Coexistence Theory for Microbial Ecology, and Vice Versa
Environmental Microbiology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
27(3)
Published: March 1, 2025
ABSTRACT
Classical
models
from
theoretical
ecology
are
seeing
increasing
uptake
in
microbial
ecology,
but
there
remains
rich
potential
for
closer
cross‐pollination.
Here
we
explore
opportunities
stronger
integration
of
ecological
theory
into
research
(and
vice
versa)
through
the
lens
so‐called
“modern”
coexistence
theory.
Coexistence
can
be
used
to
disentangle
contributions
different
mechanisms
(e.g.,
resource
partitioning,
environmental
variability)
make
species
coexistence.
We
begin
with
a
short
primer
on
fundamental
concepts
theory,
an
emphasis
relevance
communities.
next
present
systematic
review,
which
highlights
paucity
empirical
applications
systems.
In
light
this
gap,
then
identify
and
discuss
ways
which:
(i)
help
answer
applied
questions
particularly
spatio‐temporally
heterogeneous
environments,
(ii)
experimental
systems
leveraged
validate
advance
Finally,
address
several
unique
often
surmountable
challenges
posed
by
systems,
as
well
some
conceptual
limitations.
Nevertheless,
thoughtful
presents
wealth
advancement
both
ecology.
Language: Английский
Unfeasible expectations: why simple predictors outperform structural stability measures for understanding community assembly
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 28, 2025
Abstract
Understanding
what
determines
community
assembly
and
disassembly
in
a
changing
environment
is
core
challenge
for
ecology.
Recently
family
of
structural
stability
approaches
that
determine
the
range
intrinsic
growth
rates
compatible
with
system
feasibility
have
been
gaining
popularity
as
measure
how
likely
able
to
persist
fluctuating
conditions.
This
offers
theoretical
basis
understanding
predicting
complex
multi-species
communities
from
only
interaction
network
structures.
However,
here
I
show
high
sensitivity
calculations
domain,
coupled
empirical
uncertainties
inherent
estimated
interactions,
are
preclude
approach’s
reliable
application
settings.
Across
four
reanalyses
previous
demonstrations
approach,
more
parsimonious
explanations
based
on
species
connectance
provide
better
patterns
or
dynamic
stability.
Calculation
metrics
therefore
appears
lose,
rather
than
synthesise,
information
embedded
matrices.
success
simpler
measures
good
news
purposes
prediction
emphasises
value
multiple-competing
hypotheses
validation
tests
demonstrate
value-added
associated
new
approaches.
Language: Английский