Ecosystem equivalence and the ability to generalise: insights from global consistencies in mangrove fish assemblages

摘要: It is common practice in ecology to extrapolate understanding of processes and functions from one example an ecosystem another. Valid extrapolation requires assumption equivalence, i.e. that the different examples are actually similar regard being extrapolated. I use mangrove fish assemblages assess equivalence using data compiled 76 studies around world. Although there were distinct faunal groups (FGs) areas world, was evidence underlying equivalence. Mangrove comprised a restricted pool 170 families, with 41 those occurring all 4 FGs. Whether only considered entering forests or included associated habitats not important factor for differentiating assemblages. This suggests perspective, defined at whole-of-mangrove system level rather than scale forest. There notable differences among families distinguished FGs, but these did translate into functional differences. results appear provide degree validity extrapolating another, this implied support must be set context limitations available data. In-depth evaluation urgently needed because untested central every model interpretation based on distant location.