In complex, diverse ecosystems, one is faced with an exceptionally challenging decision: which species to examine first and why? This raises the question: Is there evidence of subconscious biases in study species selection? Likewise, is there evidence of this bias in selecting methods, locations, and times? We addressed these questions by surveying the literature on the most diverse group of vertebrates (fishes) in an iconic high-diversity ecosystem (coral reefs). The evidence suggests that we select study species that are predominantly yellow. Reef fish studies also selectively examine fishes that are behaviorally bold and in warm, calm, attractive locations. Our findings call for a reevaluation of study species selection and methodological approaches, recognizing the potential for subconscious biases to drive selection for species that are attractive rather than important and for methods that give only a partial view of ecosystems. Given the challenges faced by high-diversity ecosystems, we may need to question our decision-making processes.

中文翻译：

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珊瑚鱼研究中的潜意识偏见

在复杂多样的生态系统中，一个人面临着一个极具挑战性的决定：首先要检查哪些物种，为什么？这就提出了一个问题：在研究物种选择中是否存在潜意识偏见的证据？同样，是否有证据表明在选择方法，位置和时间方面存在这种偏见？我们通过调查有关标志性高多样性生态系统（珊瑚礁）中最多样化的脊椎动物（鱼类）的文献来解决这些问题。有证据表明，我们选择的研究物种主要是黄色的。珊瑚鱼研究还选择性地检查行为大胆且在温暖，平静，诱人的位置的鱼类。我们的发现要求重新评估研究物种的选择和方法论方法，认识到潜意识偏见有可能推动对有吸引力而不是重要的物种的选择以及对于仅能部分了解生态系统的方法的选择。鉴于高多样性生态系统面临的挑战，我们可能需要质疑我们的决策过程。