Competitive ability, body size and geographical range size in small mammals

摘要: Aim Why are some species widespread and abundant while others restricted rare? Darwin (1859) have claimed that become because they competitively dominant over related, geographically species. An alternative hypothesis is wide-ranging ecological generalists been able to opportunistically colonize many kinds of new, disturbed and/or marginal habitats, whereas related narrow-ranging specialists dominate specific relatively stable habitats/resources. We tested these opposing hypotheses using small mammals, for which considerable data on competitive interactions geographical range sizes available. Location North America, Europe, Asia, Africa Australia. Methods We analysed forty-three between congeneric in twenty genera, seven families, four orders mammals. Competitive dominance was identified from both field laboratory experiments, were lumped showed similar results. Results We found (1) when all studies as individual points, with smaller ranges tended be larger ranges, (2) lumping interaction pairs sharing one or more the same yielded a result, (3) involving genus also although it not statistically significant, probably sample size resulting this attempt remove phylogenetic effects. Examination taxonomic relationships studied genera revealed no obvious effects relationship size. Furthermore, body-size differences appeared played role results observed, cannot completely explain them. Main conclusions We tentatively conclude Darwin's falsified receives support.