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Review
The lab-field continuum in conservation physiology research: leveraging multiple approaches to inform policy and practice
Conservation physiology, Vol.13(1), coaf063
2025
Abstract
In the field of conservation physiology, there is often a trade off between conducting research in controlled laboratory settings or in inherently variable field environments. However, this belief sets up a false dichotomy where laboratory experiments are perceived as providing precise, mechanistic understanding with low variability at the cost of environmental realism while field studies are ecologically relevant but criticized for generating inconsistent evidence that is difficult to interpret and replicate. Despite the perceived binary view, these approaches are not in opposition to one another, but rather form a continuum along increasing ecological complexity. Here, we argue that it is possible to mindfully and purposefully design studies and develop integrative collaborations in conservation physiology that span the lab-field continuum to address pressing environmentally-relevant questions that can be used to inform policy and practice. We first outline the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to knowledge generation. We then highlight ways to bridge the lab-field divide though leveraging the advantages provided by different approaches to build a more comprehensive understanding of the natural world, including how recent technological advances can help connect lab- and field-based research. Next, we discuss the importance of partnership and collaboration across sectors for informing our understanding of ecological patterns and physiological processes. Finally, we reflect on how to best translate physiological research into action and the reciprocal role that environmental practitioners can have in driving research questions in conservation physiology.
Details
- Title
- The lab-field continuum in conservation physiology research: leveraging multiple approaches to inform policy and practice
- Authors/Creators
- Sandra Binning - Université de MontréalKerri Ackerly - The University of Texas at AustinSteven Cooke - Carleton UniversityMarco Fusi - Newcastle UniversityDaniel Gomez IsazaEmily Hardison - University of PittsburghSidney Martin - University of AlbertaAmelia Munson - Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesMar Pineda - University of GlasgowGail Schwieterman - University of MaineMartin Reichard - Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate BiologyAndrea Rummel - Rice UniversityTamzin Blewett - University of Alberta
- Publication Details
- Conservation physiology, Vol.13(1), coaf063
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Number of pages
- 14
- Identifiers
- 991005808931607891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Harry Butler Institute; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Review
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Source: InCites
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.108 Molecular & Cell Biology - Cancer & Development
- 1.108.2306 Zebrafish
- Web Of Science research areas
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Ecology
- Environmental Sciences
- Physiology
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology