Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 28(4)
Published: April 1, 2025
ABSTRACT A much remarked‐upon pattern in nature is elevated trait disparity sympatric relative to allopatric populations or species. Early explanations focused on secondary contact between allopatrically speciating taxa and emphasised adaptive divergence driven by costly interactions sympatry (i.e., ‘character displacement’). Here we consider a related hypothesis, ‘species sorting’, which describes bias the outcome of wherein lineages are unlikely establish unless until they evolve sufficient differences allopatry. Sorting‐like processes prevalent community assembly theory but more seldom discussed context speciation sympatry. We first define ecological reproductive species sorting as analogous character displacement, synthesise ‘differential fusion’ ‘Templeton effect’ within this framework. Through logic coexistence theories, distinguish types allopatry‐derived that will likely promote from those not, discuss biogeographic consequences latter. then highlight new empirical approaches displacement survey mixed evidence to‐date. finally suggest key priorities for future research into hypothesized role generator major biodiversity patterns.
Language: Английский