A general data model for databases in experimental animal ecology

Project-independent storage of data increases compatibility and comparabili ty of ecological data-sets across studies. Here a data model is presented w hich describes a general data structure that can hold information from dive rse animal ecological studies. The data model structurally reflects the thr ee main aspects of ecological data sets by having modules for the biologica l object, the circumstances of the study and the results. Circumstances of a study include two modules: a module about project description and another about the sampling event. The Project module describes the project itself, the experimental design, and the properties of the study location. Details of data acquisition, including methodology, and any variables that change between sampling events are coded in the Sample module. The quantitative ou tcome of the study is handled in the Results module. Results are obtained f rom the evaluation of samples. Evaluation consists of classifying animals i nto homogenous groups, the 'lots', and recording relevant properties (respo nse variables) of these lots. The Taxon module stores the main criteria of classifying animals into lots, their taxonomical identity. The Logical data model expands these main modules by explaining their structure, giving the rationale for grouping data in a given way, and emphasising how data entit ies can be used flexibly in various research projects.