Ecology of Invasive Species: Citizen Science Tools for Monitoring

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts related to citizen science tools for invasive species monitoring.

Citizen Science

A collaborative approach to scientific research that involves non-professionals in data collection and analysis.

iNaturalist

A platform that allows users to record and share observations of organisms, utilizing GPS data and photos.

EDDMapS

Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System; a tool for tracking invasive species that requires expert verification for records.

BONAP

Biota of North America Program; publishes the North American Plant Atlas with distribution maps for vascular plants.

Research Grade

A standard in iNaturalist where observations are identified with at least two-thirds community agreement.

Taxonomic bias

A known bias in citizen science data where large, charismatic species are over-reported, leading to underrepresentation of less-visible taxa.

Community consensus model

A data verification approach used by iNaturalist where observations are accepted based on majority agreement.

Expert verification model

A method used by EDDMapS where records are reviewed by experts before being released to ensure higher data quality.

Observer bias

A bias that occurs when frequent observers dominate data submission, affecting the overall dataset.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

An international network and data infrastructure to provide anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life on Earth.