Niche differences, not fitness differences, explain predicted coexistence across ecological groups

Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 110(11), С. 2785 - 2796

Опубликована: Сен. 3, 2022

Abstract Understanding the drivers of species coexistence is essential in ecology. Niche and fitness differences (i.e. how limit themselves compared to others species' competitive ability, respectively) permit studying consequences interactions. Yet, multitude methods compute niche hampers cross‐community comparisons. Such shortcoming leaves a gap our understanding natural whether or/and capture them. Here, we standardised across 953 pairs investigate ecological groups methodological settings (experimental setup, co‐occurrence, population model used growth method). Using data gathered from 29 empirical papers, asked large differences, small or both explain predicted coexistence. Moreover, performed an automated clustering algorithm understand different underlying mechanisms drive Finally, tested any these clusters. Species coexist have larger but not smaller than coexist. Also, group into two clear clusters along difference axis: those that are not. Surprisingly, do Synthesis . Overall, results show mainly influenced by acting on highlighting importance sustaining promote maintain In addition, provide evidence communities differ ways transcend their grouping.

Язык: Английский

---

Dominant species determine grazing effects on the stability of herbaceous community production at multiple scales in drylands

Journal of Applied Ecology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 60(9), С. 1917 - 1928

Опубликована: Июль 10, 2023

Abstract Sustainable provision of critical ecosystem services in drylands is reliant on their stability under anthropogenic disturbances. Livestock grazing and shrub encroachment are the primary drivers disturbance that impact biodiversity production dynamics. However, effects at multiple scales, particularly following transition from grass‐dominated to shrub‐encroached drylands, still largely unexplored. Here, we conducted comparable sheep‐grazing experiments two types (grass‐dominated vs. grasslands) Mongolia Plateau explore scales. We examined how affected temporal aboveground biomass herbaceous communities both grasslands, through potential mechanisms: insurance changes population‐level individual species. found an increase sheep intensity had significant negative by decreasing species asynchrony spatial but it no population stability, consequently leading reductions community grasslands. grazing‐increased cancelled out grazing‐decreased contributing Likely, because grazing‐induced relative abundance dominant were more noticeable grasslands than Moreover, was directly correlated increases not despite positive relationships between drylands. Synthesis applications . Our results indicate can decrease this effect attenuated with suggesting be altered Furthermore, grasses plays a crucial role stabilizing should considered promoting sustainable functioning

Язык: Английский

---

How ecological and evolutionary theory expanded the ‘ideal weed’ concept

Oecologia, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 203(3-4), С. 251 - 266

Опубликована: Июнь 20, 2023

Abstract Since Baker’s attempt to characterize the ‘ideal weed’ over 50 years ago, ecologists have sought identify features of species that predict invasiveness. Several traits are well studied, and we now understand many can facilitate different components invasion process, such as dispersal promoting transport or selfing enabling establishment. However, effects on context dependent. The in one community at stage may inhibit other communities success stages, benefits any given trait depend possessed by species. Furthermore, variation among populations is result evolution. Accordingly, evolution both prior after determine outcomes. Here, review how our understanding ecology invasive plants has developed since original efforts, resulting from empirical studies emergence new frameworks ideas assembly theory, functional ecology, rapid adaptation. Looking forward, consider trait-based approaches might inform less-explored aspects biology ranging responses climate change coevolution invaded communities.

