Geographic patterns of diversity in streams are predicted by a multivariate model of disturbance and productivity

摘要: Univariate explanations of biodiversity have often failed to account for broad-scale patterns in species richness. As a result, increased attention has been paid the development and testing more synthetic multivariate hypotheses. One class hypotheses, founded successional diversity theory, predict that richness is jointly influenced by periodic disturbances create new niche opportunities space or time, production community biomass speeds displacement inferior superior competitors. While joint response disturbance productivity gained support from theoretical small-scale experimental studies, evidence corresponding occur broadly across natural systems scarce. Using data set employed standardized methods sample 85 streams throughout mid-Atlantic United States America, we show biogeographical primary producer stream ecosystems are consistent with predictions model incorporates frequency as independent variables. Periphyton concave-down function (mean no. floods year(-1)) (mu g accrual cm(-2) day(-1)), an increasing their interaction. Changes x surface can be related several predicted life-history traits dominant species. Our findings complement prior studies showing models which consider interactive effects ecosystem are, fact, candidate much broader systems. Because synergistic ecological variables on diversity, human activities - simultaneously altering both regime could influencing than previously anticipated.