Eric Post
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691148472
- eISBN:
- 9781400846139
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691148472.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter discusses the niche concept. One of the earliest applications of the niche theory in quantitative ecology addressed the seemingly simple question of the extent to which the niches of two ...
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This chapter discusses the niche concept. One of the earliest applications of the niche theory in quantitative ecology addressed the seemingly simple question of the extent to which the niches of two species can overlap and allow co-occurrence or coexistence of the species. This question grew out of the then recent development of the notions of limiting similarity and niche packing, according to which coexistence among species with similar resource requirements was assumed to be promoted through minimization of niche overlap through divergence in habitat utilization patterns or character displacement. The answer is highly relevant in the context of climate change, or of any environmental change in general. Fluctuation in abiotic conditions such as mean annual temperature may be seen as just as important, if not more so, to the persistence or maintenance of the degree of niche overlap that is tolerable for co-occurring species as the trend in abiotic conditions itself.Less
This chapter discusses the niche concept. One of the earliest applications of the niche theory in quantitative ecology addressed the seemingly simple question of the extent to which the niches of two species can overlap and allow co-occurrence or coexistence of the species. This question grew out of the then recent development of the notions of limiting similarity and niche packing, according to which coexistence among species with similar resource requirements was assumed to be promoted through minimization of niche overlap through divergence in habitat utilization patterns or character displacement. The answer is highly relevant in the context of climate change, or of any environmental change in general. Fluctuation in abiotic conditions such as mean annual temperature may be seen as just as important, if not more so, to the persistence or maintenance of the degree of niche overlap that is tolerable for co-occurring species as the trend in abiotic conditions itself.
John Odling-Smee
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262513678
- eISBN:
- 9780262315142
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262513678.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter illustrates the addition of niche construction to evolutionary theory, focusing primarily on the EvoDevo relationship. It elaborates the concept of niche inheritance to illustrate how ...
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This chapter illustrates the addition of niche construction to evolutionary theory, focusing primarily on the EvoDevo relationship. It elaborates the concept of niche inheritance to illustrate how the various candidate inheritance systems correspond to different components of niche inheritance and considers the principal subcomponents of niche inheritance. The chapter shows that the niche construction theory (NCT) links evolution to ecosystem-level ecology. It suggests that niche construction contributes to the “evo-devo” relationship by improving the contributions of prior evolution to the subsequent development of individual organisms, and by allowing plastic, niche-constructing developing organisms to influence the subsequent evolution of populations.Less
This chapter illustrates the addition of niche construction to evolutionary theory, focusing primarily on the EvoDevo relationship. It elaborates the concept of niche inheritance to illustrate how the various candidate inheritance systems correspond to different components of niche inheritance and considers the principal subcomponents of niche inheritance. The chapter shows that the niche construction theory (NCT) links evolution to ecosystem-level ecology. It suggests that niche construction contributes to the “evo-devo” relationship by improving the contributions of prior evolution to the subsequent development of individual organisms, and by allowing plastic, niche-constructing developing organisms to influence the subsequent evolution of populations.
Stephen B. Brush
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100495
- eISBN:
- 9780300130140
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100495.003.0008
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter, which discusses problems on genetic erosion and offers a theoretical framework to improve understanding of genetic erosion, suggests two ecological models that might serve to generate ...
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This chapter, which discusses problems on genetic erosion and offers a theoretical framework to improve understanding of genetic erosion, suggests two ecological models that might serve to generate more robust crop ecology. Modern niche theory and metapopulation analysis offer numerous insights and advantages to efforts to understand genetic erosion. A shared insight is that general population processes, such as genetic erosion, are affected by environmental heterogeneity. Modern niche theory and metapopulation analysis provide a middle ground between general theory and site specificity. The chapter discusses how the application of formal population models to crops presents daunting challenges—to define key variables and specify functional relationships. The need to include both biological and social variables and functional relationships is particularly difficult to satisfy.Less
This chapter, which discusses problems on genetic erosion and offers a theoretical framework to improve understanding of genetic erosion, suggests two ecological models that might serve to generate more robust crop ecology. Modern niche theory and metapopulation analysis offer numerous insights and advantages to efforts to understand genetic erosion. A shared insight is that general population processes, such as genetic erosion, are affected by environmental heterogeneity. Modern niche theory and metapopulation analysis provide a middle ground between general theory and site specificity. The chapter discusses how the application of formal population models to crops presents daunting challenges—to define key variables and specify functional relationships. The need to include both biological and social variables and functional relationships is particularly difficult to satisfy.
Jonathan M. Chase and Mathew A. Leibold
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226101798
- eISBN:
- 9780226101811
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226101811.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter, which discusses the similarities and differences between the classical and contemporary approaches to the niche, begins with comparisons between consumer–resource and Lotka–Volterra ...