Язык: Английский

---

Restoration ecology through the lens of coexistence theory

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 38(11), С. 1085 - 1096

Опубликована: Июль 17, 2023

Ecological restoration success can depend on environmental conditions and species interactions, initial trajectories may not reflect long-term outcomes.Coexistence theory help diagnose outcomes early by assessing whether focal increase when at low density.Partitioning the effect of environment competition low-density growth rates guide efforts. As human influence over Earth's ecosystems increases amount land available for traditional conservation dwindles, ecological is gaining traction as an essential tool biodiversity [1.Gann G.D. et al.International principles standards practice restoration.Restor. Ecol. 2019; 27: S1-S46Crossref Scopus (571) Google Scholar]. Despite enthusiasm, discipline ecology has struggled to become a predictive science capable consistently improving [2.Hobbs R.J. Norton D.A. Towards conceptual framework ecology.Restor. 1996; 4: 93-110Crossref Scholar,3.Suding K. Toward era in ecology: successes, failures, opportunities ahead.Annu. Rev. Evol. Syst. 2011; 42: 465-487Crossref (233) Over history ecology, frameworks often assumed monotonic recovery trajectory [4.Brudvig L.A. The biodiversity: where research been does it need go?.Am. J. Bot. 98: 549-558Crossref PubMed (202) Scholar] or aimed 'carbon copy' past site [5.Hilderbrand R.H. al.The myths ecology.Ecol. Soc. 2005; 10: 19Crossref (311) Scholar], drawing largely from theories succession community assembly [6.Wainwright C.E. al.Links between are rise.J. Appl. 2017; 55: 570-581Crossref (55) At same time, there long-standing appreciation that nonlinear [7.Young T.P. al.Community comparing, contrasting combining paradigms context restoration.Ecol. Restor. 2001; 19: 5-18Crossref Scholar,8.Suding K.N. Hobbs Threshold models conservation: developing framework.Trends 2009; 24: 271-279Abstract Full Text PDF (495) diverge due specific time period project implementation [9.Choi Y.D. Theories changing environment: toward 'futuristic' Res. 2004; 75-81Crossref (0) Scholar,10.Vaughn K.J. Young Contingent conclusions: year initiation influences field experiments, but temporal replication rare.Restor. 2010; 18: 59-64Crossref (65) Explicitly incorporating role variability important assess efforts variable world Scholar,9.Choi Within broader Modern Coexistence Theory (hereafter 'coexistence theory') [11.Chesson P. Mechanisms maintenance diversity.Annu. 2000; 31: 343-366Crossref (4341) Scholar,12.Barabás G. al.Chesson's coexistence theory.Ecol. Monogr. 2018; 88: 277-303Crossref (152) emerged delineate interactions how coexist, ultimately influencing composition diversity. emphasizes importance spatial dynamics provides analytical metrics relation average conditions. led advances numerous subfields, such [13.Bowler C.H. al.Accounting demographic uncertainty predictions coexistence: case study with annual plants.Ecol. Lett. 2022; 25: 1618-1628Crossref (5) Scholar, 14.Hallett L.M. al.Rainfall maintains grass-forb coexistence.Ecol. 22: 1658-1667Crossref (52) 15.Grainger T.N. Invasion Criterion: common currency research.Trends 34: 925-935Abstract (69) invasion biology [16.MacDougall A.S. al.Plant invasions niche.J. 97: 609-615Crossref (332) Scholar,17.Godoy O. understand biological interaction networks: Implications novel ecosystems.Funct. 33: 1190-1201Crossref (26) trait-based [18.Adler P.B. al.Trait-based tests mechanisms.Ecol. 2013; 16: 1294-1306Crossref (367) 19.Kraft N.J. functional traits multidimensional nature coexistence.Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2015; 112: 797-802Crossref 20.Yu W. Li ecology.Biodivers. 2020; 28: 1362Crossref (6) Here, we unify improve goals, strategies, assessment increasingly (Figure 1). We concentrate restoring herbaceous plant communities, because they both frequent focus model system developments theory. However, our proposed approaches adaptable other systems. understanding delineating mechanisms (see Glossary) maintain These include classic niche partitioning well fluctuations. For example, formalized differences responses fluctuations lead able 'store' through bad years, seed banks adult stages, component commonly considered 'storage effect' mechanism [12.Barabás Scholar,21.Sears A.L. Chesson New methods quantifying storage effect: illustration desert annuals.Ecology. 2007; 2240-2247Crossref (100) Similarly, abiotic biotic greater benefits good years relative tend promote persistence [22.Chesson Quantifying testing arising recruitment fluctuations.Theor. Popul. Biol. 2003; 64: 345-357Crossref 23.Letten A.D. al.Species simultaneous fluctuation-dependent mechanisms.Proc. 115: 6745-6750Crossref (64) 24.Shoemaker L.G. al.Integrating underlying structure stochasticity into ecology.Ecology. 101e02922Crossref (67) A key contribution tools quantify contributing variability. How will persist go extinct time? Persistence assessed via criterion, whereby coexist if each density while experiencing surrounding resident Scholar,25.Chesson Updates diversity.J. 106: 1773-1794Crossref (128) criterion evaluated calculating rate (LDGR) species; positive LDGR indicates persist, negative cannot invade or, present, predicted eventually locally such, reflects joint intrinsic absence net impact Long-term averaging periods capture full range experiences [14.Hallett use helpful imperfect; one fails scenarios which depends presence conspecifics (e.g., Allee effects) generally realistic conditions, most populations experience rarity, especially within small sites and/or diverse communities [26.Maina G.G. Howe H.F. Inherent rarity restoration.Conserv. 14: 1335-1340Crossref (41) Does their risk extinction? addresses this question partitioning, accounts variation occurs [27.Chesson Multispecies environments.Theor. 