Modes of speciation and the neutral theory of biodiversity

摘要: Hubbell's neutral theory of biodiversity has generated much debate over the need for niches to explain patterns. Discussion focused on its neutrality assumption, i.e. functional equivalence species in competition and dispersal. Almost no attention been paid another critical aspect theory, assumptions nature speciation process. In standard version each individual a fixed probability speciate. Hence, rate is directly proportional abundance metacommunity. We argue that this assumption not realistic most modes because an emergent property complex processes at larger spatial temporal scales and, consequently, can either increase or decrease with abundance. Accordingly, independent (each speciate) more natural starting point biodiversity. Here we present model based confront new 20 large data sets tree communities, expecting fit better than original model. find, however, are fitted by This implies discriminate between different speciation, or, stated otherwise, mode impact distribution. Our analysis points out ways study how patterns shaped interplay evolutionary (speciation, extinction) ecological (competition, dispersal).