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The R package ‘CircMLE’ is a series of wrapper functions to implement the 10 maximum likelihood models of animal orientation described by Schnute and Groot (1992). The functions also include the ability to use different optimizer methods, calculate various model selection metrics (i.e., AIC, AICc, BIC), perform likelihood ratio tests and plot results.

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The R package ‘OptM’ is a tool I developed to determine the optimal number of migration edges on a population tree using the TREEMIX software. Currently, TREEMIX recommends to stop adding migration edges when 99.8% of the observed variation is explained by the model. Using OptM, one can use either an ad hoc statistic based on the second-order rate of change in likelihood (what I call “Δm”) or a series of linear modeling approaches to determine the optimal cutoff using a more quantitative approach. OptM is currently available on CRAN. Please check it out and let me know how it can improve!

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This web app takes you to a simple online calculator to use for graphing circular data (a dataset of angles), calculating the circular mean, performing the Rayleigh test, and comparing two groups. The calculator is designed to be simple, intuitive, and for particular use in conjunction with the Pill Bug Lab (see link below).

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Publications using this software

1. CircMLE
   • Fitak RR and Johnsen S. (2017) Bringing the analysis of animal orientation data full circle: model-based approaches with maximum likelihood. J Exp Biol 220: 3878-3882.
2. CircMLE
   • Kingston ACN, Chappell DR, Speiser DI. (2018) Evidence for spatial vision in Chiton tuberculatus, a chiton with eyespots. J Exp Biol 221: jeb183632.
3. CircMLE
   • Sumner-Rooney L, Kirwan JD, Lowe E, Ulrich-Luter E. (2020) Extraocular vision in a brittle star Is mediated by chromatophore movement in response to ambient light. Curr Biol 30: 1-9.
4. CircMLE
   • Fitak RR, Wheeler BR, Johnsen S. (2020) Effect of a magnetic pulse on orientation behavior in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Behav Proc 172:104058.
5. CircMLE
   • Diego‐Rasilla FJ, Luengo RM. (2020) Magnetic compass orientation in common midwife toad tadpoles, Alytes obstetricans (Anura, Alytidae). J Ethol in press.
6. CircMLE
   • Landler L, Ruxton G, Malkemper P. (2020). Grouped circular data in biology: advice for effectively implementing statistical procedures. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 74: 100.
7. CircMLE
   • Caspar K, Moldenhauer K, Moritz R, Němec P, Malkemper P, Begall, S. (2020). Eyes are essential for magnetoreception in a mammal. J R Soc Interface 17:20200513.
8. CircMLE
   • Pietra S, Ng K, Lawrence P, Casal J. (2020) Planar cell polarity in the larval epidermis of Drosophila and the role of microtubules. Open Biol 10:200290
9. CircMLE
   • Ojeda V, Schaaf A, Altamirano TA, Bonaparte B, Bragagnolo L, Chazarreta L, Cockle K, Dias R, Di Sallo F, Ibarra JT, Ippi S, Jauregui A, Jiménez JE, Lammertink M, López F, Montellano MGN, de la Peña M, Rivera L, Vivanco C, Santillán M, Soto GE, Vergara PM, Wynia A, Politi N. (2021). Latitude does not influence cavity entrance orientation of South American avian excavators. Auk 138:1-14
10. CircMLE
    • Helfrich-Förster C, Monecke S, Spiousas I, Hovestadt T, Mitesser O, Wehr TA. (2021) Women temporarily synchronize their menstrual cycles with the luminance and gravimetric cycles of the Moon. Sci Adv 7(5):eabe1358

Data Sets, Databases, Other

• Puma Genetic Database

Contributors

• TBD