Ecological patterns and processes in the vertical dimension of terrestrial ecosystems

被引:12
|
作者
Xing, Shuang [1 ]
Leahy, Lily [2 ]
Ashton, Louise A. A. [3 ]
Kitching, Roger L. L. [4 ]
Bonebrake, Timothy C. C. [3 ]
Scheffers, Brett R. R. [5 ]
机构
[1] Sun Yat sen Univ, Sch Ecol, Shenzhen, Peoples R China
[2] La Trobe Univ, Dept Environm & Genet, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
[3] Univ Hong Kong, Sch Biol Sci, Ecol & Biodivers Area, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
[4] Griffith Univ, Sch Environm & Sci, Nathan, Qld, Australia
[5] Univ Florida, Dept of?Wildlife Ecol & Conservat, Gainesville, FL USA
关键词
biogeography; ecological mechanism; functional traits; species distribution; vertical stratification; LOWLAND RAIN-FOREST; HABITAT USE; BODY-SIZE; DESICCATION RESISTANCE; HYMENOPTERA-FORMICIDAE; THERMAL PERFORMANCE; DIPTEROCARP FOREST; BEETLE ASSEMBLAGES; DECIDUOUS FOREST; WING MORPHOLOGY;
D O I
10.1111/1365-2656.13881
中图分类号
Q14 [生态学(生物生态学)];
学科分类号
071012 ; 0713 ;
摘要
Climatic gradients such as latitude and elevation are considered primary drivers of global biogeography. Yet, alongside these macro-gradients, the vertical space and structure generated by terrestrial plants form comparable climatic gradients but at a fraction of the distance. These vertical gradients provide a spectrum of ecological space for species to occur and coexist, increasing biodiversity. Furthermore, vertical gradients can serve as pathways for evolutionary adaptation of species traits, leading to a range of ecological specialisations. In this review, we explore the ecological evidence supporting the proposition that the vertical gradient serves as an engine driving the ecology and evolution of species and shaping larger biogeographical patterns in space and time akin to elevation and latitude. Focusing on vertebrate and invertebrate taxa, we synthesised how ecological patterns within the vertical dimension shape species composition, distribution and biotic interactions. We identify three key ecological mechanisms associated with species traits that facilitate persistence within the vertical environment and draw on empirical examples from the literature to explore these processes. Looking forward, we propose that the vertical dimension provides an excellent study template to explore timely ecological and evolutionary questions. We encourage future research to also consider how the vertical dimension will influence the resilience and response of animal taxa to global change.
引用
收藏
页码:538 / 551
页数:14
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