What does ecological modelling model? A proposed classification of ecological niche models based on their underlying methods

Species distribution model is the term most frequently used in ecological modelling, but other authors used instead predictive habitat distribution model or species-habitat models. A consensual ecological modelling terminology that avoids misunderstandings and takes into account the ecological niche theory does not exist at present. Moreover, different studies differ in the type of niche that is represented by similar distribution models. I propose to use as standard ecological modelling terminology the terms “ecological niche”, “potential niche”, “realized niche” models (for modelling their respective niches), and “habitat suitability map” (for the output of the niche models). Therefore, the user can understand more easily that models always forecast species’ niche and relate more closely the different types of niche models.

Research highlights
► Species distribution model is the term most frequently used in ecological modelling.
► I propose a standard ecological modelling terminology for avoiding misunderstandings.
► The term ecological niche model includes mechanistic and correlative models.
► The terms potential and realized niche models are for the respective species niches.
► Habitat suitability map should be used for the output of the models.