The metacommunity concept: a framework for multi‐scale community ecology

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2004, Volume and Issue: 7(7), P. 601 - 613

Published: June 4, 2004

Abstract The metacommunity concept is an important way to think about linkages between different spatial scales in ecology. Here we review current understanding this concept. We first investigate issues related its definition as a set of local communities that are linked by dispersal multiple potentially interacting species. then identify four paradigms for metacommunities: the patch‐dynamic view, species‐sorting mass effects view and neutral each emphasizes processes potential importance metacommunities. These have somewhat distinct intellectual histories discuss elements their future synthesis. use framework why useful modifying existing ecological thinking illustrate with number both theoretical empirical examples. As ecologists strive understand increasingly complex mechanisms work across spatio‐temporal organization, concepts like can provide insights frequently contrast those would be obtained more conventional approaches based on alone.

Language: Английский

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Larval Dispersal and Marine Population Connectivity

Annual Review of Marine Science, Journal Year: 2008, Volume and Issue: 1(1), P. 443 - 466

Published: Sept. 23, 2008

Connectivity, or the exchange of individuals among marine populations, is a central topic in ecology. For most benthic species with complex life cycles, this occurs primarily during pelagic larval stage. The small size larvae coupled vast and fluid environment they occupy hamper our ability to quantify dispersal connectivity. Evidence from direct indirect approaches using geochemical genetic techniques suggests that populations range fully open closed. Understanding biophysical processes contribute observed patterns requires integrated interdisciplinary incorporate high-resolution modeling empirical data. Further, differential postsettlement survival may add complexity measurements degree which self recruit receive subsidy other has consequences for number fundamental ecological affect population regulation persistence. Finally, full understanding connectivity important applications management conservation.

Language: Английский

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Grinnellian and Eltonian niches and geographic distributions of species

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2007, Volume and Issue: 10(12), P. 1115 - 1123

Published: Sept. 10, 2007

In the recent past, availability of large data sets species presences has increased by orders magnitude. This, together with developments in geographical information systems and statistical methods, enabled scientists to calculate, for thousands species, environmental conditions their distributional areas. The profiles thus obtained are obviously related niche concepts Grinnell tradition, separated from those Elton's tradition. I argue that it is useful define Grinnellian Eltonian niches on basis types variables used calculate them, natural spatial scale at which they can be measured, dispersal individuals over environment. use set theory notation analogies derived population ecology obtain formal definitions areas distribution several niches. This brings clarity practical fundamental questions macroecology biogeography.

Language: Английский

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Five (or so) challenges for species distribution modelling

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2006, Volume and Issue: 33(10), P. 1677 - 1688

Published: Aug. 22, 2006

Abstract Species distribution modelling is central to both fundamental and applied research in biogeography. Despite widespread use of models, there are still important conceptual ambiguities as well biotic algorithmic uncertainties that need be investigated order increase confidence model results. We identify discuss five areas enquiry high importance for species modelling: (1) clarification the niche concept; (2) improved designs sampling data building models; (3) parameterization; (4) selection predictor contribution; (5) evaluation. The challenges discussed this essay do not preclude developments other field. However, they critical allowing science move forward.

Language: Английский

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Tumor heterogeneity: Causes and consequences

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: 1805(1), P. 105 - 117

Published: Nov. 19, 2009

Language: Английский

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Trade‐offs in community ecology: linking spatial scales and species coexistence

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2003, Volume and Issue: 7(1), P. 69 - 80

Published: Nov. 27, 2003

Abstract Trade‐offs in species performances of different ecological functions is one the most common explanations for coexistence communities. Despite potential occurring at local or regional spatial scales, trade‐offs are typically approached a single scale. In recent years, ecologists have increasingly provided evidence importance community processes both and scales. This review summarizes theoretical predictions traits associated with under conditions We provide framework understanding trade‐offs, supportive empirical evidence. Predictions presented that link patterns diversity observed to lead Recent evolution which explores laboratory microcosm studies phylogenetic tests. Examining within can strong approach structure dynamics, while explaining diversity.

Language: Английский

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COEXISTENCE OF THE NICHE AND NEUTRAL PERSPECTIVES IN COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

Ecology, Journal Year: 2006, Volume and Issue: 87(6), P. 1399 - 1410

Published: June 1, 2006

The neutral theory for community structure and biodiversity is dependent on the assumption that species are equivalent to each other in all important ecological respects. We explore what this concept of equivalence means communities, how such may arise evolutionarily, possibility equivalents relates previous ideas about niche differentiation. also show co-occurrence ecologically similar or not incompatible with as has been supposed, because relations can sometimes favor coexistence species. argue both evolutionary processes operate promote introduction sustain persistence many cases nearly embedded highly structured food webs. Future work should focus synthesizing perspectives rather than dichotomously debating whether models provide better explanations biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Tree–grass coexistence in savannas revisited – insights from an examination of assumptions and mechanisms invoked in existing models

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2004, Volume and Issue: 7(6), P. 480 - 490

Published: April 19, 2004

Abstract Several explanations for the persistence of tree–grass mixtures in savannas have been advanced thus far. In general, these either concentrate on competition‐based mechanisms, where niche separation with respect to limiting resources such as water lead coexistence, or demographic factors fire, herbivory and rainfall variability promote through their dissimilar effects different life‐history stages trees. Tests models largely site‐specific, although find support empirical data from some savanna sites, enough dissenting evidence exists others question validity general mechanisms coexistence. This lack consensus determinants structure function arises because models: (i) focus trees, (ii) tree establishment, (iii) emphasize subsets potential interactions between trees grasses. Furthermore, differ terms most basic assumptions whether grasses are better competitors. We believe an integration approaches is required if a comprehensive model that explains both coexistence relative productivity grass components across diverse world emerge. As first step towards this end, we outline conceptual framework integrates existing applies them explicitly stage

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, and Human Wellbeing

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 30, 2009

Abstract How will biodiversity loss affect ecosystem functioning, services, and human wellbeing? In an age of accelerating loss, this volume summarizes recent advances in biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning research explores the economics services. The first section development basic science provides a meta-analysis that quantitatively tests several hypotheses. second describes natural foundations research, including: quantifying functional diversity, field into predictive science, effects stability complexity, methods to quantify mechanisms by which diversity affects importance trophic structure, microbial ecology, spatial dynamics. third takes on further than it has ever gone dimension. six chapters cover most pressing environmental challenges humanity faces, including on: climate change mitigation, restoration degraded habitats, managed ecosystems, pollination, disease, biological invasions. remaining three consider economic perspective, synthesis services biodiversity, options open policy-makers address failure markets account for services; examination valuing and, hence, understanding consequences decisions neglect these ways economists are currently incorporating decision models conservation management biodiversity. final new ecoinformatics help transform globally finally, advancements future directions field. book's ultimate conclusion is essential element any strategy sustainable development.

Language: Английский

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Contrasts between habitat generalists and specialists: an empirical extension to the basic metacommunity framework

Ecology, Journal Year: 2009, Volume and Issue: 90(8), P. 2253 - 2262

Published: July 24, 2009

Emergence of the metacommunity concept has made a substantial contribution to better understanding community composition and dynamics in regional context. However, long-term field data for testing available models are still scarce, extent which these apply real world remains unknown. Tests conducted so far have largely sought fit on entire set species one several models, implicitly assuming that all operate similarly over same sites. differ their habitat use. These differences can, most general terms, be expressed as gradient specialization (ranging from specialists generalists). We postulate such will implications dynamics. Specifically, we predict respond more local processes generalists spatial processes. tested predictions using natural microcosm communities (nine-year) environmental population were available. used redundancy analysis determine proportion variation explained by factors. repeated this explain species, generalist only, only. further ANOVA test proportions variation. found responded primarily factors mainly Thus, perspective, best combination sorting mass effects, while patch neutral models. Consequently, infer can exhibit complicated dynamics, with some groups (e.g., specialists) governed according other generalists) dispersal

Language: Английский

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