The land-blending strategy: Contribution of metapopulation theory to the land sparing-sharing debate

Land Use Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 155, P. 107577 - 107577

Published: May 2, 2025

Language: Английский

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Chance and necessity in the assembly of plant communities: Stochasticity increases with size, isolation and diversity of temporary ponds

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 111(8), P. 1641 - 1655

Published: June 5, 2023

Abstract Biodiversity emerges from niche mechanisms, in which the combination of traits determines species performance, and populations drift because inherent stochasticity community assembly processes. Population biology dictates that small isolated communities are more prone to show stochastic assemblages. However, a reduced mass effect may promote trait selection. In addition, large connected have larger pool, higher functional redundancy, lower population sizes random recruitment, also fosters assembly. These contradictory expectations demand empirical analyses. Plant metacommunities temporary ponds assembled by action strong environmental filters cover wide ranges local connectivity, representing ideal systems for identifying determinants trait‐selection Using deviance partition method introduced theory selection, we evaluated role plant assemblies along 60 14‐year survey ponds. Variation pond size, hydroperiod, connectitivity heterogeneity determined selection gradien related drought resistance, life history disperal strategies; strength trait‐mediated The taxonomic diversity its physical fostered community, presented hump‐shaped association with connectivity. area increased richness but decreased diversity, determining negative positive indirect effects on stochasticity. Synthesis . Diversity provides raw material putatively reducing stochasticity, here was positively Having enough redundancy diverse is probably fostering between connectivity supports due weak effect, set optimal scenario could be available. ongoing state ecosystem fragmentation, these trends contribute mechanistic understanding connection landscape structure biodiversity

Language: Английский

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Poor hypotheses and research waste in biology: learning from a theory crisis in psychology

BMC Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 23(1)

Published: Feb. 4, 2025

Abstract While psychologists have extensively discussed the notion of a “theory crisis” arising from vague and incorrect hypotheses, there has been no debate about such crisis in biology. However, biologists long communication failures between theoreticians empiricists. We argue failure is one aspect theory because misapplied misunderstood theories lead to poor hypotheses research waste. review its solutions compare them with methodology-focused proposed for replication crises. conclude by discussing how promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility (IDEA) theoretical biology could contribute ameliorating breakdowns theory-empirical cycle.

Language: Английский

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Integrating Network and Meta‐Ecosystem Models for Developing a Zoogeochemical Theory

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 28(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Human activities have caused significant changes in animal abundance, interactions, movement and diversity at multiple scales. Growing empirical evidence reveals the myriad ways that these can alter control animals exert over biogeochemical cycling. Yet a theoretical framework to coherently integrate predict when how controls cycling (i.e., zoogeochemistry) change is currently lacking. We present such general provides guidance on linking mathematical models of species interaction (network theory) organisms non‐living materials (meta‐ecosystem account for biotic abiotic feedback by which illustrate apply develop predictive specific ecosystem contexts using case study primary producer–herbivore bipartite trait network boreal forest ecosystem. further discuss key priorities enhancing model development, data–model integration application. The offers an important step enhance research better inform justify broader conservation efforts aimed conserving restoring populations, their critical functional roles support services nature‐based climate solutions.

Language: Английский

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Novel Regimes of Extreme Climatic Events Trigger Negative Population Rates in a Common Insect

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

ABSTRACT The IPCC predicts that events at the extreme tail of probability distribution will increase a higher rate relative to less severe but still abnormal events. Such outlier are particular concern due nonlinear physiological and demographic responses climatic exposure, meaning these expected have disproportionate impacts on populations over next decades (so called low‐likelihood, high‐impact —LLHI). Because such historically rare, forecasting how biodiversity respond requires mechanistic models integrate fundamental processes driving biological our changing climate. Here we built matrix population model (MPM) from long‐term monitored an insect species in Mediterranean area. simultaneously integrates effects microclimatic heat exposure drought‐induced host‐plant scarcity early life stages, key methodological step forward because understudied stages usually very susceptible This for first time allowed us forecast LLHI well‐known considering their whole cycle. We found juveniles were stage with largest contribution dynamics. In line field observations, simulated rates current regimes importantly determined by drought impacts, producing regional mosaic non‐declining declining populations. simulations also indicated future, climate scenarios not meeting Paris Agreement, extremes triggered regionally widespread declines this currently abundant species. Our results suggest could thus emerge as critical new —but overlooked— driver populations, risking crucial ecosystem functions they perform. process‐based whole‐cycle modelling approaches tool which understand true change.

Language: Английский

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MacArthur’s consumer-resource model: a Rosetta Stone for competitive interactions

Published: April 26, 2024

Recent developments in competition theory, namely, Modern Coexistence Theory (MCT), have aided empiricists formulating tests of species persistence, coexistence, and evolution from simple to complex community settings. However, the parameters used predict competitive outcomes, such as interaction coefficients, invasion growth rates, or stabilizing differences, remain biologically opaque, making findings difficult generalize across ecological Here, our article is structured around five goals, towards clarifying MCT by first a case for modern-day utility MacArthur’s consumer-resource model, model with surprising complexity depth: (i) describe uniquely accessible language, deciphering mathematics cultivating deeper biological intuition about competition’s innerworkings regardless what empirical toolkit one uses, (ii) provide translation between mechanisms coexistence MCT, (iii) make explicit important but understated assumptions plain terms, (iv) recommendations, (v) examine how key concepts (e.g., r/K selection) can be understood renewed clarity through lens. We end highlighting opportunities explore tandem compare translate results currencies more unified science.

Language: Английский

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Natural coral recovery despite negative population growth

Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 105(9)

Published: Aug. 6, 2024

Demographic processes that ensure the recovery and resilience of marine populations are critical as climate change sends an increasing proportion on a trajectory decline. Yet for some populations, potential remains high. We conducted annual monitoring over 9 years (2012-2020) to assess coral belonging genus Pocillopora. These experienced catastrophic collapse following severe typhoon in 2009. From start period, high initial recruitment led establishment juvenile population rapidly transitioned sexually mature adults, which dominated within 6 after disturbance. As result, cover increased from 1.1% 20.2% during this time. To identify key demographic drivers growth rates (λ), we applied kernel-resampled integral projection models (IPMs), constructing eight successive examine change. IPMs were able capture reproductive traits 3 years, while individual was continuous driver throughout entire period. further detected pulse output subsequent two Category 5 events exemplifying mechanisms impacted by Despite rapid recovery, (i.e., cover, colony growth, low mortality), estimated predominantly negative values λ, indicating declining population. Indeed, λ translates number individuals, can also be driven increase size surviving colonies. Our results illustrate accumulating long-term data historical dynamics applying extract crucial future predictions based comprehensive robust understandings ecological

Language: Английский

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Writing Accessible Theory in Ecology and Evolution: Insights from Cognitive Load Theory

BioScience, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 72(3), P. 300 - 313

Published: Dec. 11, 2021

Abstract Theories underpin science. In biology, theories are often formalized in the form of mathematical models, which may render them inaccessible to those lacking training. present article, we consider how could be presented better aid understanding. We provide concrete recommendations inspired by cognitive load theory, a branch psychology that addresses impediments knowledge acquisition. classify these into two classes: increase links between new and existing information reduce unnecessary or irrelevant complexities. For each, examples illustrate scenarios they apply. By enhancing reader's familiarity with material, lower mental capacity required learn information. Our hope is can pathway for theoreticians accessibility their work empiricists engage strengthening feedback theory experimentation.

Language: Английский

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EcoEvoApps: Interactive apps for theoretical models in ecology and evolutionary biology

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(12)

Published: Dec. 1, 2022

Abstract The integration of theory and data drives progress in science, but a persistent barrier to such ecology evolutionary biology is that often developed expressed the form mathematical models can feel daunting inaccessible for students empiricists with variable quantitative training attitudes towards math. A promising way make more approachable embed them into interactive tools which one visually evaluate model structures directly explore outcomes through simulation. To promote learning models, we EcoEvoApps, collection free, open‐source, multilingual R/Shiny apps include overviews, simulations, code implement these R. package currently focuses on canonical population dynamics, species interactions, landscape ecology. These help illustrate fundamental results from theoretical serve as valuable teaching classroom settings. We present student surveys show rate useful tools, using leads substantial gains students' interest confidence working models. This points potential activities accessible wider audience, thus facilitate feedback between across biology.

Language: Английский

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

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 4, 2023

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 coexistence predictions. We surveyed published 15 years discovered high degree variation level rigour adherence best 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, conclusions, generalizability rigorous assessment than currently trend.

Language: Английский

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