A Metabolic Perspective of Stochastic Community Assembly

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 36(4), P. 280 - 283

Published: Feb. 1, 2021

Language: Английский

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Accounting for temporal change in multiple biodiversity patterns improves the inference of metacommunity processes

Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 103(6)

Published: March 21, 2022

In metacommunity ecology, a major focus has been on combining observational and analytical approaches to identify the role of critical assembly processes, such as dispersal limitation environmental filtering, but this work largely ignored temporal community dynamics. Here, we develop "virtual ecologist" approach evaluate processes by simulating metacommunities varying in three main processes: density-independent responses abiotic conditions, density-dependent biotic interactions, dispersal. We then calculate number commonly used summary statistics structure space time use random forests their utility for inferring strength these processes. find that (i) both spatial data are necessary disentangle based test, including measured through increases explanatory power up 59% compared cases where only variation is considered; (ii) studied can be distinguished with different descriptors; (iii) each statistic differently sensitive sampling effort. Including repeated observations over was essential particularly Some most useful include coefficient species abundances metrics incorporate relative (evenness) species. conclude combination methods probably understand underlie time, recognize results will modified when other or used.

Language: Английский

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Accounting for demographic uncertainty increases predictions for species coexistence: A case study with annual plants

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 25(7), P. 1618 - 1628

Published: May 28, 2022

Abstract Natural systems contain more complexity than is accounted for in models of modern coexistence theory. Coexistence modelling often disregards variation arising from stochasticity biological processes, heterogeneity among individuals and plasticity trait values. However, these unaccounted‐for sources uncertainty are likely to be ecologically important have the potential impact estimates coexistence. We applied a Bayesian framework data an annual plant community Western Australia propagate outcomes using invasion criterion ratio niche fitness differences. found accounting this altered predictions versus competitive exclusion 3 out 14 species pairs yielded probability priority effects additional pair. The propagation improves our ability predict accurately natural systems.

Language: Английский

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Application of modern coexistence theory to rare plant restoration provides early indication of restoration trajectories

Ecological Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 32(7)

Published: May 13, 2022

Restoration ecology commonly seeks to re-establish species of interest in degraded habitats. Despite a rich understanding how succession influences re-establishment, there are several outstanding questions that remain unaddressed: short-term abundances sufficient determine long-term re-establishment success, and what factors contribute unpredictable restorations outcomes? In other words, when restoration fails, is it because the restored habitat substandard, strong competition with invasive species, or alternatively due changing environmental conditions would equally impact established populations? Here, we re-purpose tools developed from modern coexistence theory address these questions, apply them an effort restore endangered Contra Costa goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens) constructed ("restored") California vernal pools. Using 16 years data, construct population model L. conjugens, conservation concern primarily loss invasion exotic grasses. We show initial, appearances success misleading, as year-to-year fluctuations cause growth rates fall below zero. The failure pools driven by lower maximum compared reference ("natural") pools, coupled stronger negative sensitivity annual abiotic yield decreased rates. Nonetheless, our modeling shows (mainly grasses) benefit conjugens through periods competitive release, especially intermediate pool depth. therefore reductions invasives seed addition particular depths could change outcome for conjugens. By applying largely theoretical framework urgent goal ecological restoration, study provides blueprint predicting identifies future actions reverse loss.

Language: Английский

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Assessing the effects of water resources allocation on the uncertainty propagation in the water–energy–food–society (WEFS) nexus

Agricultural Water Management, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 282, P. 108279 - 108279

Published: March 28, 2023

The water–energy–food–society (WEFS) nexus is profiled for sustainable development. WEFS exhibits strong uncertainty owing to the stochasticity of model structure, and water availability under climate change human activities. remains highly risky, as propagation in regulation resources allocation has rarely been investigated. In this study, white Gaussian noises were integrated into a system dynamic simulation, transforming from deterministic stochastic. Based on Monte Carlo simulation stochastic with uncertainty, copula function was applied evaluate joint distributions between shortage rates upstream downstream zones investigate nexus. effects analyzed by setting different schemes. proposed approach mid–lower reaches Hanjiang River basin China case study. results indicate that an effective scheme can ensure supply, diminish impacts supply through reservoir operation. annual average rate increased 84.74% 93.45%, standard deviation decreased 3.37% 1.78%. high-level environmental awareness evoked or food shortages significantly smaller uncertainty. co-evolution ensured its Water storage capacity vital factor regulate efficiently regulated via operation sufficient capacity. there no significant response If few zone, remarkably influenced zone. difficult ensure, sensitive increased. feedback demand altering socioeconomic expansion, further nexus, particularly when much than demand. help quantify contribute development

Language: Английский

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