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Beyond pairwise mechanisms of species coexistence in complex communities

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan M. Levine

    (Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich)

  • Jordi Bascompte

    (University of Zurich)

  • Peter B. Adler

    (Utah State University, Logan)

  • Stefano Allesina

    (University of Chicago)

Abstract

The tremendous diversity of species in ecological communities has motivated a century of research into the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity. However, much of this work examines the coexistence of just pairs of competitors. This approach ignores those mechanisms of coexistence that emerge only in diverse competitive networks. Despite the potential for these mechanisms to create conditions under which the loss of one competitor triggers the loss of others, we lack the knowledge needed to judge their importance for coexistence in nature. Progress requires borrowing insight from the study of multitrophic interaction networks, and coupling empirical data to models of competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan M. Levine & Jordi Bascompte & Peter B. Adler & Stefano Allesina, 2017. "Beyond pairwise mechanisms of species coexistence in complex communities," Nature, Nature, vol. 546(7656), pages 56-64, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:546:y:2017:i:7656:d:10.1038_nature22898
    DOI: 10.1038/nature22898
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