Beyond pairwise mechanisms of species coexistence in complex communities

Nature, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 546(7656), P. 56 - 64

Published: May 30, 2017

Language: Английский

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Updates on mechanisms of maintenance of species diversity

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 106(5), P. 1773 - 1794

Published: Aug. 13, 2018

Abstract A quantitative approach to species coexistence based on the invasibility criterion has led an appreciation of mechanisms in terms stabilizing and equalizing components, but major challenges are need consider general multispecies settings, interactions beyond competition, multiple scales space time. Moreover, two essential concepts, species‐level average fitness scaling factors, have not had clear definitions. defining fitnesses factors is given, along with origin as deviations from a reference model where no possible. Illustrations Lotka–Volterra models, models accounting specifically for resource use natural enemies, temporal fluctuations. Community averages reveal overall opportunities coexistence, define more precisely through their formulae. Average adjusted presence provide better definition mechanisms. While these ideas apply components invasion rates, permanence theory stochastic persistence show how rates can be used demonstrate complex settings. Although often focused detailed roles enemies new perspective nature. The concept apparent competition recognizes symmetry between density‐dependence depletion supporting enemies. Natural enemy partitioning analogue equivalent role promoting coexistence. Rather than reinforcing each other, however, strength intermediate that implied by alone alone, elucidated recent theory. Synthesis . there alternative approaches understanding continue insights. Multiple trophic levels naturally challenging, theories support critical thus derived into differences components.

Language: Английский

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A structural approach for understanding multispecies coexistence

Ecological Monographs, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 87(3), P. 470 - 486

Published: April 19, 2017

Abstract Although observations of species‐rich communities have long served as a primary motivation for research on the coexistence competitors, majority our empirical and theoretical understanding comes from two‐species systems. How much observed in results indirect effects among competitors that only emerge diverse systems remains poorly understood. Resolving this issue requires simple, scalable, intuitive metrics quantifying conditions multispecies systems, how these differ those expected based solely pairwise interactions. To achieve aims, we develop structural approach studying set parameter values compatible with n ‐species given geometric constraints imposed by matrix competition coefficients. We derive novel mathematical analogous to stabilizing niche differences fitness measure range coexistence, incorporating interactions emerging show measures can be used quantify extent which allow apply method field system annual plants. conclude presenting new challenges opportunities coexistence.

Language: Английский

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Towards the Integration of Niche and Network Theories

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 33(4), P. 287 - 300

Published: Feb. 19, 2018

Language: Английский

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The effects of intransitive competition on coexistence

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 20(7), P. 791 - 800

Published: May 26, 2017

Abstract Coexistence theory has been developed with an almost exclusive focus on interactions between two species, often ignoring more complex and indirect interactions, such as intransitive loops, that can emerge in competition networks. In fact, typically studied isolation from other pairwise stabilising processes, thus little is known about how intransitivity interacts traditional drivers of species coexistence niche partitioning. To integrate into theory, we a metric growth rate when rare, , to identify quantify the impact against backdrop differences. Using this index simulations community dynamics, demonstrate loops both stabilise or destabilise coexistence, but strength importance are significantly affected by length topology these loops. We conclude showing be used evaluate effects empirical studies. Our results emphasise need mechanisms emerging diverse our understanding coexistence.

Language: Английский

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Structured environments fundamentally alter dynamics and stability of ecological communities

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 116(2), P. 379 - 388

Published: Dec. 28, 2018

The dynamics and stability of ecological communities are intimately linked with the specific interactions-like cooperation or predation-between constituent species. In microbial communities, like those found in soils mammalian gut, physical anisotropies produced by fluid flow chemical gradients impact community structure dynamics, even structurally isotropic environments. Although natural existing physically unstructured environments rare, role environmental determining remains poorly studied. To address this gap, we used modified Lotka-Volterra simulations competitive to characterize effects surface on dynamics. We find that has profound a manner dependent pattern interactions between members. For two mutually competing species, eventual extinction one competitor is effectively guaranteed However, addition enables long-term coexistence both species via local "pinning" competition interfaces, when significant advantage. contrast, while three an intransitive loop (as game rock-paper-scissors) coexist stably environments, structural anisotropy disrupts spatial patterns which depends, causing chaotic population fluctuations subsequent cascades. These results indicate strongly depends environment they reside. Therefore, more complete understanding, including effective manipulation interventions interest, must account for environment.

Language: Английский

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Soil-microorganism-mediated invasional meltdown in plants

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 4(12), P. 1612 - 1621

Published: Oct. 5, 2020

Language: Английский

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Intuitive and broadly applicable definitions of niche and fitness differences

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 23(7), P. 1117 - 1128

Published: April 27, 2020

Explaining nature's biodiversity is a key challenge for science. To persist, populations must be able to grow faster when rare, feature called negative frequency dependence and quantified as 'niche differences' ( N ) in modern coexistence theory. Here, we first show that available definitions of differ how link species interactions, are difficult interpret often apply specific community types only. We then present new definition intuitive applicable broader set (modelled empirical) communities than currently the case, filling main gap literature. Given , also redefine fitness differences F illustrate determine coexistence. Finally, demonstrate our theoretical models experimental data, provide ideas on they can facilitate comparison synthesis ecology.

Language: Английский

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Network motifs involving both competition and facilitation predict biodiversity in alpine plant communities

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 118(6)

Published: Feb. 1, 2021

Biological diversity depends on multiple, cooccurring ecological interactions. However, most studies focus one interaction type at a time, leaving community ecologists unsure of how positive and negative associations among species combine to influence biodiversity patterns. Using surveys plant populations in alpine communities worldwide, we explore patterns triads (modules) their relationship local biodiversity. Three modules, each incorporating both associations, were overrepresented, thus acting as "network motifs." Furthermore, the overrepresentation these network motifs is positively linked globally. A theoretical model illustrates that motifs, based competition between facilitated or facilitation inferior competitors, increase persistence. Our findings suggest interplay crucial for maintaining

Language: Английский

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Plant interaction networks reveal the limits of our understanding of diversity maintenance

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 27(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Species interactions are key drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Current theoretical frameworks for understanding the role make many assumptions which unfortunately, do not always hold in natural, diverse communities. This mismatch extends to annual plants, a common model system studying coexistence, where typically averaged across environmental conditions transitive competitive hierarchies assumed dominate. We quantify interaction networks community wildflowers Western Australia natural shade gradient at local scales. Whilst competition dominated, intraspecific interspecific facilitation were widespread all categories. Interaction strengths directions varied substantially despite close spatial proximity similar levels species richness, with most interacting different ways under conditions. Contrary expectations, predominantly intransitive. These findings encourage us rethink how we conceive categorize mechanisms driving plant systems.

Language: Английский

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