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This chapter, which discusses the similarities and differences between the classical and contemporary approaches to the niche, begins with comparisons between consumer–resource and Lotka–Volterra models. It then describes a revised niche framework that seeks to clarify and resurrect the niche concept in a more quantifiable and biologically meaningful way than the previously loosely associated ideas of the niche. The niche framework is used to illuminate a series of issues from conventional niche theory.Less
This chapter, which discusses the similarities and differences between the classical and contemporary approaches to the niche, begins with comparisons between consumer–resource and Lotka–Volterra models. It then describes a revised niche framework that seeks to clarify and resurrect the niche concept in a more quantifiable and biologically meaningful way than the previously loosely associated ideas of the niche. The niche framework is used to illuminate a series of issues from conventional niche theory.
Boris Worm and Derek P. Tittensor
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691154831
- eISBN:
- 9781400890231
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691154831.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
The number of species found at a given point on the planet varies by orders of magnitude, yet large-scale gradients in biodiversity appear to follow some very general patterns. Little mechanistic ...
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The number of species found at a given point on the planet varies by orders of magnitude, yet large-scale gradients in biodiversity appear to follow some very general patterns. Little mechanistic theory has been formulated to explain the emergence of observed gradients of biodiversity both on land and in the oceans. Based on a comprehensive empirical synthesis of global patterns of species diversity and their drivers, this book develops and applies a new theory that can predict such patterns from few underlying processes. The book shows that global patterns of biodiversity fall into four consistent categories, according to where species live: on land or in coastal, pelagic, and deep ocean habitats. The fact that most species groups, from bacteria to whales, appear to follow similar biogeographic patterns of richness within these habitats points toward some underlying structuring principles. Based on empirical analyses of environmental correlates across these habitats, the book combines aspects of neutral, metabolic, and niche theory into one unifying framework. Applying it to model terrestrial and marine realms, the book demonstrates that a relatively simple theory that incorporates temperature and community size as driving variables is able to explain divergent patterns of species richness at a global scale. Integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives, the book yields surprising insights into the fundamental mechanisms that shape the distribution of life on our planet.Less
The number of species found at a given point on the planet varies by orders of magnitude, yet large-scale gradients in biodiversity appear to follow some very general patterns. Little mechanistic theory has been formulated to explain the emergence of observed gradients of biodiversity both on land and in the oceans. Based on a comprehensive empirical synthesis of global patterns of species diversity and their drivers, this book develops and applies a new theory that can predict such patterns from few underlying processes. The book shows that global patterns of biodiversity fall into four consistent categories, according to where species live: on land or in coastal, pelagic, and deep ocean habitats. The fact that most species groups, from bacteria to whales, appear to follow similar biogeographic patterns of richness within these habitats points toward some underlying structuring principles. Based on empirical analyses of environmental correlates across these habitats, the book combines aspects of neutral, metabolic, and niche theory into one unifying framework. Applying it to model terrestrial and marine realms, the book demonstrates that a relatively simple theory that incorporates temperature and community size as driving variables is able to explain divergent patterns of species richness at a global scale. Integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives, the book yields surprising insights into the fundamental mechanisms that shape the distribution of life on our planet.
Damaris Zurell and Jan O. Engler
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198824268
- eISBN:
- 9780191862809
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198824268.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology, Animal Biology
Impact assessments increasingly rely on models to project the potential impacts of climate change on species distributions. Ecological niche models have become established as an efficient and widely ...
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Impact assessments increasingly rely on models to project the potential impacts of climate change on species distributions. Ecological niche models have become established as an efficient and widely used method for interpolating (and sometimes extrapolating) species’ distributions. They use statistical and machine-learning approaches to relate species’ observations to environmental predictor variables and identify the main environmental determinants of species’ ranges. Based on this estimated species–environment relationship, the species’ potential distribution can be mapped in space (and time). In this chapter, we explain the concept and underlying assumptions of ecological niche models, describe the basic modelling steps using the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) as a simple real-world example, identify potential sources of uncertainty in underlying data and in the model, and discuss potential limitations as well as latest developments and future perspectives of ecological niche models in a global change context.Less
Impact assessments increasingly rely on models to project the potential impacts of climate change on species distributions. Ecological niche models have become established as an efficient and widely used method for interpolating (and sometimes extrapolating) species’ distributions. They use statistical and machine-learning approaches to relate species’ observations to environmental predictor variables and identify the main environmental determinants of species’ ranges. Based on this estimated species–environment relationship, the species’ potential distribution can be mapped in space (and time). In this chapter, we explain the concept and underlying assumptions of ecological niche models, describe the basic modelling steps using the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) as a simple real-world example, identify potential sources of uncertainty in underlying data and in the model, and discuss potential limitations as well as latest developments and future perspectives of ecological niche models in a global change context.
