functioning. The journal aims to publish innovative studies that advance understanding of ecological theory, contribute to conservation efforts, and address pressing environmental challenges.
  1. Ecological Interactions and Community Dynamics:
    Research on species interactions, including competition, predation, mutualism, and their effects on community structure and dynamics.
  2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning:
    Studies examining the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem processes, emphasizing how species richness and functional diversity contribute to ecosystem stability and productivity.
  3. Impact of Global Change on Ecosystems:
    Investigations into how climate change, habitat destruction, and other anthropogenic factors influence ecological dynamics and species distributions.
  4. Evolutionary Ecology:
    Exploring the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes, including adaptation, speciation, and evolutionary consequences of ecological interactions.
  5. Microbial Ecology and Ecosystem Services:
    Research on microbial communities and their roles in ecosystem functioning, including nutrient cycling and responses to environmental changes.
  6. Methodological Innovations in Ecology:
    Development and application of novel methodologies and analytical frameworks for studying ecological phenomena.
Recent publications in Ecology Letters indicate a shift towards several emerging themes that reflect contemporary challenges in ecology and conservation science. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to evolving scientific inquiries and societal needs.
  1. Climate Change and Its Ecological Impacts:
    An increasing number of studies address the effects of climate change on species interactions, community dynamics, and ecosystem functions, emphasizing the urgency of understanding these impacts.
  2. Microbiome Research and Ecosystem Functioning:
    Research exploring the roles of microbial communities in ecosystems is gaining traction, particularly in relation to nutrient cycling and plant health.
  3. Human-Wildlife Interactions and Conservation:
    There is a growing focus on understanding the implications of human activities on wildlife and ecosystems, including studies on urban ecology and conservation strategies.
  4. Complexity in Ecological Networks:
    Emerging research is increasingly examining the complexity of ecological networks, including multi-trophic interactions and network stability, reflecting a shift towards holistic ecological understanding.
  5. Metacommunity Dynamics and Spatial Ecology:
    Studies investigating metacommunity dynamics show a growing interest in how spatial processes influence community assembly and species distributions.

Declining or Waning

While Ecology Letters continues to expand its focus on pressing ecological issues, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence. This shift may reflect changing research priorities or a maturation in understanding of these areas.
  1. Traditional Species-Area Relationships:
    Research focusing on simple species-area relationships has decreased as ecological research becomes more complex and interdisciplinary, integrating additional variables and dynamics.
  2. Single-Factor Experimental Studies:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies that examine ecological phenomena in isolation, with a growing preference for multi-factorial approaches that capture the complexity of real-world ecosystems.
  3. Static Biodiversity Assessments:
    Research that merely catalogues species without linking to functional roles or ecological processes seems to be less favored, as the field moves towards understanding the functional implications of biodiversity.
  4. Local vs. Global Perspectives:
    Studies focusing exclusively on local ecological phenomena without consideration of broader, global ecological patterns and processes are becoming less common.

Similar Journals

Ecology and Evolution

Unlocking the secrets of nature's intricate web.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 2045-7758Frequency: 12 issues/year

Ecology and Evolution is a leading open-access journal published by WILEY, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Since its inception in 2011, the journal has established itself as a critical platform, garnering a significant impact factor and maintaining a prestigious Q1 ranking in multiple categories, including Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, and Nature and Landscape Conservation as of 2023. With its continuous commitment to high-quality research, Ecology and Evolution provides a vital conduit for dissemination among researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal's open-access model ensures that groundbreaking findings are accessible to a global audience, fostering collaboration and innovation across various ecological and evolutionary disciplines. The editorial team invites submissions that explore the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, aiming to inspire future research that addresses pressing environmental challenges. The journal's rigorous peer-review process guarantees the integrity and quality of published work, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in its field.

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics

Fostering Understanding of Nature's Complex Systems
Publisher: ANNUAL REVIEWSISSN: 1543-592XFrequency: 1 issue/year

The Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, published by Annual Reviews, is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes. With a commendable impact factor and impressive rankings—9th in both the Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics category and the Environmental Science category—this journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles that synthesize research findings across a wide range of topics within the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. Established in 2003, this annual publication aims to provide researchers, professionals, and students with comprehensive insights into the latest developments and trends within these dynamic disciplines. By facilitating access to high-quality scholarly articles, the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics continues to play a crucial role in fostering scientific discourse and discovery.

BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY

Advancing ecological understanding for a sustainable future.
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBHISSN: 1439-1791Frequency: 8 issues/year

BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY, published by Elsevier GmbH in Germany, stands out as a premier journal in the field of ecology, evolution, behavior, and systematics. With its ISSN 1439-1791 and E-ISSN 1618-0089, the journal enjoys a distinguished reputation, evidenced by its classification in the Q1 category for Ecology in 2023 and impressively ranking #89 out of 721 in this domain according to Scopus. Since its inception in 2000, it has served as a vital platform for disseminating high-quality research that bridges theoretical insights and practical applications in ecology. Researchers, professionals, and students alike can look forward to the latest findings that not only foster a deeper understanding of ecological processes but also inform sustainable practices crucial for our environment. As the journal continues its journey through to 2024, it remains committed to advancing ecological knowledge and supporting innovative research in an ever-evolving field.

