Contrasting forms of competition set elevational range limits of species
Journal
Ecology Letters
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
10
Pages
1668-1679
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
How abiotic and biotic factors constrain distribution limits at the harsh and benign edges of species ranges is hotly debated, partly because macroecological experiments testing the proximate causes of distribution limits are scarce. It has long been recognized – at least since Darwin’s On the Origin of Species – that a harsh climate strengthens competition and thus sets species range limits. Using thorough field manipulations along a large elevation gradient, we show the mechanisms by which temperature determines competition type, resulting in a transition from interference to exploitative competition from the lower to the upper elevation limits in burying beetles (Nicrophorus nepalensis). This transition is an example of Darwin’s classic hypothesis that benign climates favor direct competition for highly accessible resources while harsh climates result in competition through resources of high rivalry. We propose that identifying the properties of these key resources will provide a more predictive framework to understand the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors in determining geographic range limits. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS
SDGs
Other Subjects
Coleoptera; Nicrophorus nepalensis; altitude; animal; beetle; breeding; China; climate; competitive behavior; population density; statistical model; temperature; Altitude; Animals; Breeding; China; Climate; Coleoptera; Competitive Behavior; Models, Statistical; Population Density; Temperature
Type
other