Development and assessment of bioinformatics tools for species conservation and habitat management

Abstract

This project represents an interdisciplinary approach to integrating computational methods into the knowledge-discovery process associated with understanding biological systems impacted by the loss or destruction of sensitive habitats. We specifically developed bioinformatics tools for the study of (1) beach mouse communities and (2) marginal fish habitats. Data mining was used in these projects to intelligently query databases and to elucidate broad patterns that facilitate overall data interpretation. Visualization techniques that were developed present mined data in ways where context, perceptual cues, and spatial reasoning skills can be applied to uncover significant trends in behavioral patterns, habitat use, species diversity, and community composition.