Widespread analytical pitfalls in empirical coexistence studies and a checklist for improving their statistical robustness

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(4), P. 594 - 611

Published: Feb. 28, 2024

Abstract Modern coexistence theory (MCT) offers a conceptually straightforward approach for connecting empirical observations with an elegant theoretical framework, gaining popularity rapidly over the past decade. However, beneath this surface‐level simplicity lie various assumptions and subjective choices made during data analysis. These can lead researchers to draw qualitatively different conclusions from same set of experiments. As predictions MCT studies are often treated as outcomes, many readers reviewers may not be familiar framework's assumptions, there is particular risk ‘researcher degrees freedom’ inflating confidence in results, thereby affecting reproducibility predictive power. To tackle these concerns, we introduce checklist consisting statistical best practices promote more robust applications MCT. Our recommendations organised into four categories: presentation sharing raw data, testing model fits, managing uncertainty associated coefficients incorporating predictions. We surveyed published 15 years discovered high degree variation level rigour adherence practices. present case illustrate dependence results on seemingly innocuous among competition structure error distributions, which some cases reversed predicted outcomes. demonstrate how analytical approaches profoundly alter interpretation experimental underscoring importance carefully considering thoroughly justifying each step taken analysis pathway. serves resource authors alike, providing guidance strengthen foundation analyses. field shifts descriptive, trailblazing phase stage consolidation, emphasise need caution when building upon findings earlier studies. ensure that progress ecological based reliable evidence, it crucial subject our predictions, generalisability rigorous assessment than currently trend.

Language: Английский

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More species, more trees: The role of tree packing in promoting forest productivity

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 5, 2025

Abstract Forests provide many ecosystem services that strongly depend on species diversity, as illustrated by the repeatedly observed diversity–productivity relationships (DPRs). These forest DPRs are assumed to result mostly from complementarity between at tree level whilst emerging community‐level processes remain poorly explored. In this study, we propose ‘tree packing effect’ (TPE), where diversity promotes productivity positively impacting maximum stand density, is an important determinant of DPRs. We tested two components TPE: (i) whether density increases with richness and (ii) higher allowed productivity. First, relying national inventories six European countries (NFIs, totaling 2,367,776 trees), fitted self‐thinning lines examine these were influenced plot richness. showed in Europe, all but one country. This trend was notably stronger extreme climates. Second, ran a large simulation‐based experiment (including 7,024,815 simulations) individual‐based dynamics model able control for stand‐density effects, quantify more than 1000 sites Europe. Relying original method site level, compared strength simulated without density. found positive up 10‐times when TPE play controlled. effect through also climates, especially warm dry conditions. Synthesis . Highlighting generality forests, our results reveal functioning partly mediated diversity‐driven changes mechanism has been long overlooked biodiversity—ecosystem studies, findings call its reconsideration, natural forests. It opens key perspectives management climate change mitigation programmes.

Language: Английский

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From field to framework: response to Soga and Gaston

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Competition Theory in Ecology

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 22, 2022

Abstract This book explores how mathematical models can illuminate the interaction known as interspecific competition. Competition occurs whenever two or more species share at least some of same limiting resources. It is likely to affect all species, well many higher-level aspects community and ecosystem dynamics. Interspecific competition shares features density dependence (intraspecific competition) evolution (competition between genotypes). In spite this, a robust theoretical framework for understanding its outcomes potential effects on ecological communities lacking. Despite prominence in literature, theory seems have lost direction recent decades, with synthetic papers promoting outdated ideas, failing use resource-based models, having little utility applied fields such conservation environmental management. The examines that began be developed half century ago extended change abundances competing species. Current needs incorporate findings regarding consumer–resource interactions context larger food webs containing behaviourally evolutionarily adapting components. Overly simple methods analysis led past contributing less than it should practical applications. also discusses related intraspecific apparent competition, evolutionary this important process.

Language: Английский

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Environmental variability in aquatic ecosystems: Avenues for future multifactorial experiments

Limnology and Oceanography Letters, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 8(2), P. 247 - 266

Published: Oct. 22, 2022

Abstract The relevance of considering environmental variability for understanding and predicting biological responses to changes has resulted in a recent surge variability‐focused ecological research. However, integration findings that emerge across studies identification remaining knowledge gaps aquatic ecosystems remain critical. Here, we address these aspects by: (1) summarizing relevant terms research including the components (characteristics) key interactions when multiple factors; (2) identifying conceptual frameworks consequences single multifactorial scenarios; (3) highlighting challenges bridging theoretical experimental involving transitioning from simple more complex (4) proposing improved approaches overcome current mismatches between predictions observations; (5) providing guide designing integrated experiments scales, degrees control, complexity light their specific strengths limitations.