1994; 45: 227-276Crossref (480) space [28.Chesson General competitive spatially-varying 58: 211-237Crossref (636) Different partitionings have developed target different Scholar,27.Chesson 28.Chesson 29.Adler al.A neutrality.Ecol. 95-104Crossref (780) 30.Ellner S.P. al.An expanded modern empirical applications.Ecol. 3-18Crossref (72) idea written sum terms, reflecting alters coexistence. Ellner al. [30.Ellner simulations conducted turned 'on' 'off' population (such coefficients), singly combination, parameter overall Scholar,23.Letten This scenarios, isolates versus experience. In similar vein, be partition consequence strategies modifying community) abundance (Box 1).Box 1Applying scenariosCoexistence used make about interventions. To realistic, these should describe performance IA,B). Site descriptions, including climate records, soil maps, vegetation monitoring, natural history, practitioner experience, inform include. approach fit under representative condition. done experimentally, creating manipulating densities them, observationally, using monitoring data sufficient scenarios. yield biomass fecundity) measured, community. While form vary system, measures allow species' (λ) neighboring (α) estimated condition IC,D).Once fit, calculated simulation introduced existing environments, parameters associated condition, weighted frequency occur. partitioned λ, α) either varies held constant, combination IE). interventions likewise simulated altering distribution calculate (to actions ameliorate conditions) reducing before reduce competitors) Finally, step observed targeted benefit only requires modeling species, improved reciprocally residents, substantially affects them. IC,D). Once Restoration goals centered achieving desired composition, historically comparing restored reference 1A [1]). after management, many still flux, transient indicative [31.Guerrant E.O. value propriety reintroduction rare plants.Botany. 91: v-xCrossref (21) Scholar,32.Shriver R.K. Transient impede ecosystem transformation disturbance.Ecol. 1357-1366Crossref (47) rather representing successional stages [33.del Moral R. al.Insights gained landscape function.in: Walker L.R. Linking Succession. Springer, 2007: 19-44Crossref actions, planting seeding [34.Aoyama L. al.Application indication trajectories.Ecol. 32e2649Crossref (2) dynamics, paired short windows projects [3.Suding limit ability link patterns [35.Zurell D. al.Spatially explicit decision-making animal restoration.Ecography. 4e05787Google reconcile discrepancies indicators [32.Shriver Scholar,36.Armstrong D.P. Seddon P.J. Directions biology.Trends 2008; 23: 20-25Abstract (756) clear goal: puts persistence, precluding abundance-based additional gauges (Table appropriate minimal its aligned ancillary undesirable resident. concern, single-population analyses [37.Albrecht M.A. al.Effects life reproduction lags reintroductions plants.Conserv. 601-611Crossref (24) Scholar,38.Vitt community-level grassland management non-target Agalinis auriculata.Biol. Conserv. 142: 798-805Crossref (19) deviates interest than reciprocal all community, greatly reduces requirements. could expected quantified separately [39.Bowler al.Positive effects exotic dampened neighborhood heterogeneity.Ecology. 103e3779Crossref so long primary concern interact another [19.Kraft Scholar,40.Van Dyke M.N. al.Small rainfall changes drive substantial coexistence.Nature. 611: 507-511Crossref (8) develop nondesired aiming nondesirable rates, leading local elimination.Table 1Information required apply situationsRestoration goalInformationSituationRefsIncrease cover/biomassSpecies-level cover/biomass bare patches coverAfter mining events, constructing roads entirely remove cover[90.Cobbaert al.Experimental fen peat mining.Appl. Veg. 7: 209-220Crossref (66) Scholar,91.Miao Z.-W. al.Ecological rebuilding reclamation surface mines Shanxi province, China.J. Environ. 12: 486-497Google Scholar]Increase keystone speciesVariation across grown alone itself speciesAfter loss fire, flooding strong perturbation, following introduction dramatically altered ecosystem[92.Layton C. al.Kelp forest Australia.Front. Mar. 74Crossref (84) Scholar,93.Koch J.M. Samsa G.P. Restoring jarrah trees bauxite Western Australia.Restor. 15: S17-S25Crossref Scholar]Remove undesired invasive event new indirectly allows invasion, disturbance nitrogen deposition[34.Aoyama Scholar,94.Flory S.L. Clay Invasive removal method determines native responses.J. 46: 434-442Crossref biodiversityVariation group Differences distinguish groups (including itself)After perturbation particularly affected some groups. perturbations pest outbreak, nutrient deposition, extreme heat waves[95.Gherardi Sala O.E. Enhanced interannual precipitation diversity turn ameliorates productivity.Ecol. 1293-1300Crossref (94) Scholar,96.Ostertag al.Using restore Hawaiian rainforest.J. 52: 805-809Crossref (96) richnessThe data-demanding goal account individual independent axes densitiesRestoration mitigate global change drivers biodiversity, change, intensity[97.Allan E. al.Interannual land-use intensity enhances multidiversity.Proc. 2014; 111: 308-313Crossref Scholar,98.Pakeman Functional indices reveal impacts intensification assembly.J. 99: 1143-1151Crossref (161) Open table tab date, setting relied historic ranges ecosystems, data-intensive exercise [41.Farrell H.L. preparation equal those dryland site: 6 development.Restor. 2021; 29e13482Crossref (4) Scholar]) explicitly variables. By contrast, focuses viability shifts environments Scholar,42.Mordecai E.A. al.Controls perennial grass exclusion California grasslands invaded 96: 2643-2652Crossref (15) Scholar,43.Bimler M.D. Accurate systems require inclusion facilitative dependency.J. 1839-1852Crossref (59) informing more quantifiable Usinowicz Levine [44.Usinowicz Species change: geographical scale problem.Ecol. 21: 1589-1603Crossref (22) mapped LDGRs along gradient forecast set current future Improving heart ideally helping address questions as: what potential [45.Wilson K.A. al.Optimal restoration: accounting space, uncertainty.J. 48: 715-725Crossref Scholar]? Is passive (i.e., simply ceasing causes degradation) sufficient, active necessary [46.Holl K.D. Aide T.M. When actively ecosystems?.For. Manag. 261: 1558-1563Crossref (420) If needed, site, [47.Hobbs al.Intervention applying twenty-first century.BioScience. 61: 442-450Crossref (303) degree influenced Scholar,34.Aoyama

