Toward a cohesive understanding of ecological complexity

Science Advances, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(25)

Published: June 21, 2023

Ecological systems are quintessentially complex systems. Understanding and being able to predict phenomena typical of is, therefore, critical progress in ecology conservation amidst escalating global environmental change. However, myriad definitions complexity excessive reliance on conventional scientific approaches hamper conceptual advances synthesis. may be better understood by following the solid theoretical basis system science (CSS). We review features ecological described within CSS conduct bibliometric text mining analyses characterize articles that refer complexity. Our demonstrate study is a highly heterogeneous, endeavor only weakly related CSS. Current research trends typically organized around basic theory, scaling, macroecology. leverage our generalities identified suggest more coherent cohesive way forward ecology.

Language: Английский

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Obstruction of biodiversity conservation by minimum patch size criteria

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 37(5)

Published: April 6, 2023

Abstract Minimum patch size criteria for habitat protection reflect the conservation principle that a single large (SL) of has higher biodiversity than several small (SS) patches same total area (SL > SS). Nonetheless, this is often incorrect, and requires placing more emphasis on numbers (SS SL). We used global database reporting abundances species across hundreds to assess SL SS in systems where are much smaller typical minimum applied (i.e., ∼85% <100 ha). The 76 metacommunities we examined included 4401 1190 patches. From each metacommunity, resampled species–area accumulation curves evaluate how responded existing as few or many Counter consistent with previous syntheses, richness accumulated rapidly when adding (45.2% vs. 19.9% SS) reach cumulative area, even very our data set. Responses taxa fragmentation differed, which suggests given be protected, overall will most effective if composed possible, plus ones. Because require larger examined, results suggest such hinder efforts protect biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Analysis of the distribution pattern of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum under climate change using the optimized MaxEnt model

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(9)

Published: Sept. 1, 2023

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Patch‐scale edge effects do not indicate landscape‐scale fragmentation effects

Conservation Letters, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 17(1)

Published: Nov. 9, 2023

Abstract Negative landscape‐scale fragmentation effects are often inferred from negative patch‐scale edge effects. I tested this cross‐scale extrapolation using two evaluations. First, searched for studies that estimated the direction of both a effect and effect. The directions were concordant discordant in 55% 45% cases, respectively. Second, extracted literature sample on individual species. Then, each species which could calculate slope its Species showing nearly equally likely to show or positive effects, likewise results mean efficacy policies related habitat cannot be observed Such require evidence, comparing species' responses landscapes with different levels fragmentation.

Language: Английский

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Incorporating effects of habitat patches into species distribution models

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 112(10), P. 2162 - 2182

Published: Aug. 30, 2024

Abstract Species distribution models (SDMs) are algorithms designed to infer the of species using environmental and biotic variables have become an important tool for ecologists conservation biologists seeking understand implications change. Global datasets at resolutions a few metres increasingly available. SDMs fitted such high‐resolution data allow researchers investigate how local factors affect occurrences unprecedented fine spatial scales. As resolution increases, we see critical need consider characteristics habitat types within or around raster pixels. In particular, argue that effects patches (EHPs, including area, configuration, diversity), measured focusing on landscapes, yet be fully realized in SDMs. We provide guidelines incorporate EHPs explain why this development is important, describe approaches properly conduct analyses, discuss pitfalls foresee testing EHPs. Synthesis . Ensuring incorporating will key increasing model predictive performance understanding which influence At crucial time nature conservation, step forward protecting biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Integrating presence‐only and presence–absence data to model changes in species geographic ranges: An example in the Neotropics

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 50(9), P. 1561 - 1575

Published: April 20, 2023

Abstract Aim Anthropogenic changes such as land use and climate change affect species' geographic ranges, causing range shifts, contractions, or expansions. However, data on dynamics are insufficient, heterogeneous, spatially temporally biased in most regions. Integrated species distribution models (IDMs) offer a solution they can complement good quality presence‐absence with opportunistically collected presence‐only data, simultaneously accounting for heterogeneous sampling effort. these methods have seen limited the estimation of temporal ranges not yet widespread steep learning curve. Here we present generalisable model case example. Location Neotropics ‐ Latin America. Taxon Herpailurus yagouaroundi. Methods Using jaguarundi ( yagouaroundi ), modelled at two time periods (2000–2013 2014–2021) using Bayesian based Poisson point process JAGS. Our integrates different types while varying effort spatial effect. We predicted quantified their changes. Results Between periods, has contracted its southern northern limits towards equator but expanded area over entire range. Also, our results show that range, either period, is entirely consistent current expert map from IUCN. Main Conclusions modelling approach provides working example potential to address gaps biases other taxa Given increasing number incidental being generated by community‐derived initiatives America, IDMs become valuable source region. This first application IDM dimension

Language: Английский

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Time and matrix quality increase the relative habitat value of smaller patches in fragmented landscapes

