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Did You Know...?

Effect of Species Rarity on the Accuracy of Species Distribution Models
Species distribution models are widely used, at multiple scales, to predict the geographical distribution of habitat suitability or species occurrence. Several studies have found that more accurate predictive models of species occurrences can be developed for rarer species.

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Methods & Tools

Different tools, techniques, and methods answer different questions and needs about the Nation's biological resources. Genetics, for example, can be used to understand changes in biological diversity at the most detailed level of genes and DNA. Fieldwork can be used to measure what is happening in the environment, and compared to laboratory work that detects and analyzes the factors present in the environment. The Status and Trends of Biological Resources Program uses and establishes scientific methods and techniques for the most comprehensive understanding of how the Nation's biological resources change overtime.