Effects of Metacommunity Networks on Local Community Structures

摘要: Abstract Although empirical support for it is at an early stage of development, metacommunity theory has become a mainstream component in ecological thinking. Four paradigms encapsulate proposed mechanisms: (1) colonization–competition trade-off “patch dynamics,” (2) community-dependent species–environment fitting “species sorting,” (3) increase local persistence through immigration from more successful populations the “mass effect,” and (4) trait-independent assemblages “neutral processes.” Using metapopulation models, we highlight wide range patterns predicted by different mechanisms. Neutral mass effects should be enhanced dispersal, thereby constraining conditions species sorting. The relative dispersal on dominant subordinate determine weakening or strengthening patch dynamics. Potential methodological approaches to field-data evaluation theoretical predictions are considered here. key difference among lies putative role traits performance communities. We argue use functional biodiversity analyses maximum entropy (MaxEnt) procedures as powerful tools distinguishing effect mechanisms also requires realistic field-testing. centrality–isolation gradient may directly while graph provides measures isolation network structure; nevertheless, estimation networks not straightforward. Percolation distances, minimum spanning trees, physical connections between patches excellent toward this problem estimation, but configurations they describe differ network. propose method based maximization network–local pattern coherence, consider further alternatives. combined MaxEnt theories will likely contribute significantly advances concepts rigorous validations field-collected data.