Scaling issues of neutral theory reveal violations of ecological equivalence for dominant Amazonian tree species.

ABSTRACT: Neutral models are often used as null models, testing the relative importance of niche versus neutral processes in shaping diversity. Most versions, however, focus only on regional scale predictions and neglect local level contributions. Recently, a new formulation of spatial neutral theory was published showing an incompatibility between regional and local scale fits where especially the number of rare species was dramatically under-predicted. Using a forward in time semi-spatially explicit neutral model and a unique large-scale Amazonian tree inventory data set, we show that neutral theory not only underestimates the number of rare species but also fails in predicting the excessive dominance of species on both regional and local levels. We show that although there are clear relationships

SUBMITTER: Pos E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6849817 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature