The island rule and a research agenda for studying ecogeographical patterns |
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| Authors: | Mark V. Lomolino Dov F. Sax Brett R. Riddle James H. Brown |
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| Affiliation: | College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY 13210;, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602;, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154;, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
We are currently experiencing a resurgence of interest in ecogeographical rules, which describe general trends in morphology and related traits along geographical gradients. In order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the generality and underlying causal mechanisms for these patterns, we recommend a new, more integrated research agenda. In particular, we recommend studies that simultaneously consider different clines in morphology, geographical ranges and diversity as intricately related phenomena; all being ecological, evolutionary and biogeographical responses of organisms to selection regimes that vary non-randomly over space and time, and among species with different ecological and evolutionary histories. |
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| Keywords: | Bergmann's rule biogeography body size ecogeographical rules invasive species island biogeography island rule latitudinal gradients macroecology |
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