Язык: Английский

---

Competition for time: Evidence for an overlooked, diversity‐maintaining competitive mechanism

Ecology Letters, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 27(3)

Опубликована: Март 1, 2024

Abstract Understanding how diversity is maintained in plant communities requires that we first understand the mechanisms of competition for limiting resources. In ecology, there an underappreciated but fundamental distinction between systems which depletion resources reduces growth rates competitors and resource time available to grow, a mechanism call ‘competition time’. Importantly, modern community ecology our framing coexistence problem are built on implicit assumption rate. However, recent theoretical work suggests may be predominant competitive broad array natural communities, significant advance given when species compete time, diversity‐maintaining trade‐offs emerge organically. this study, introduce conceptually using simple model interacting species. Then, perform experiment Mediterranean annual grassland determine whether important field system. Indeed, find respond increased through reductions their lifespan rather than rate growth. total, study overlooked as biodiversity maintenance.

Язык: Английский

---

General statistical scaling laws for stability in ecological systems

Ecology Letters, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 24(7), С. 1474 - 1486

Опубликована: Май 4, 2021

Abstract Ecological stability refers to a family of concepts used describe how systems interacting species vary through time and respond disturbances. Because observed ecological depends on sampling scales environmental context, it is notoriously difficult compare measurements across sites systems. Here, we apply stochastic dynamical theory derive general statistical scaling relationships time, space, level organisation for three fundamental aspects: resilience, resistance, invariance. These can be calibrated using random or representative samples measured at individual scales, projected predict average other wide range contexts. Moreover deviations between vs. extrapolated reveal information about unobserved heterogeneity species. We anticipate that these methods will useful cross‐study synthesis data, extrapolating identifying underlying causes consequences heterogeneity.

