Framework for Community Ecology: Species Pools, Filters and Traits

This book provides a logical structure for ecological assembly and demonstrates the use of two predictive models to address key areas such as species pools, traits, environmental filters, and functional groups. It covers a wide range of examples, from plants in deserts to fish in rivers, and emphasizes applications in conserving biodiversity and understanding community responses to climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Ecology is a fascinating field that delves into the intricate relationships between living organisms and their environment. One of the central questions in ecology is how communities, which are groups of species living together in a specific area, are assembled from the vast array of species present in a given ecosystem. This pressing question underpins a wide range of practical problems in ecology and environmental science, such as restoring damaged landscapes, managing protected areas, and protecting threatened species.

In response to this challenge, this book presents a comprehensive and logical framework for ecological assembly. It begins by exploring the concept of species pools, which are the collective populations of all species present in an ecosystem. The book then delves into the various traits that species possess, such as their physical characteristics, behavior, and ecological roles, which play a crucial role in determining their assembly.

Furthermore, the book discusses the role of environmental filters, such as habitat availability and resource competition, in shaping the assembly of communities. It also explores the concept of functional groups, which are groups of species that share similar ecological roles and interact with each other in complex ways.

The book demonstrates the application of these theoretical concepts through the use of two predictive models, namely CATS (Community Assembly through Space and Time) and Traitspace. These models allow researchers to analyze the assembly of communities based on their species traits and environmental conditions.

Throughout the book, numerous wide-ranging examples are provided, showcasing the application of these concepts in different ecosystems. These examples include plants in deserts, wetlands, and forests, as well as communities of fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fungi. The book covers a global scale, ranging from the arid lands of North Africa to the forests in the Himalayas and the Amazonian floodplains.

A strong focus is placed on the practical applications of ecological assembly, particularly in addressing the twin challenges of conserving biodiversity and understanding community responses to climate change. The book discusses the importance of understanding the dynamics of species populations and their interactions with each other in order to develop effective conservation strategies.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and practitioners in ecology and environmental science. It provides a comprehensive and logical framework for understanding the assembly of communities from species pools, and demonstrates the use of predictive models to analyze these processes. The wide-ranging examples and practical applications make the book accessible to a broad audience, and its focus on addressing real-world problems makes it an essential read for anyone interested in the field.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009068314
Edition number: New ed