loading page

Trophic niche overlap decreases in related mesocarnivore species
  • +3
  • J. M. Gil-Sanchez,
  • Carlos Sarabia,
  • Javier Hernández,
  • Imanol Miqueleiz,
  • Emilio Virgos,
  • Jennifer Leonard
J. M. Gil-Sanchez
Universidad de Granada

Corresponding Author:jmgilsanchez@yahoo.es

Author Profile
Carlos Sarabia
Brown University Center for Computational Molecular Biology
Author Profile
Javier Hernández
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Author Profile
Imanol Miqueleiz
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Author Profile
Emilio Virgos
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Author Profile
Jennifer Leonard
Estación Biológica de Doñana
Author Profile

Abstract

In natural environments, competition between species is a crucial factor for the survival or demise of populations. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that promote species coexistence is crucial in community and evolutionary ecology. The Phylogenetic Limiting to Similarity Hypothesis (PLSH) posits that closely related species should experience greater competition due to niche conservatism, leading to higher overlap in resource use. However, studies have shown mixed results regarding the influence of phylogenetic distance and other abiotic and biotic factors on interspecific competition. This study explores the role of phylogenetic relatedness, body mass differences, and environmental factors such as primary productivity, in shaping trophic niche overlap among mesocarnivores across ten global biomes. Our extensive bibliographic review of more than 200 sources over nearly five decades suggests that while phylogenetic distance and body mass differences are significant predictors of niche overlap, environmental factors like primary productivity also play a crucial role. The findings highlight the complexity of species interactions, emphasizing that niche overlap is influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics governing species coexistence and the assembly of ecological communities.
12 Dec 2024Submitted to Oikos
18 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
18 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Dec 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned