How and why species are rare: towards an understanding of the ecological causes of rarity

Ecography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 2024(2)

Published: Jan. 15, 2024

The three‐dimensional rarity typology proposed by Rabinowitz in 1981, based on geographic range, habitat specificity, and local abundance, is among the most widely used frameworks for describing ecological conservation research. While this framework descriptive not meant to explain causes of rarity, recent advances ecology may be leveraged add explanatory power. Here we present a macroecological exploration its underlying causes. We propose modification Rabinowitz's better distinguish between dimensions processes that drive them, explore implications our modified framework. occupancy (the proportion occupied sites within species' range) as axis, recast specificity cause thus yielding classification range size, occupancy, abundance. Under framework, specialists are no longer considered rare if they widespread abundant; argue more accurately identifies truly species, common their abundant. Finally, draw theoretical literature identify key associated traits each axis. In respect, four (environmental filtering, movement, demography interactions), hypothesise size primarily driven environmental filtering whereas abundance strongly influenced interactions. further use theory concerns with measures suitable conserving different types species. Our work provide basis developing hypotheses about particular focal taxa or groups, inform development targeted strategies.

Language: Английский

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Experimental evidence for viral impact on microbial community, nitrification, and denitrification in an agriculture soil

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 489, P. 137532 - 137532

Published: Feb. 8, 2025

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity Patterns Redefined in Environmental Space

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

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Ecological and evolutionary questions addressing diversity‐environment relationships have been evaluated almost entirely in geographic space, yet most hypotheses are formulated terms of environmental conditions. Recent examples evaluating macroecological patterns directly space suggest that such refocusing provides different perspectives on the mechanisms driving broad‐scale diversity. Yet, we lack both conceptual frameworks targeted studies to fully evaluate potential contribution a refocus. Here, focus concept by briefly reviewing its use ecology evolution suggesting avenues for further development. We encourage re‐evaluation dominated ecological theory since foundations with very simple shift lens, is, from geographical space. Focusing also crucial lens climate change research, enabling comprehensive evaluation biodiversity dynamics offering holistic view interplay between species their evolving environments. This enhances our ability predict adapt future changes, enriching understanding beyond more commonly done analyses.

Language: Английский

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Ecological generalism and behavioural innovation in birds: technical intelligence or the simple incorporation of new foods?

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2014, Volume and Issue: 84(1), P. 79 - 89

Published: June 6, 2014

Generalist species are more successful than specialists in anthropogenically modified environments or which they have been introduced, but the nature of link between generalism and establishment success is unclear. A higher feeding innovation rate has previously reported habitat generalist birds from North America. By allowing them to exploit new resources, this might explain generalists' advantage. This result be due generalists being likely find resources because exposed diverse environmental conditions. Alternatively, differ other traits, particular cognitive skills that allow innovate complex food searching handling techniques. To test these hypotheses, we separated avian innovations into a 'technical' (novel behaviour) 'food type' (incorporation species' diet) category. Technical innovations, not type shown correlate with brain size, suggesting reflect ability. We used world-wide data base 2339 recorded literature, covering total 765 assessed correlations size rates on one side diet other. Habitat was positively related rate, technical size. suggests incorporate types their chances environment, opportunism, enhanced skills. In contrast, had rates, as well larger brains, help expand breadth an increase favour evolution abilities. Our results provide insights advantage face changes, suggest dietary different, convergent, routes flexibility adaptation changed environments.

Language: Английский

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Are fundamental niches larger than the realized? Testing a 50-year-old prediction by Hutchinson

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 12(4), P. e0175138 - e0175138

Published: April 12, 2017

For more than 50 years ecological niches have been defined as combinations of multidimensional environmental conditions permitting a species to survive and reproduce. A fundamental niche (NF) is the set within which can live in absence competitors, realized (NR) NF hypothetically reduced by competitive interactions (and some other limiting factors). This definition implies that "larger" NR, something has nearly universally accepted ecologists. However, there few attempts at empirical tests. Here, we present novel quantitative test using one-dimensional estimates for 105 reptiles amphibians, NR obtained from ~1.4 x 104 field observations. To specify our test, operationalize original classification types. Our results predominantly support hypothesis 'is larger' highlight theoretical practical importance quantifying niches.

Language: Английский

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