Merging theory and data to disentangle freshwater biodiversity

Understanding ecological systems requires both theoretical modeling and field-based observation. Theory provides predictive frameworks for how ecosystems might respond to environmental gradients under specific scenarios, while field data are essential for testing and refining these predictions, grounding them in biological reality. Although theory and empirical observation are often pursued separately, their integration offers a powerful approach to addressing key ecological questions. In this talk, I will present case studies that illustrate the strength of this combined methodology.