Opposing effects of competitive exclusion on the phylogenetic structure of communities

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2010, Volume and Issue: 13(9), P. 1085 - 1093

Published: June 23, 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1085–1093 Abstract Though many processes are involved in determining which species coexist and assemble into communities, competition is among the best studied. One hypothesis about competition’s contribution to community assembly that more closely related less likely coexist. empirical evidence for this mixed, it remains a common assumption certain phylogenetic approaches inferring effects of environmental filtering competitive exclusion. Here, we relate modern coexistence theory refine expectations how relatedness influences outcome competition. We argue two types differences determine exclusion with opposing on patterns. Importantly, means can sometimes eliminate different taxa, even when traits underlying relevant phylogenetically conserved. Our argument leads reinterpretation inferred from structure.

Language: Английский

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Function and functional redundancy in microbial systems

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 2(6), P. 936 - 943

Published: April 12, 2018

Language: Английский

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How Should Beta-Diversity Inform Biodiversity Conservation?

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2015, Volume and Issue: 31(1), P. 67 - 80

Published: Dec. 17, 2015

Language: Английский

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The importance of niches for the maintenance of species diversity

Nature, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: 461(7261), P. 254 - 257

Published: Aug. 12, 2009

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity in a complex world: consolidation and progress in functional biodiversity research

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: 12(12), P. 1405 - 1419

Published: Oct. 22, 2009

Ecology Letters (2009) 12: 1405–1419 Abstract The global decline of biodiversity caused by human domination ecosystems worldwide is supposed to alter important process rates and state variables in these ecosystems. However, there considerable debate on the prevalence importance effects ecosystem function (BDEF). Here, we argue that much stems from two major shortcomings. First, most studies do not directly link traits leading increased or decreased needed for species coexistence dominance. We implementing a trait‐based approach broadening perception diversity include trait dissimilarity divergence will result more realistic predictions consequences altered biodiversity. Second, empirical theoretical reflect complexity natural ecosystems, which makes it difficult transfer results situations loss. review how different aspects (trophic structure, multifunctionality, spatial temporal heterogeneity, population dynamics) our BDEF. propose future research avenues concisely testing whether acknowledging this strengthen observed effects. Finally, task disentangle direct changes due alterations abiotic constraints.

Language: Английский

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Trait‐based tests of coexistence mechanisms

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2013, Volume and Issue: 16(10), P. 1294 - 1306

Published: Aug. 4, 2013

Abstract Recent functional trait studies have shown that differences may favour certain species (environmental filtering) while simultaneously preventing competitive exclusion (niche partitioning). However, phenomenological trait‐dispersion analyses do not identify the mechanisms generate niche partitioning, trait‐based prediction of future changes in biodiversity. We argue such predictions require linking traits with recognised coexistence involving spatial or temporal environmental heterogeneity, resource partitioning and natural enemies. first demonstrate limitations approaches using simulations, then (1) propose tests coexistence, (2) hypotheses about which plant are likely to interact particular (3) review literature for evidence these hypotheses. Theory data suggest all four classes could act on variation, but some will be stronger more widespread than others. The highest priority research is interactions between heterogeneity variation measure variables at within‐community scales quantify species' responses environment absence competition. Evidence similar operate many ecosystems would simplify biodiversity forecasting represent a rare victory generality over contingency community ecology.

Language: Английский

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Analysing ecological networks of species interactions

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 94(1), P. 16 - 36

Published: June 20, 2018

Network approaches to ecological questions have been increasingly used, particularly in recent decades. The abstraction of systems - such as communities through networks interactions between their components indeed provides a way summarize this information with single objects. methodological framework derived from graph theory also numerous and measures analyze these objects can offer new perspectives on established theories well tools address challenges. However, prior using methods test hypotheses, it is necessary that we understand, adapt, use them ways both allow us deliver full potential account for limitations. Here, attempt increase the accessibility network by providing review developed so far, what believe be appropriate uses This not an exhaustive all metrics, but rather, overview are robust, informative, ecologically sound. After brief presentation species interaction how build order different types, then classify metrics types they used answer global local scales, including hypothesis testing future perspectives. Specifically, show organization community yields structures (e.g., more or less dense, modular nested), describe quantify emerging structures, compare based differences structures. Within networks, illustrate functional dynamic roles position associated significance results. Lastly, fruitful avenues developments novel questions.

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity, productivity and the temporal stability of productivity: patterns and processes

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: 12(5), P. 443 - 451

Published: March 10, 2009

Theory predicts that the temporal stability of productivity, measured as ratio mean to standard deviation community biomass, increases with species richness and evenness. We used experimental mixtures grassland plants test this hypothesis identified mechanisms involved. Additionally, we tested whether biodiversity, productivity were similarly influenced by particular types interactions. found was less variable among years in plots planted more species. Temporal did not depend on equally abundant (high evenness) or (realistically low evenness). Greater increased increasing overyielding, asynchrony fluctuations statistical averaging. Species interactions favoured unproductive both biodiversity stability. resulted niche partitioning facilitation Thus, can promote ecosystem services.

Language: Английский

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Plant invasions and the niche

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: 97(4), P. 609 - 615

Published: May 5, 2009

1 For plant invaders, being different is often equated with successful, yet the mechanistic connection remains unclear. 2 Classic niche theory predicts that invaders niches distinct from native flora should coexist little interaction species, such have substantial impacts. Meanwhile, overlap in space species either be repelled or dominate, these naturalize effect. Such discrepancies between and observation raise questions about how differences influence invader establishment impact. 3 Here, we review issues light of recent work on coexistence theory, which shows fitness natives interact to determine invasion outcomes. We show successful depends a advantage difference resident but only former allows become dominant. 4 By identifying role leading hypotheses, unify their predictions for success while highlighting new approaches evaluating importance invasion. 5 Synthesis. Situating process within framework broadens our understanding mechanisms more tightly links problems ecology general community dynamics.

Language: Английский

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Maintenance of Plant Species Diversity by Pathogens

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Journal Year: 2015, Volume and Issue: 46(1), P. 305 - 325

Published: Oct. 7, 2015

We present strong evidence that pathogens play a critical role in structuring plant communities and maintaining diversity. Pathogens mediate species coexistence through trade-offs between competitive ability resistance to pathogen specialization. Experimental tests of individual plant–pathogen interactions, feedback host-specific changes soil communities, field patterns experimentation consistently identify as important coexistence. These direct are supported by observations the generating productivity gains from manipulations diversity escape native contributes success introduced species. Further work is necessary test dynamics large-scale range limits, robustness coevolutionary dynamics, contribution different pathogens, succession.

Language: Английский

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