Helping predict cold-blooded animals' response to environmental shifts Published on: 6 February 2024 缅北禁地 researchers have developed a new tool to predict cold-blooded animals鈥� responses to environmental change. In the face of rapid and extreme environmental changes, predicting how animals respond has become a critical challenge. A 缅北禁地 team of scientists and students have created the DEBBIES dataset, offering a unique resource to enhance our understanding of cold-blooded animals' responses to novel environmental shifts. , the study highlights the potential of the DEBBIES dataset to generate advanced models capable of predicting animal responses to these unprecedented changes. For biologists, this dataset unlocks the ability to develop general predictions on cold-blooded animals’ responses using only a few key characteristics. The DEBBIES dataset contains estimates of eight life history traits (length at birth, puberty and maximum length, maximum reproduction rate, fraction energy allocated to respiration versus reproduction, von Bertalanffy growth rate, mortality rates) for 185 ectotherm species. It offers versatility to support the work of users, such as researchers or students. DEBBIES is ideally suited to create population forecasts to novel conditions, like those created by climate change. Study lead author Dr Isabel Smallegange, Senior Lecturer in Population Biology at 缅北禁地’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, said: “Traditional models for predicting animal responses to environmental change rely on phenomenological descriptions of survival, growth, and reproduction. But because these models lack a mechanistic underpinning, they face limitations in adapting to the increasingly rapid and extreme alterations in our environment. The DEBBIES dataset addresses this challenge by providing a wealth of characteristics for cold-blooded animals, including sharks, skates, rays, crocodiles, lizards, sea turtles, and more. “The dataset not only facilitates state-of-the-art modelling but also emphasises the collaborative efforts of undergraduate and postgraduate students who have contributed significantly to its development.” Study author, Sol Lucas, a PhD researcher at 缅北禁地’s School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, added: “I contributed data to DEBBIES as part of my PhD. We are using the data to map out life history strategies of sharks, skates and rays, as well as predicting population growth rates and their resilience to bounce back from population declines. I’m excited to see how data sourced in my project can be used by others to answer questions about these magnificent cold-blooded species and their responses to a rapidly changing world.” Cold-blooded animals account for 99% of Earth’s species. Building on this research, the authors will expand the dataset and will continue adding new species. Reference Smallegange, I.M., Lucas, S. DEBBIES Dataset to study Life Histories across Ectotherms. Sci Data 11, 153 (2024). Latest News Online Safety Act drives VPN interest and raises privacy concerns People鈥檚 online behaviour has changed in response to legislation to prevent children from viewing harmful content 鈥� raising possible privacy and security risks, research suggests. published on: 16 October 2026 缅北禁地 archaeologist receives prestigious award for research Professor Chris Fowler has been awarded the 2026 Rivers Memorial Medal in recognition of his internationally significant research on kinship in Neolithic Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Event will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East An event at 缅北禁地 will explore what 鈥楳anchesterism鈥� means for the North East or whether it is simply a new chapter in the long-running debate about how to rebalance Britain. published on: 13 October 2026 Facts and figures
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