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

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Abstract The landscape‐scale impacts of habitat subdivision (fragmentation per se) on biodiversity are not fully resolved. While smaller patches usually contain more species for equal total area, many implications this remain unclear. For example, do areas and larger provide equivalent value? How might change over time under differing matrix conditions? To help address these knowledge gaps, we developed an indicator relative value based a species‐individual null model. We used the to compare sets ordered in small‐to‐large large‐to‐small orders, building hierarchical Bayesian regression models test role since patch creation contrasting conditions. This allowed us assess 85 metacommunities inhabiting fragmented landscapes (1354 patches, >4500 species). expected comparable following due unpaid extinction debts, would determine direction time, harsher increasing patches. Averaged quality, probability density was mostly negative, suggesting slightly greater among pattern consistent across taxonomic groups, although amphibians reptiles were most affected, invertebrates least so. Larger within 20 years creation, but increased any type, whereas remained constant Matrix conditions mediated difference: after 100 light matrix, all sizes essentially value, while still favoured harsh matrix. Policy . In long‐fragmented, landscapes, small large apparently offer per‐unit‐area value. Conversely, retain speculate that reflects ‘colonization credit’, which occur initial loss fragmentation‐sensitive disturbed landscapes. Overall, analyses support need maintain enhance area—regardless configuration—for conservation, especially long‐fragmented with matrices.

Language: Английский

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Mapping Butterfly Species Richness and Abundance in Mountain Grasslands—Spatial Application of a Biodiversity Indicator

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim The integration of high‐quality field data with high‐resolution remote sensing can give detailed insights into the spatial distribution biodiversity and provide valuable information for conservation at a scale relevant management action. We developed framework based on surveys modelling species richness abundance butterflies high resolution to inform about butterfly analyse their drivers effect landscape factors. Location Western Austria. Methods combined structured 175 grassland sites in western Austria variables describing topography, characteristics, composition configuration different radii around site. For predictions abundance, generalised linear models elastic net regularisation were used compared stepwise variable selection. To influence selected effect, topography applied. Results richness, Spearman rank correlation between predicted measured values was 0.62. predictive power lower 0.52. Models from smaller (125 250 m) generally showed better performance than those larger (500 1000 m). found an elevation, maximum productivity, northness, forest ecotone density most models. Main Conclusions Integrating techniques substantially enhances our ability understand patterns identify key resolution. Our study highlights positive edges, small woody features, moderate productivity abundance.

Language: Английский

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Underrepresentation of dietary‐specialist larval Lepidoptera in small forest fragments: Testing alternative mechanisms

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

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

Abstract Growing evidence suggests that organisms with narrow niche requirements are particularly disadvantaged in small habitat patches, typical of fragmented landscapes. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship remain unclear. Dietary specialists may be constrained by availability their food resources as area shrinks. For herbivorous insects, host plants filtered out fragments neutral sampling processes and deterministic plant community shifts due to altered microclimates, edge effects browsing ungulates. We examined between forest fragment abundance dietary‐specialist dietary‐generalist larval Lepidoptera (caterpillars) northeastern USA. surveyed caterpillars over 3 years equal‐sized plots within 32 varying 1014 ha. tested whether abundances species richness dietary increased more than those generalists increasing and, if so, difference could explained reduced or white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). The overall was positively related area; substantially weaker for generalists. There notable variation among diet breadth groups, however. no effect on diversity caterpillars. Deer activity not either Plant composition strongly associated area. Larger were likely include both correlated decreased a slightly stronger impact specialists. Although lack fragments, did depend caterpillar breadth. This study provides further decreasing patch disproportionately impacts specialist consumers. Because derived from plots, it is robust some criticisms levelled at fragmentation research. consumer declines, however, elusive.

Language: Английский

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Integrating Soil Properties Into Species Distribution Models Enhances Predictive Accuracy for Terricolous Macrofungi

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

Published: March 24, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim This study aims to (1) test whether mapped soil properties can improve the performance of species distribution models (SDMs) for 162 terricolous macrofungi at a regional level, (2) identify relevant predictors macrofungal and (3) quantify relative importance as compared climate topography in explaining distribution. Location The forested area (~ 12,000 km 2 ) Switzerland. Taxon Terricolous Macrofungi. Methods We collected occurrences (presence‐only) macrofungi, including 111 ectomycorrhizal 51 saprotrophic species, from SwissFungi database. used property maps, generated through digital mapping 25 m resolution, enhance SDMs. For each we selected two climate, by an automated variable selection procedure. built SDMs with randomised comparison. quantified based on permutation variance partitioning. Finally, projected three representative resolution without assess role shaping their biogeographical distributions. Results Soil significantly improved median across species. Ectomycorrhizal fungi showed greater improvement than fungi. On average, our were able explain two‐thirds distribution, which 11% could be independently explained properties. Air temperature topographic slope identified additional important factors controlling Evident changes geographical observed after adding Main Conclusions High‐resolution maps predictive accuracy They should therefore taken into account when modelling macrofungi.

Language: Английский

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