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.