Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER)

Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) is an approach to studying ecosystems that involves observing and collecting data over extended periods, often decades. Researchers monitor environmental changes, species interactions, and ecosystem dynamics to understand how ecosystems function and respond to natural and human-induced changes. By building a comprehensive picture over time, LTER helps scientists identify trends and make informed predictions about the environment, supporting conservation efforts and sustainable management practices. This long-term perspective is crucial for addressing complex ecological issues like climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.