Ideas and perspectives: When ocean acidification experiments are not the same, repeatability is not tested
<p>Can experimental studies on the behavioural impacts of ocean acidification be trusted? That question was raised in early 2020 when a high-profile paper failed to corroborate previously observed responses of coral reef fish to high <span class="inline-formula">CO<sub>2&...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2021-03-01
|
| Series: | Biogeosciences |
| Online Access: | https://bg.copernicus.org/articles/18/1787/2021/bg-18-1787-2021.pdf |
| Summary: | <p>Can experimental studies on the behavioural impacts of ocean acidification be
trusted? That question was raised in early 2020 when a high-profile paper
failed to corroborate previously observed responses of coral reef fish to high
<span class="inline-formula">CO<sub>2</sub></span>. New information on the methodologies used in the “replicated”
studies now provides a plausible explanation: the experimental conditions were
substantially different. High sensitivity to test conditions is characteristic
of ocean acidification research; such response variability shows that effects
are complex, interacting with many other factors. Open-minded assessment of
all research results, both negative and positive, remains the best way to
develop process-based understanding. As in other fields, replication studies
in ocean acidification are most likely to contribute to scientific advancement
when carried out in a spirit of collaboration rather than confrontation.</p> |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1726-4170 1726-4189 |