Can limiting similarity increase invasion resistance? A meta‐analysis of experimental studies

摘要: Synthesis We used meta-analyses to examine experimental evidence that functional similarity between invaders and resident communities reduces invasion. We synthesized from studies experimentally added seed in which the group composition had been manipulated. found containing functionally similar species reduced invasion of forb but not grass invaders. However, design dramatically influenced results – with for limiting only artificially assembled communities, when removal more ‘natural communities’. suggest plays a limited role biotic resistance established communities. The principle suggests must be different coexist; based on assumption inter-specific competition should greatest species. There has controversy over generality this assembly rule plant some finding others not. One approach testing is ‘invasion’ success into Using meta-analysis approach, we examined published studies. asked establishment an invading less successful if it belongs already present community compared absent? explored separately colonisation (i.e. germination, or seedling survival) performance biomass, cover growth) groups (forbs grasses) designs (removal experiments natural synthetic-assemblage experiments). did reduce invader invaders, Evidence support was detected ‘natural’ communities. Functional important aspect artificial This implications restoration ecology especially are built de novo. resistance, because no