Do similar communities develop in similar sites? A test with zooplankton structure and function

摘要: McCune and Allen (1985) asked the question “Will similar forests develop on sites?” concluded that dissimilar old-growth had developed sites due to historical factors (colonization, disturbance, etc.). We “Do zooplankton communities in ponds?” compared community structure function 12 newly constructed experimental ponds during 1 yr of natural colonization analyzed a suite physical–chemical variables evaluate assumption environmental similarity among ponds. Ponds were for measured variables. However, structurally different, as indicated by analyses species presence/absence, accrual curves, taxa (rotifer, copepod, cladoceran, Chaoborus) density biomass. Species varied widely their abilities. Zooplankton also differed productivity some community-level respiration rates. Scale was important detecting differences communities. Species- taxa-level showed clear communities, but (species richness, total biomass) (productivity, respiration, ammonia regeneration rates) could not identify distinct sets Community may be comparable sensitivity change need at equivalent scales. Dispersal (as evidenced history) regulator new because it did occur rapidly or uniformly ponds. All do disperse readily. The extent which dispersal limits older is unknown, genetic studies indicate low rates established populations. Dispersal regulates assemblages organisms expected less vagile than various ecosystems, indicating “supply-side” metapopchulation concepts are valuable ecology. Priority effects have lasting influence subsequent structure, depending sequences. propose explicit recognition (and careful examination) commonly assumed rarely tested “quorum effect”: local abiotic biotic processes regulate arrival not, potential members already arrived. Given either priority quorum effects, an important, often-overlooked process regulating function, especially when rapid.