Trade‐offs in community ecology: linking spatial scales and species coexistence

Ecology Letters, Год журнала: 2003, Номер 7(1), С. 69 - 80

Опубликована: Ноя. 27, 2003

Abstract Trade‐offs in species performances of different ecological functions is one the most common explanations for coexistence communities. Despite potential occurring at local or regional spatial scales, trade‐offs are typically approached a single scale. In recent years, ecologists have increasingly provided evidence importance community processes both and scales. This review summarizes theoretical predictions traits associated with under conditions We provide framework understanding trade‐offs, supportive empirical evidence. Predictions presented that link patterns diversity observed to lead Recent evolution which explores laboratory microcosm studies phylogenetic tests. Examining within can strong approach structure dynamics, while explaining diversity.

Язык: Английский

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Plant species richness: the world records

Journal of Vegetation Science, Год журнала: 2012, Номер 23(4), С. 796 - 802

Опубликована: Март 16, 2012

Abstract Questions The co‐existence of high numbers species has always fascinated ecologists, but what and where are the communities with world records for plant richness? species–area relationship is among best‐known patterns in community ecology, does it give a consistent global pattern most saturated communities, maxima? Location world. Methods We assembled maximum values recorded vascular richness contiguous areas from 1 mm 2 up to ha. applied power function relate maximal area make extrapolations whole Earth. Results Only two types contain maxima. maxima at smaller spatial grain were oligo‐ meso‐trophic, managed, semi‐natural, temperate grasslands (e.g. 89 on m ), those larger grains tropical rain forests 942 ha). closely followed z = 0.250: close Preston's ‘canonical’ value 0.262. There was no discernable difference between using rooted presence (i.e. including only plants plot) vs shoot any physical cover over plot). However, must logically be greater, curves flattening out very small grain, there evidence this point quadrats. Extrapolating curve terrestrial surface Earth gave prediction 219 204 species, surprisingly recent estimate 275 000 actual species. Conclusions Very found particular habitat/community types. Nevertheless, these form strong, pattern, not greatly affected by method sampling, extrapolates amazingly well. challenge ecologists consider mechanisms co‐existence, answers ‘ P aradox lankton’.

Язык: Английский

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Biological invasions of fresh water: Empirical rules and assembly theory

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 1996, Номер 78(1-2), С. 149 - 161

Опубликована: Окт. 1, 1996

Язык: Английский

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Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function Research: Is It Relevant to Conservation?

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Год журнала: 2005, Номер 36(1), С. 267 - 294

Опубликована: Авг. 12, 2005

▪ Abstract It has often been argued that conserving biodiversity is necessary for maintaining ecosystem functioning. We critically evaluate the current evidence this argument. Although there substantial diversity able to affect function, particularly plant communities, it unclear if these patterns will hold realistic scenarios of extinctions, multitrophic or larger spatial scales. Experiments are conducted at small scales, very scales which tends increase owing exotics. Stressors may function by many pathways, and diversity-mediated effects on be a minor pathway, except in case multiple-stressor insurance effects. In general, conservation stronger stability measures than stock flux measures, part because easier attribute value unambiguously functions anticipated more affected dynamics. Nor biodiversity-ecosystem theory likely help managers practical decisions, particular restoration. give recommendations increasing relevance area research conservation.

Язык: Английский

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Linking ecological theory with stream restoration

Freshwater Biology, Год журнала: 2007, Номер 52(4), С. 597 - 615

Опубликована: Март 2, 2007

Summary 1. Faced with widespread degradation of riverine ecosystems, stream restoration has greatly increased. Such is rarely planned and executed inputs from ecological theory. In this paper, we seek to identify principles theory that have been, or could be, used guide restoration. 2. attempts re‐establish populations, knowledge the species’ life history, habitat template spatio‐temporal scope critical. many cases dispersal will be a critical process in maintaining viable populations at landscape scale, special attention should given unique geometry systems 3. One way by which organisms survive natural disturbances use refugia, forms may been lost degradation. Restoring refugia therefore survival target particularly facilitating resilience ongoing anthropogenic disturbance regimes. 4. connectivity, especially longitudinal major goal. restoring lateral connectivity there an increasing awareness riparian zone as transition between streams their catchments. 5. Increased food web structure – bottom‐up versus top‐down control, trophic cascades subsidies are yet applied efforts. 6. restoration, species drawn regional pool. Having overcome environmental constraints (filters), persistence governed local internal dynamics, referred assembly rules. 7. While projects often define goals endpoints, succession pathways mechanisms (e.g. facilitation) these achieved considered. This occurs spite large body general on draw. 8. Stream neglected ecosystem processes. The concept biodiversity increases functioning very relevant Whether affects processes, such decomposition, equivocal. 9. Considering spatial scale success. Success more likely large‐scale projects, but they infeasible terms available resources conflicts interest. Small‐scale remedy specific problems. general, occur appropriate not reversed prevailing regime. 10. effectiveness predictability improve increased understanding processes ecosystems develop maintained. Ideas can clearly better incorporated into projects. provide twofold benefit providing opportunity both outcomes test

Язык: Английский

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