Movement+Ecology+Paradigm

= toc Overview =

The movement ecology paradigm is proposed as a conceptual framework of organismal movement derived from first principles, which links theoretical and empirical movement studies. By virtue of its general mechanistic basis and focus on movement itself, the proposed paradigm is intended to stimulate the development of new methods and to promote understanding of the causes, consequences, underlying mechanisms, and emergent spatiotemporal patterns of all movement phenomena.

This framework defines motion as a function of four components:


 * 1) **Internal State (w):** Why? The multidimensional (physiological and psychological) state of the focal individual that affects its motivation and readiness to move
 * 2) **Motion Capacity (Ω):** How? Describes the various mechanisms and modes of travel available to the focal individual
 * 3) **Navigation Capacity (ϕ):** When and where? The ability of the focal individual to orient in space and time, select direction or target of move, and determine when to start and stop moving. Associated with identification of targets that help to achieve a specific goal. Can be direct (ie. move to lake) or indirect (use visual clues to navigate migration route)
 * 4) **External Factors (r):** the set of biotic and abiotic factors that influence the movement of the focal individual



=Types of movement=


 * motion-driven: motion is a function of navigation
 * navigation-driven: navigation is a function of motion

= References =


 * Nathan R., Getz W.M., Revilla E., Holyoak M., Kadmon R., Saltz D., Smouse P.E. 2008 A movement ecology paradigm for unifying organismal movement research. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA. 105, 19 052–19 059.