Peter Corning
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226116136
- eISBN:
- 9780226116334
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226116334.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
In recent years, evolutionary theorists have come to recognize that the reductionist, individualist, gene-centered approach to evolution cannot sufficiently account for the emergence of complex ...
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In recent years, evolutionary theorists have come to recognize that the reductionist, individualist, gene-centered approach to evolution cannot sufficiently account for the emergence of complex biological systems over time. The author of this book has been at the forefront of a new generation of complexity theorists who have been working to reshape the foundations of evolutionary theory. Well known for his Synergism Hypothesis—a theory of complexity in evolution that assigns a key causal role to various forms of functional synergy—he puts this theory into a much broader framework in this book, addressing many of the issues and concepts associated with the evolution of complex systems. The book's paradigm embraces and integrates many related theoretical developments of recent years, from multilevel selection theory to niche construction theory, gene-culture coevolution theory, and theories of self-organization. Offering new approaches to thermodynamics, information theory, and economic analysis, the book suggests how all of these domains can be brought firmly within what he characterizes as a post-neo-Darwinian evolutionary synthesis.Less
In recent years, evolutionary theorists have come to recognize that the reductionist, individualist, gene-centered approach to evolution cannot sufficiently account for the emergence of complex biological systems over time. The author of this book has been at the forefront of a new generation of complexity theorists who have been working to reshape the foundations of evolutionary theory. Well known for his Synergism Hypothesis—a theory of complexity in evolution that assigns a key causal role to various forms of functional synergy—he puts this theory into a much broader framework in this book, addressing many of the issues and concepts associated with the evolution of complex systems. The book's paradigm embraces and integrates many related theoretical developments of recent years, from multilevel selection theory to niche construction theory, gene-culture coevolution theory, and theories of self-organization. Offering new approaches to thermodynamics, information theory, and economic analysis, the book suggests how all of these domains can be brought firmly within what he characterizes as a post-neo-Darwinian evolutionary synthesis.
Liz Pásztor, Zoltán Botta-Dukát, Gabriella Magyar, Tamás Czárán, and Géza Meszéna
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199577859
- eISBN:
- 9780191823787
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199577859.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
Taking a fresh look at Darwin’s original theory of the origin of species and following the road paved by Gause, Hutchinson, MacArthur, and Levins a consistent system of fundamental principles is ...
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Taking a fresh look at Darwin’s original theory of the origin of species and following the road paved by Gause, Hutchinson, MacArthur, and Levins a consistent system of fundamental principles is revealed, one that makes the integration of ecology possible. These principles are explained, formalized, and illustrated by mutually compatible mathematical models in this book, demonstrating how this coherent modelling approach helps to explain or predict actual population and community dynamics and patterns on the field or in the lab. At the core of the Darwinian theory of ecology lies a generalized fitness concept applicable to populations of alleles and clones as well as of conspecific individuals. It is the theory of structured populations that provides a universal methodology to calculate the fitness of any reproductive unit in the face of any complexity arising from differences in individual states. The inherent capacity of all living organisms to increase their populations exponentially is necessarily constrained by resource depletion or natural enemies, so that the ultimate growth rate of persistent populations is regulated. Competition between different reproductive units leads either to competitive exclusion or to robust coexistence, depending on how similarly they are regulated. This is shown in general and demonstrated with several types of model. A generalized and formalized niche theory consistent with the principles is explicated, discussed, and illustrated by empirical studies. Studies on global, regional, and local ecological patterns close the book, discussed in the spirit of the process-based approach of Darwinian ecology.Less
Taking a fresh look at Darwin’s original theory of the origin of species and following the road paved by Gause, Hutchinson, MacArthur, and Levins a consistent system of fundamental principles is revealed, one that makes the integration of ecology possible. These principles are explained, formalized, and illustrated by mutually compatible mathematical models in this book, demonstrating how this coherent modelling approach helps to explain or predict actual population and community dynamics and patterns on the field or in the lab. At the core of the Darwinian theory of ecology lies a generalized fitness concept applicable to populations of alleles and clones as well as of conspecific individuals. It is the theory of structured populations that provides a universal methodology to calculate the fitness of any reproductive unit in the face of any complexity arising from differences in individual states. The inherent capacity of all living organisms to increase their populations exponentially is necessarily constrained by resource depletion or natural enemies, so that the ultimate growth rate of persistent populations is regulated. Competition between different reproductive units leads either to competitive exclusion or to robust coexistence, depending on how similarly they are regulated. This is shown in general and demonstrated with several types of model. A generalized and formalized niche theory consistent with the principles is explicated, discussed, and illustrated by empirical studies. Studies on global, regional, and local ecological patterns close the book, discussed in the spirit of the process-based approach of Darwinian ecology.
