The influence of geographical and ecological factors on island beta diversity patterns

摘要: Aim  To investigate the importance of various island characteristics in determining spatial patterns variations beta diversity for animal groups. Location  Analyses are presented 10 groups living on Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago central Mediterranean, near Sicily. Methods  Three hypotheses were formulated to explain diversity: target-area–distance effect, stepping stone dispersal and age. Matrices inter-island dissimilarities constructed under each hypothesis correlated with matrices faunal using Mantel tests. For ‘target-area–distance effect’ hypothesis, calculated sizes distances nearest mainland areas. ‘stepping dispersal’ measured. Finally, ‘island age’ basis geological age islands. Cluster analysis was used relationships. Results  Support effect found only birds. these highly mobile animals, had no significant effects diversity. Birds known colonize islands by crossing large sea barriers thus they can easily reach which close source areas (notably Sicily). Inter-island role most invertebrates. Mollusca, Opiliones, Chilopoda, Heteroptera, coprophagous Scarabaeoidea, Tenebrionidae, even relatively short preclude invertebrates from colonizing an regularly mainland, colonization probably results exchanges. Island proved be important orthopterans. Main conclusions  The origin invertebrate fauna is quite recent, species appear have established predominantly dispersal. Birds, organisms, follow more direct mainland–island dynamics. As further studies other become available, comparative analyses will confirm whether factors influencing this study their relationships ability consistent across scales geographical context.