A comprehensive framework for the evaluation of metacommunity structure

摘要: Th e metacommunity framework is a powerful platform for evaluating patterns of species distribution in geographic or environmental space. Idealized (checkerboard, Clementsian, evenly spaced, Gleasonian and nested distributions) give the shape. Each pattern represents an area multidimensional continuum structures; however, current approach to analysis spatial structure metacommunities incomplete. To address this, we describe additional non-random structures illustrate how they may be discerned via objective criteria. First, distinguish three distinct forms loss structures, which should improve identifi cation structuring mechanisms patterns. Second, defi ne six quasi-structures that are consistent with conceptual underpinnings Gleasonian, spaced distributions. Finally, demonstrate combinations at smaller extents aggregate form Clementsian larger extents. ese refi nements facilitate best-fi t patterns, associated mechanisms, informative scales interpretation. analytical applied network properties within communities (i.e. interspecifi c interactions) has broad application ecology biogeography.