The origin and maintenance of montane diversity: integrating evolutionary and ecological processes

Graham, Catherine H., Carnaval, Ana C., Cadena, Carlos Daniel, Zamudio, Kelly, Roberts, Trina E., Para, Juan Luis, Mccain, Christy M., Bowie, Rauri C.K., Moritz, Craig, Baines, Stephen B., Schneider, Christopher J., VanDerWal, Jeremy, Rahbek, Carsten, Kozak, Kenneth H., and Sanders, Nathan J. (2014) The origin and maintenance of montane diversity: integrating evolutionary and ecological processes. Ecography, 37 (8). pp. 711-719.

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Abstract

Determining how ecological and evolutionary processes produce spatial variation in local species richness remains an unresolved challenge. Using mountains as a model system, we outline an integrative research approach to evaluate the influence of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms on the generation and maintenance of patterns of species richness along and among elevational gradients. Biodiversity scientists interested in patterns of species richness typically start by documenting patterns of species richness at regional and local scales, and based on their knowledge of the taxon, and the environmental and historical characteristics of a mountain region, they then ask whether diversity – environment relationships, if they exist, are explained mostly by ecological or evolutionary hypotheses. Th e final step, and perhaps most challenging one, is to tease apart the relative influence of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. We propose that elucidating the relative influence of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms can be achieved by taking advantage of the replicated settings afforded by mountains, combined with targeted experiments along elevational gradients. This approach will not only identify potential mechanisms that drive patterns of species richness, but also allow scientists to generate more robust hypotheses about which factors generate and maintain local diversity.

Item ID: 38575
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1600-0587
Funders: NESCent Montane Biodiversity Working Group, National Science Foundation (NSF)
Date Deposited: 30 Apr 2015 02:41
FoR Codes: 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050202 Conservation and Biodiversity @ 40%
05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0501 Ecological Applications > 050101 Ecological Impacts of Climate Change @ 30%
06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0603 Evolutionary Biology > 060306 Evolutionary Impacts of Climate Change @ 30%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9603 Climate and Climate Change > 960301 Climate Change Adaptation Measures @ 30%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9603 Climate and Climate Change > 960302 Climate Change Mitigation Strategies @ 30%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960805 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity at Regional or Larger Scales @ 40%
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