A Conceptual Framework for Measuring Ecological Novelty

Staples TL, Blois J, Cramer KL, Cunningham ET, Dornelas M, Haberle SG, Heger T, Kießling W, Magurran AE, O'Dea A, Penny AM, Radeloff VC, Smith JA, Thuiller W, Williams JW, Pandolfi JM (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Global Ecology and Biogeography Wiley

Book Volume: 34

Article Number: e70005

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1111/geb.70005

Abstract

Background: Human pressures are driving the emergence of unprecedented, ‘novel’, ecological and environmental systems. The concept of novel (eco)systems is well accepted by the scientific community, but the use and measurement of novelty has outgrown initial definitions and critiques. There are still unresolved methodological and conceptual differences in quantifying novelty that prevent a unified research approach. Framework: Here we present a conceptual framework and guidelines to unify past and future measurement of ecological novelty. Under this framework, novelty is a property of an ecological or environmental entity of interest. Novelty is quantified as the comparison between the target entity and a reference set, measured as the summary of degrees of difference across one or more dimensions. Choices in these components, particularly the reference set, can change resulting novelty measurements and inferences. Showcase: We provide a case-study to showcase our framework, measuring pre- and post-European novelty in 99 pollen assemblages in Midwest USA forests. We paired this quantitative exploration with a five-step process designed to improve the utility and outcomes of novelty analyses. Conclusions: Quantitative novelty has immense value in studies of abrupt ecological change, linking climatic and ecological change, biotic interactions and invasions, species range shifts and fundamental theories. Our framework offers a unified overview and is also primed for integration into management and restoration workflows, providing consistent and robust measurements of novelty to support decision making, priority setting and resource allocation.

Authors with CRIS profile

Wolfgang Kießling Lehrstuhl für Paläoumwelt

Involved external institutions

University of Queensland AU Australia (AU) University of St Andrews GB United Kingdom (GB) Australian National University (ANU) AU Australia (AU) Leibniz-Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB) im Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. / Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries DE Germany (DE) Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT) PA Panama (PA) University of Wisconsin - Madison US United States (USA) (US) Berlin-Brandenburgisches Institut für Biodiversitätsforschung (BIBB) / Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research DE Germany (DE) University of Grenoble Alpes (UGA) / Université de Grenoble FR France (FR) University of California, Merced US United States (USA) (US) Arizona State University (ASU) US United States (USA) (US)

How to cite

APA:

Staples, T.L., Blois, J., Cramer, K.L., Cunningham, E.T., Dornelas, M., Haberle, S.G.,... Pandolfi, J.M. (2025). A Conceptual Framework for Measuring Ecological Novelty. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 34(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.70005

MLA:

Staples, Timothy L., et al. "A Conceptual Framework for Measuring Ecological Novelty." Global Ecology and Biogeography 34.2 (2025).

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