Elevational gradients in phylogenetic structure of ant communities reveal the interplay of biotic and abiotic constraints on diversity

Bc. Antonín MACHÁČ

Rigorózní práce

Abstract:

Incorporating information on species? phylogeny into the framework of conventional community ecology, we illustrate that ant communities situated in lowlands are primarily structured by interspecific competition. In contrast, highland communities are formed by habitat filtering on phylogenetically conserved temperature tolerances. In sum, our study highlights the potential role of niche constraints, environmental temperature, and competition in shaping broad-scale diversity gradients.

Abstract:

Incorporating information on species? phylogeny into the framework of conventional community ecology, we illustrate that ant communities situated in lowlands are primarily structured by interspecific competition. In contrast, highland communities are formed by habitat filtering on phylogenetically conserved temperature tolerances. In sum, our study highlights the potential role of niche constraints, environmental temperature, and competition in shaping broad-scale diversity gradients.

Keywords

community structure, phylogeny, biodiversity, elevational gradients

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 3. 1. 2011

Identifikátor: 22471

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

JIHOČESKÁ UNIVERZITA V ČESKÝCH BUDĚJOVICÍCH

Přírodovědecká fakulta

Rigorózní řízení / obor:
Zoologie / Zoologie