Sunday, March 2, 2014

New Ways to Collect Data About Rainforest Animal Populations

Original Article: Digital ears in the rainforest
Source: ScienceDaily.com, University of Helsinki
Date: Feb. 27, 2014

Creative Commons Photo of a Rainforest
Summary: Finnish and Brazilian scientists are working together to develop a system to estimate the dynamics of animal populations in the rainforest. They began by trying to create an algorithm that will be able to use tens of thousands of hours of sound recordings and identify the species of birds present in the region by hearing and recognizing their song. This algorithm will also be able to determine the reliability of the species recognition. Next, their system of digital recorders will compile data to help scientists determine which factors impact populations and communities by comparing different animal communities. Additionally, the Brazilians also plan to use GPS transmitters and harmonic radar to track movement patterns of both large and small animals respectively.

N.O.S. Themes:
- science is based on evidence (these scientists are finding new ways to collect data for their research)
- skepticism (some scientists may believe that their algorithm will have flaws and might not accurately determine the species present)
- role of motivation/curiosity (this is what led these scientists to find more efficient ways to collect data)
- role of change (these scientists are trying to change how we collect data about animal populations in the rainforest)

More Comments: I believe that this could lead to more efficient and productive research in biology. This new algorithmic system could also lead to research which could help save endangered species both in rainforests and maybe in other areas in the future. What are some ways that the way we collect scientific data and information changing with technology? Here is an example of how a climate change sensor in the rainforest is now using wifi to collect data more efficiently.

Posted: March 2nd, 2014, 7:50pm
By: Julia Garbuz - hour 1
Posted by at

1 comment:

  1. AnonymousMarch 3, 2014 at 1:07 AM

    In your summary you talk about how the scientists are going to use an algorithm which would take in to account tens of thousands of sound recordings and use those sound recordings to recognize animals by the cries they make. However, will it be able to figure out the specific animals when they are making noise at the same time? There could be a lot of different creatures making a lot of noise at the same time; maybe even 15 different types of animals could be making an equal amount of noise. Also, how would the digital recorders help scientists to determine which factors impact populations and communities? I think that using GPS transmitters to track the movements of large and small animals is a good idea. It could be very interesting to see the pattern of how these animals move.

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