Gary G. Mittelbach and Brian J. McGill
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- September 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198835851
- eISBN:
- 9780191873379
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198835851.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Community Ecology provides a broad, up-to-date coverage of ecological concepts at the community level and is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and ecological researchers. The ...
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Community Ecology provides a broad, up-to-date coverage of ecological concepts at the community level and is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and ecological researchers. The field of community ecology has undergone a transformation in recent years, from a discipline largely focused on processes occurring within a local area to a discipline encompassing a much richer domain of study, including the linkages between communities separated in space (metacommunity dynamics), niche and neutral theory, the interplay between ecology and evolution (eco-evolutionary dynamics), and the influence of historical and regional processes in shaping patterns of biodiversity. To fully understand these new developments, however, students continue to need a strong foundation in the study of species interactions, and how these interactions are assembled into community modules and ecological networks. Trait-based assembly rules are presented as another approach to understanding community assembly, especially for real-world communities that may contain hundreds of species. This new edition fulfils the book’s original aims, both as a much-needed up-to-date and accessible introduction to modern community ecology, and in identifying the important questions that are yet to be answered. This research-driven textbook introduces state-of-the-art community ecology to a new generation of students, adopting reasoned and balanced perspectives on as-yet-unresolved issues. Pictures and graphics throughout the text allow students to visualize advanced concepts.Less
Community Ecology provides a broad, up-to-date coverage of ecological concepts at the community level and is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and ecological researchers. The field of community ecology has undergone a transformation in recent years, from a discipline largely focused on processes occurring within a local area to a discipline encompassing a much richer domain of study, including the linkages between communities separated in space (metacommunity dynamics), niche and neutral theory, the interplay between ecology and evolution (eco-evolutionary dynamics), and the influence of historical and regional processes in shaping patterns of biodiversity. To fully understand these new developments, however, students continue to need a strong foundation in the study of species interactions, and how these interactions are assembled into community modules and ecological networks. Trait-based assembly rules are presented as another approach to understanding community assembly, especially for real-world communities that may contain hundreds of species. This new edition fulfils the book’s original aims, both as a much-needed up-to-date and accessible introduction to modern community ecology, and in identifying the important questions that are yet to be answered. This research-driven textbook introduces state-of-the-art community ecology to a new generation of students, adopting reasoned and balanced perspectives on as-yet-unresolved issues. Pictures and graphics throughout the text allow students to visualize advanced concepts.
J. Stephen Brewer and Jan Schlauer
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- February 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198779841
- eISBN:
- 9780191825873
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198779841.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry, Ecology
Understanding the processes involved in generating distribution patterns of carnivorous plants requires investigation at multiple scales. Carnivorous plants typically occur in warm or hot and humid ...
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Understanding the processes involved in generating distribution patterns of carnivorous plants requires investigation at multiple scales. Carnivorous plants typically occur in warm or hot and humid or wet climates in subtropical to tropical regions of all continents. Carnivorous plants tend to grow in wet, open, and nutrient-poor habitats. Most carnivorous plants are less tolerant of dry soils than are non-carnivorous plants. The reasons why many carnivorous plants are absent from habitats with nutrient-rich soils remain unclear, but the roles of competition and soil anoxia warrant greater attention. Reduced competition from woody plants (e.g., following fires) contributes to neutral coexistence of carnivorous and noncarnivorous herbs, and there is no evidence to date in support of nutrient-niche partitioning. More studies of interspecific competition are needed to understand better the distribution patterns and drivers of species coexistence of carnivorous and noncarnivorous plants.Less
Understanding the processes involved in generating distribution patterns of carnivorous plants requires investigation at multiple scales. Carnivorous plants typically occur in warm or hot and humid or wet climates in subtropical to tropical regions of all continents. Carnivorous plants tend to grow in wet, open, and nutrient-poor habitats. Most carnivorous plants are less tolerant of dry soils than are non-carnivorous plants. The reasons why many carnivorous plants are absent from habitats with nutrient-rich soils remain unclear, but the roles of competition and soil anoxia warrant greater attention. Reduced competition from woody plants (e.g., following fires) contributes to neutral coexistence of carnivorous and noncarnivorous herbs, and there is no evidence to date in support of nutrient-niche partitioning. More studies of interspecific competition are needed to understand better the distribution patterns and drivers of species coexistence of carnivorous and noncarnivorous plants.
