Interpretation of Ecological Significance

The next step in this framework is the risk description. The two aspects of this segment include an ecological risk summary and the interpretation of ecological significance. Although this division is somewhat artificial, it can be paraphrased as (1) what are the potential effects and do I believe them, and (2) how big a problem is this really going to be ... 

What is a good question to be examined concerning the interpretation of ecological significance ... 

Risk description has two primary elements. The first is the ecological risk summary, which summarizes the results of the risk estimation and uncertainty analysis and assesses confidence in the risk estimates through a discussion of the weight of evidence. The second element is interpretation of ecological significance, which describes the magnitude of the identified risks to the assessment endpoint. 

The interpretation of ecological significance places risk estimates in the context of the types and extent of anticipated effects. It provides a critical link between the estimation of risks and the communication of assessment results. The interpretation step relies on professional judgment and may emphasize different aspects depending on the assessment. Several aspects of ecological significance that may be considered include the nature and magnitude of the effects, the spatial and temporal patterns of the effects, and the potential for recovery once a stressor is removed. 

Interpret the ecological significance of predicted or observed effects... 

Gordon, H. T. (1972) Interpretations of insect quantitative nutrition. In Insect and Mite Nutrition Significance and Implications In Ecology and Pest Management (Rodriguez, J. G., ed.). Elsevier-North Holland, Amsterdam. 

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