AIC in ecology

AIC, or Akaike Information Criterion, is a statistical tool used by ecologists to compare different models that explain biological data, such as animal distributions or plant growth patterns. It helps identify which model best balances accuracy and simplicity, avoiding overfitting. A lower AIC score indicates a model that fits the data well without unnecessary complexity. This allows ecologists to choose the most efficient model that reliably captures the underlying ecological processes, aiding in better understanding and decision-making in conservation and management efforts.