Paper Summary 01

Assigned paper:

Benítez-López, A., Santini, L., Gallego-Zamorano, J., Milá, B., Walkden, P., Huijbregts, M. A., & Tobias, J. A. (2021). The island rule explains consistent patterns of body size evolution in terrestrial vertebrates. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 5(6), 768-786. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-021-01426-y

Instructions:

The paper summaries should be no longer than one page (single spaced using a 12-point font). References should be included with the report but do not count towards the total length. The following points should be covered (not necessarily in the order given):

  • What is/are the issue(s) addressed by the paper?
  • What is the underlying research approach taken by the paper (e.g., a manipulative experiment, a correlational study, a theoretical model, a literature review, etc.)?
  • What are the main results and what conclusions are expected to be drawn from the paper?
  • How much confidence in the obtained results are implied by the author(s)?
  • Is this confidence justified in your opinion?
    • were the authors scrupulous in discussing their results?
    • were there any weaknesses or limitations in the approach used by the authors?
    • can you think of an alternative interpretation not discussed by the authors?

Submission: It is expected that the assignment be submitted via Canvas as a word document or PDF (your choice). Paper summaries submitted by email will not be accepted unless agreed upon beforehand with the instructor.