Changes in niche differentiation and environmental filtering over a hydric stress gradient |
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Authors: | Alejandra Martínez-Blancas Carlos Martorell |
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Institution: | 1. Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, 04510
Ciudad de México, Mexico, ;2. Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Ciudad Universitaria
3000, C.P. 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, Mexico;Corresponding author. E-mail: martorell@ciencias.unam.mx |
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Abstract: | Aims
Diversity in communities is determined by species’ ability to coexist with each other and to overcome environmental stress that may act as an environmental filter. Niche differentiation (ND) results in stronger intra- than interspecific competition and promotes coexistence. Because stress affects interactions, the strength of ND may change along stress gradients. A greater diversity of plant growth forms has been observed in stressful habitats, such as deserts and alpine regions, suggesting greater ND when stress is strong. We tested the hypothesis that niche differences and environmental filters become stronger with stress. |
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