Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
The Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics is a prestigious annual scientific journal published by Annual Reviews. Since its inception, it has served as a critical resource for the scientific community, synthesizing complex research into comprehensive review articles. The journal focuses on timely and significant developments across three interconnected biological disciplines: ecology, evolutionary biology, and systematics.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1970 (formerly as the Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics).
- Impact Factor: 11.4 (2024), ranking 4th in Ecology and 3rd in Evolutionary Biology.
- Access Model: Open access via the Subscribe to Open model (as of 2023).
- Scope: Covers molecular evolution, phylogeny, speciation, population dynamics, conservation biology, and more.
- Publication Frequency: Published annually.
History and Evolution
Founded in 1970 with Richard F. Johnston as the inaugural editor, the journal was originally titled the Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics. Over the decades, it expanded its focus to better reflect the integration of evolutionary studies, leading to its current name change in 2003.
A notable addition to its historical record began in 1975, when the journal started publishing biographies of distinguished ecologists within its prefatory chapters, honoring the individuals who shaped the field.
Scope of Research
The journal defines its scope as the study of significant developments in the ecology, evolution, and systematics of all life on Earth. Systematics, the study of the diversification of living forms and their relationships, is a core pillar of the publication. Other key areas of focus include:
- Molecular evolution and phylogeny (the evolutionary history of a species).
- Speciation and population dynamics.
- Conservation biology and environmental resource management.
- The study of invasive species.
Editorial Process and Governance
The journal operates under a strict invitation-only model. Unlike many scientific journals, the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Instead, the editor and the editorial committee identify timely topics and solicit reviews from qualified experts in the field.
The editorial committee consists of associate editors and regular members appointed by the Annual Reviews board of directors for five-year terms. Guest editors may also be invited to serve one-year terms. All accepted manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by the committee to ensure scientific accuracy and quality.
Leadership History
The journal has been led by three primary editors over its 56-year history:
- Richard F. Johnston (1970–1991)
- Daphne Gail Fautin (1992–2001)
- Douglas J. Futuyma (2002–present)
Journal Specifications
The journal is highly regarded for its academic influence and is indexed in several major databases, including Scopus, BIOSIS, and the Science Citation Index Expanded.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 1545-2069 (Print & Web) |
| 2024 Impact Factor | 11.4 |
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. Syst. |
| CODEN | ARECBC |
| OCLC Number | 51651460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a manuscript to this journal?
No, the journal does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Articles are commissioned by the editorial committee, who invite specific qualified authors to write reviews on timely topics.
What is the current impact factor of the journal?
As of the 2025 Journal Citation Reports, the 2024 impact factor is 11.4.
Is the journal open access?
Yes, as of 2023, the journal is published as open access under the Subscribe to Open model.
Who is the current editor?
Douglas J. Futuyma has served as the editor since 2002.
What specific biological fields does the journal cover?
The journal covers ecology, evolutionary biology, and systematics, including specialized topics like molecular evolution, conservation biology, and population dynamics.