| Literature DB >> 31844189 |
Joaquín Calatayud1,2, Enrique Andivia3,4, Adrián Escudero5, Carlos J Melián6, Rubén Bernardo-Madrid7, Markus Stoffel8,9,10, Cristina Aponte11, Nagore G Medina12,13, Rafael Molina-Venegas14, Xavier Arnan15, Martin Rosvall16, Magnus Neuman16, Jorge Ari Noriega17, Fernanda Alves-Martins17, Isabel Draper13, Arantzazu Luzuriaga5, Juan Antonio Ballesteros-Cánovas8,10, César Morales-Molino18,19, Pablo Ferrandis20, Asier Herrero3,21, Luciano Pataro13, Leandro Juen22, Alex Cea23, Jaime Madrigal-González10.
Abstract
According to the competitive exclusion principle, species with low competitive abilities should be excluded by more efficient competitors; yet, they generally remain as rare species. Here, we describe the positive and negative spatial association networks of 326 disparate assemblages, showing a general organization pattern that simultaneously supports the primacy of competition and the persistence of rare species. Abundant species monopolize negative associations in about 90% of the assemblages. On the other hand, rare species are mostly involved in positive associations, forming small network modules. Simulations suggest that positive interactions among rare species and microhabitat preferences are the most probable mechanisms underpinning this pattern and rare species persistence. The consistent results across taxa and geography suggest a general explanation for the maintenance of biodiversity in competitive environments.Mesh：
Year: 2019 PMID： 31844189 DOI： 10.1038/s41559-019-1053-5
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Nat Ecol Evol ISSN： 2397-334X Impact factor: 15.460