Theory of Ecological Communities (MPB-57)

The field of community ecology is diverse, with many theories, models, and concepts. However, the core focus of understanding patterns of diversity and composition of biological variants across space and time is shared by evolutionary biology and its conceptual framework, population genetics theory. Mark Vellend builds a theory of ecological communities on four overarching processes: selection among species, drift, dispersal, and speciation, which are analogues of the four central processes in population genetics theory. This theory allows the effects of low-level processes to be understood as the underpinnings of high-level processes with widely applicable consequences for ecological communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The field of community ecology is a rich tapestry of diverse theories, models, and concepts, encompassing a wide range of perspectives and approaches. Amid this vast body of work, the question arises: can we develop a single, overarching theory that encompasses the intricate dynamics of ecological communities? Alternatively, what other scientific domains can serve as guiding frameworks for understanding these complex systems?

Interestingly, the core focus of community ecology, which revolves around understanding patterns of diversity and composition of biological variants across space and time, shares a common thread with evolutionary biology and its well-established conceptual framework, population genetics theory.

To bring together the diverse perspectives of community ecology, Mark Vellend proposes a theory of ecological communities. This theory is built upon four fundamental processes: selection among species, drift, dispersal, and speciation. These processes are analogous to the four central processes in population genetics theory: selection within species, drift, gene flow, and mutation. By integrating these processes, Vellend develops a comprehensive framework that encompasses nearly all the specific models built to describe the dynamics of communities of interacting species.

The result of this theoretical synthesis is a theory that empowers us to comprehend the effects of numerous low-level processes, such as competition, facilitation, predation, disturbance, stress, succession, colonization, and local extinction, as the underlying drivers of high-level processes with far-reaching consequences for ecological communities.

By reframing the existing ideas in community ecology through the lens of the Theory of Ecological Communities, we gain a fresh perspective on biological composition and diversity. This theory provides a valuable framework for researchers and practitioners to explore the complex interplay between species, their interactions, and the broader ecological context in which they exist.

In conclusion, the field of community ecology is a rich and complex domain that requires a multifaceted approach. While a single, universal theory may not be feasible, the integration of ideas from various scientific domains, such as evolutionary biology and population genetics theory, can help us gain a deeper understanding of ecological communities and their dynamics. The Theory of Ecological Communities serves as a valuable tool for advancing our knowledge in this field and shaping our conservation and management strategies.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691208992