Language: Английский

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Cascading impacts of changes in subsidy quality on recipient ecosystem functioning

Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 104(5)

Published: March 9, 2023

Abstract Resource quantity and quality can differ between adjacent ecosystems, these differences impact subsidies exchanged ecosystems. The of are rapidly changing in response to stressors associated with global environmental change, but while we have models predict the effects changes subsidy quantity, currently lack on recipient ecosystem functioning. We developed a novel model biomass distribution, recycling, production, efficiency. parameterized for case study riparian subsidized by pulsed emergent aquatic insects. In this focused common measure that differs ecosystems: higher content long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) analyzed how PUFA concentration affect dynamics stocks functions ecosystem. also conducted sensitivity analysis identify key drivers impacts. Our showed increased functioning Recycling more strongly than production per unit increase, meaning there was threshold where an increase led stronger recycling relative predictions were most sensitive basal nutrient input, highlighting relevance levels understanding connections. argue ecosystems rely high‐quality subsidies, such as aquatic–terrestrial ecotones, highly subsidy–recipient unifies hypothesis food provides testable understand connections under changes.

Language: Английский

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What is the price of using the Price equation in ecology?

Oikos, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2023(8)

Published: June 20, 2023

The Dialogue series is intended to promote critical thinking and the expression of contrasting or even opposing viewpoints on important ecological topics. Here, seven researchers debate use Price equation, a framework that has long been used in evolution analyze temporal changes frequency traits alleles. This describes different philosophical mathematical perspectives application equation questions such as relationship between biodiversity ecosystem functioning (BEF). hope broader scientific community will benefit from these viewpoints.

Language: Английский

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In defense of the Type I functional response: The frequency and population-dynamic effects of feeding on multiple prey at a time

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 17, 2024

Abstract Ecologists differ in the degree to which they consider linear Type I functional response be an unrealistic versus sufficient representation of predator feeding rates. Empiricists tend it unsuitably non-mechanistic and theoreticians necessarily simple. Holling’s original rectilinear model is dismissed by satisfying neither desire, with most compromising on smoothly saturating II for searching handling are assumed mutually exclusive activities. We derive a “multiple-prey-at-a-time” generalization that includes III reflect predators can continue search when arbitrary number already-captured prey. The multi-prey clarifies empirical relevance models conditions under linearity mechanistically-reasoned description rates, even times long. find support presence 35% 2,591 compiled datasets, evidence larger predator-prey body-mass ratios permit while greater numbers Incorporating into Rosenzweig-MacArthur population-dynamics reveals non-exclusivity lead coexistence states dynamics not anticipated theory built traditional models. In particular, bistable fixed-point limit-cycle long-term crawl-by transients between them where abundance top-heavy food webs linear. conclude should considered empirically but also more bounded conclusions drawn presuming appropriate.

Language: Английский

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Bringing population ecology back to wild bees

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(9)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

Abstract In recent years, motivated by widespread declines in wild bees, ecologists have prioritized learning about patterns of bee communities across the landscape at expense population‐level mechanisms driving those patterns. this essay, we seek to revitalize tradition studying populations a way that both contributes key knowledge for conservation and builds strong conceptual understanding processes underpinning populations. We address two concerns investing research. First, studies are too conceptually narrow provide broad inference. If couched general ecological theory, then findings from single species can be generalized many. highlight how bees would make excellent candidates exploring five areas ideas population ecology, including nutritional drivers vital rates, phenology voltinism, habitat selection, movement. Second, concern methods level difficult implement. Methods conducting bees—specifically, identifying living field individuals throughout their life cycles—are feasible implement scales appropriate answering questions, example, few sites. To facilitate adoption these ideas, developed an online guide ( www.watchingbees.com ) detailed manual. More generally, emphasize value linking data‐rich pattern‐oriented approaches ecology with basic biology generate

Language: Английский

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FreeForm: Flexibly Augmenting Formulas with Synchronized Markup and Graphical Edits

Published: April 24, 2025

Language: Английский

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