Using Open-Source Data in Correlative Species Distribution Modeling of Marine Species

Abstract

Open-source data are information provided free online. It is gaining popularity in science research, especially for modeling species distribution. MaxEnt is an open-source software that models using presence-only data and environmental variables. These variables can also be found online and are generally free. Using all of these open-source data and tools makes species distribution modeling (SDM) more accessible. With the rapid changes our planet is undergoing, SDM helps understand future habitat suitability for species. Due to increasing interest in biogeographic research, SDM has increased for marine species, which were previously not commonly found in this modeling. Here we provide examples of where to obtain the data and how the modeling can be performed and taught.