# EcoMem: An R package for quantifying ecological memory

## TL;DR

EcoMem is an R package that quantifies ecological memory from time series data, aiding understanding of ecosystem resilience and response to disturbances under global change.

## Contribution

It introduces a Bayesian hierarchical framework for estimating ecological memory functions without assuming their form, applicable to various data types.

## Key findings

- Successfully applied to simulated data demonstrating accuracy.
- Case study shows boreal tree growth memory to insect defoliation.
- Provides a flexible tool for ecological memory analysis.

## Abstract

Ecological processes may exhibit memory to past disturbances affecting the resilience of ecosystems to future disturbance. Understanding the role of ecological memory in shaping ecosystem responses to disturbance under global change is a critical step toward developing effective adaptive management strategies to maintain ecosystem function and biodiversity. We developed EcoMem, an R package for quantifying ecological memory functions using common environmental time series data (continuous, count, proportional) applying a Bayesian hierarchical framework. The package estimates memory functions for continuous and binary (e.g., disturbance chronology) variables making no a priori assumption on the form of the functions. EcoMem allows users to quantify ecological memory for a wide range of ecosystem processes and responses. The utility of the package to advance understanding of the memory of ecosystems to environmental drivers is demonstrated using a simulated dataset and a case study assessing the memory of boreal tree growth to insect defoliation.