Язык: Английский

---

Revising the trait‐based filtering framework to include interacting filters: Lessons from grassland restoration

Journal of Ecology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 109(10), С. 3466 - 3472

Опубликована: Авг. 12, 2021

Abstract A trait‐based framework of community assembly holds great promise for directing ecological restoration, both selecting species with desirable traits and manipulating factors to enhance plant establishment persistence. Dispersal, abiotic biotic ‘filter’ into local communities based on their traits, but interactions among these filters may complicate the use models. In this paper, I review recent studies that apply community‐based theory grassland restoration propose a incorporating interacting design. Dispersal limits success in many while others are simultaneously limited by dispersal, environmental interactions. Furthermore, relative importance can change over space time. Species also differentially respond filter manipulations which suggests trait–environment relationships should be used generate planting recommendations optimal trait values at given site. Synthesis . better understanding how interact dynamic will allow site‐specific management recommendations, resulting restored resilient range modifications including climate change, invasion non‐native species, altered disturbance regimes.

Язык: Английский

---

Disentangling key species interactions in diverse and heterogeneous communities: A Bayesian sparse modelling approach

Ecology Letters, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 25(5), С. 1263 - 1276

Опубликована: Фев. 2, 2022

Abstract Modelling species interactions in diverse communities traditionally requires a prohibitively large number of species‐interaction coefficients, especially when considering environmental dependence parameters. We implemented Bayesian variable selection via sparsity‐inducing priors on non‐linear abundance models to determine which should be retained and can represented as an average heterospecific interaction term, reducing the model evaluated performance using simulated communities, computing out‐of‐sample predictive accuracy parameter recovery across different input sample sizes. applied our method empirical community, allowing us disentangle direct role gradients species’ intrinsic growth rates from indirect effects competitive interactions. also identified few neighbouring community that had non‐generic with focal species. This sparse modelling approach facilitates exploration while maintaining manageable

Язык: Английский

---

Accounting for demographic uncertainty increases predictions for species coexistence: A case study with annual plants

Ecology Letters, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 25(7), С. 1618 - 1628

Опубликована: Май 28, 2022

Abstract Natural systems contain more complexity than is accounted for in models of modern coexistence theory. Coexistence modelling often disregards variation arising from stochasticity biological processes, heterogeneity among individuals and plasticity trait values. However, these unaccounted‐for sources uncertainty are likely to be ecologically important have the potential impact estimates coexistence. We applied a Bayesian framework data an annual plant community Western Australia propagate outcomes using invasion criterion ratio niche fitness differences. found accounting this altered predictions versus competitive exclusion 3 out 14 species pairs yielded probability priority effects additional pair. The propagation improves our ability predict accurately natural systems.

Язык: Английский

---

Application of modern coexistence theory to rare plant restoration provides early indication of restoration trajectories

Ecological Applications, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 32(7)

Опубликована: Май 13, 2022

Restoration ecology commonly seeks to re-establish species of interest in degraded habitats. Despite a rich understanding how succession influences re-establishment, there are several outstanding questions that remain unaddressed: short-term abundances sufficient determine long-term re-establishment success, and what factors contribute unpredictable restorations outcomes? In other words, when restoration fails, is it because the restored habitat substandard, strong competition with invasive species, or alternatively due changing environmental conditions would equally impact established populations? Here, we re-purpose tools developed from modern coexistence theory address these questions, apply them an effort restore endangered Contra Costa goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens) constructed ("restored") California vernal pools. Using 16 years data, construct population model L. conjugens, conservation concern primarily loss invasion exotic grasses. We show initial, appearances success misleading, as year-to-year fluctuations cause growth rates fall below zero. The failure pools driven by lower maximum compared reference ("natural") pools, coupled stronger negative sensitivity annual abiotic yield decreased rates. Nonetheless, our modeling shows (mainly grasses) benefit conjugens through periods competitive release, especially intermediate pool depth. therefore reductions invasives seed addition particular depths could change outcome for conjugens. By applying largely theoretical framework urgent goal ecological restoration, study provides blueprint predicting identifies future actions reverse loss.

Язык: Английский

---