Theoretical Ecology

Shaping ecological research with cutting-edge theoretical frameworks.
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERGISSN: 1874-1738Frequency: 4 issues/year

Theoretical Ecology, published by SPRINGER HEIDELBERG, is a premier journal in the field of ecological modeling and theory, exemplifying the intersection of rigorous quantitative analysis and ecological understanding. With its ISSN 1874-1738 and E-ISSN 1874-1746, this journal has been a valuable resource for researchers since its inception in 2008, with a commitment to publish cutting-edge research until 2024. The journal's 2023 category quartiles demonstrate its impact, ranking Q3 in Ecological Modeling and Q2 in Ecology, reflecting its significance within the academic community. Furthermore, its Scopus rankings position it among the top tier of environmental science journals, ranking #181/461 in Ecology and #21/41 in Ecological Modeling. While the journal does not offer open access, it is an essential publication for those looking to deepen their understanding of theoretical frameworks that drive ecological research and practice. By providing a platform for innovative theories and models, Theoretical Ecology plays a crucial role in shaping future ecological studies and informing policy decisions in environmental management.

RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Russia's Ecological Landscape
Publisher: PLEIADES PUBLISHING INCISSN: 1067-4136Frequency: 6 issues/year

RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, published by PLEIADES PUBLISHING INC, stands as a critical resource within the field of ecology, offering an array of research insights that span various ecological topics. With an ISSN of 1067-4136 and an E-ISSN of 1608-3334, this journal has been consistently disseminating knowledge since its inception in 1996, now converging towards 2024. Despite its current Q4 ranking in the Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics category, the journal has carved out a niche in the publication landscape, particularly for scholars focused on the rich and diverse ecological phenomena of Russia and surrounding territories. The journal aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation by providing a platform for the dissemination of high-quality research. While it currently lacks open access options, readers can expect in-depth studies and analytical discourses that contribute meaningfully to the global understanding of ecological systems. With an impressive Scopus rank, this journal remains an important outlet for researchers, professionals, and students committed to advancing ecological science.

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

Navigating the Complexities of Ecological Relationships
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERGISSN: 1585-8553Frequency: 2 issues/year

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY is a distinguished journal published by Springer Heidelberg that focuses on the intricate dynamics of ecological interactions within communities. Established in 2000 and continuing robustly through to 2024, this journal aims to disseminate significant research findings that contribute to the understanding of ecological processes, species interactions, and community structures. With an ISSN of 1585-8553 and an E-ISSN of 1588-2756, the journal holds a commendable position in the academic sphere, reflected in its Q2 quartile rankings in the categories of Ecology and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics. It boasts an impressive Scopus ranking within the 57th percentile for both Agricultural and Biological Sciences and Environmental Science fields, attesting to its relevance and influence. Though it does not currently operate under an open access model, COMMUNITY ECOLOGY remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to advance their knowledge in community ecology, highlighting the importance of collaborative research in addressing ecological challenges globally.

Global Ecology and Conservation

Advancing ecological knowledge for a sustainable future.
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: Frequency:

Global Ecology and Conservation, published by Elsevier, stands as a premier open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of ecology and conservation science. Since its inception in 2014, the journal has facilitated the dissemination of high-quality research, fostering critical dialogue on ecosystem management, biodiversity preservation, and sustainability practices across the globe. With a remarkable ranking within the top quartiles (Q1) in various categories including Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, and Nature and Landscape Conservation, it is positioned among the leading resources for researchers and professionals alike. The journal has garnered a notable impact, ranking #65 out of 721 in Ecology, and houses articles that are vital to understanding and addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Available in an open-access format, researchers can freely access and share vital findings, promoting a collaborative approach to ecological research. Global Ecology and Conservation is not just a publication; it is a critical tool for innovation and advocacy in conservation, poised to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY

Charting the Course of Ecological and Biogeographical Research
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1466-822XFrequency: 12 issues/year

GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY is an esteemed academic journal published by Wiley that focuses on the dynamic interplay between ecological and biogeographical processes across the globe. With a strong commitment to advancing our understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and global change, this journal has secured a prestigious Q1 ranking in several categories, including Ecology, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, and Global and Planetary Change, highlighting its significant influence in the field. Since its inception in 1998, the journal has consistently provided a platform for high-quality research, featuring original articles that address critical ecological questions and emerging biogeographical trends. Researchers aiming to publish impactful work will appreciate the journal's rigorous peer-review process and its accessibility to a global audience. With a commendable track record reflected in its Scopus rankings, this journal is an essential resource for anyone dedicated to the study of ecology and biogeography.

ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Pioneering insights that drive ecological practices and policies.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0912-3814Frequency: 6 issues/year

ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH is a prestigious academic journal published by WILEY, dedicated to advancing the field of ecology and its associated disciplines. Since its inception in 1986, the journal has consistently provided a platform for high-quality, peer-reviewed research, contributing significantly to the understanding of ecological systems and their complexities. With an impressive 2023 impact factor reflected in its Q1 ranking in the category of Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, and Systematics, it stands among the top journals in its field, as evidenced by its Scopus rank of #192 out of 721 and placement in the 73rd percentile. While accessible through standard subscription models, this journal plays an essential role in disseminating crucial findings and innovative methodologies to researchers, professionals, and students alike. With a commitment to fostering ecological knowledge and collaboration, ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH continues to influence ecological practices and policies, shaping the future of research in this critical area.

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Advancing ecological understanding through diversity.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1366-9516Frequency: 12 issues/year

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS is a leading journal in the field of ecology, evolution, and systematics, published by WILEY. With an impressive impact factor and designated as Q1 in its category for 2023, this journal ranks 49th out of 721 in the Scopus database, placing it in the top 93rd percentile among its peers. The journal has been committed to advancing knowledge since its inception in 1998 and has embraced Open Access since 2019, ensuring that research is accessible to a broad audience globally. By publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that explore biodiversity patterns, conservation strategies, and ecological dynamics, DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS plays a crucial role in fostering discussions that help to understand and mitigate global ecological challenges. Located in the United Kingdom, this journal serves a diverse community of researchers, professionals, and students, making significant contributions to science and policy regarding biodiversity and its distributions.