Using distance-similarity relations to evaluate the importance of neutral ecological drift

Title:	Using distance-similarity relations to evaluate the importance of neutral ecological drift
Author:	Link-Perez, Melanie A.
Description:	Neutral theory recognizes the potential importance of chance and history in the structuring of ecological communities. According to neutral theory, geographic distance should be a predictor of plant community composition, because dispersal limitation is a mechanism contributing to neutral ecological drift. Alternatively, classical niche theory suggests that environmental characteristics determine community composition. I describe the spatial variation in two contrasting prairie communities—one relict, one reconstructed—and compare the observed patterns with predictions derived from neutral and niche theories. I found an important role of ecological drift in the structuring of plant communities at both prairies. Geographic distance explained more variation in species composition than did environmental factors. Although environmental factors are correlated with community composition, the stronger correlations with geographic distance indicate that neutral processes must be taken into account when looking at community structure in small-statured herbaceous communities.
Permanent Link:	http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1122438909 http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/19198
Date:	2005

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