A Call to Mitigate Human-Induced Global Impacts on Invertebrates in the Anthropocene

PeerJ Open Advances in Zoology prioritizes the publication of impactful research and meaningful commentary addressing the most pressing challenges to animal life now and into the future. Each submission will be evaluated not just for its scientific merit, but for its potential to address one of the journal’s “Global Challenges” – key questions in zoology that are defined and prioritized by the Editorial Board. In a series of blogs, we explore the journal’s Global Challenges, introducing the Associate Editors responsible for that Challenge and the questions it seeks to answer.

Invertebrates in the Anthropocene: Critical Knowledge Gathering, Dissemination and Application to Mitigate Human-Induced Global Impacts

The resilience of invertebrates and parasites in response to human-induced change, is increasingly critical and our Global Scientific Challenge seeks to encourage and support transdisciplinary approaches to understand and mitigate the impacts, whether local or global in scale. The Challenge aims to bridge the gaps between scientific disciplines, fostering international cooperation between scientists, policymakers, and knowledge users. By focusing on the genetic, physiological, and ecological traits that underpin the resilience and adaptability of invertebrates and parasites, research published under this Challenge will not only support the protection of these crucial species but also harness their potential in addressing planetary health ranging from individuals and populations, over ecosystems to the entire biosphere and ecosphere. This Challenge supports the urgent need for comprehensive and globally accessible data and collaborative research efforts. It also aims to elevate public understanding and appreciation of invertebrates and parasites, advocating for educational programs that prepare future generations of researchers.

Why this challenge matters now

Understanding how invertebrates and parasites respond to human-induced stressors such as climate change, urbanization, and habitat loss is essential not just for preserving biodiversity but for maintaining ecosystem functionality. This work goes beyond traditional research boundaries, aiming to foster collaboration across disciplines whilst increasing public understanding and appreciation of invertebrates and parasites.

“This challenge is crucial as it focuses on invertebrates, which remain understudied in terms of resilience to human-induced change. By fostering international and transdisciplinary collaboration and improving data sharing, it addresses the lack of joined resources and possibilities to better understand and protect these vital species, supporting global efforts to mitigate environmental impacts.” Challenge Editor Dr hab. Kenneth De Baets, University of Warsaw

Key Questions

What genetic, physiological, and ecological traits contribute to the resilience of invertebrates and parasites to human-induced impacts and climate change, and what adaptive strategies do they employ?

How do changes in invertebrate and parasite populations and distributions affect ecosystem services such as pollination, decomposition, and disease regulation?

What are the implications of altered invertebrate and parasite dynamics for human health, agriculture, and fisheries, and how can we mitigate adverse effects while enhancing beneficial interactions?

How can collaborations between biologists, chemists, engineers, and designers foster innovative biomimicry solutions inspired by invertebrates?

What initiatives have successfully increased public understanding and awareness of invertebrates and parasites, especially with respect to how research findings are applied?

How can we effectively design and implement training programs to nurture the next generation of scientists specializing in invertebrate and parasite research?

How can international collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders improve the sharing and use of data and resources for studying invertebrates and parasites in the context of global change?

Challenge Editors

Dr hab. Kenneth De Baets, University of Warsaw

Dr James Wasmuth, University of Calgary

Submit today!

If these questions resonate with your research, we invite you to submit your research to this Global Challenge. This is your opportunity to contribute to expanding our understanding of the invertebrates in the Anthropocene.