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Related Experiment Videos

Occupancy frequency distributions: patterns, artefacts and mechanisms.

Melodie A McGeoch1, Kevin J Gaston

  • 1Department of Conservation Ecology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa. McGeoch@sun.ac.za

Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
|September 14, 2002
PubMed
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Understanding species occupancy distributions requires examining sampling effects and biological mechanisms. Spatial scale significantly influences distribution shapes, necessitating cross-scale synthesis for accurate ecological interpretation.

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Biodiversity Research
  • Spatial Ecology

Background:

  • Occupancy frequency distributions (OFDs) describe how many species occupy varying numbers of areas.
  • Numerous hypotheses, including artefactual and biological mechanisms (e.g., niche, meta-population models), attempt to explain OFD shapes.
  • Existing OFD studies lack comparability due to diverse sampling protocols and construction methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of sampling protocol (grain, number, extent, coverage, intensity) on OFD shapes.
  • To evaluate empirical evidence for proposed biological determinants of OFD shapes.
  • To recommend approaches for minimizing artefactual effects and advancing OFD research.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of sampling protocol effects on OFD shapes.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review and assessment of evidence supporting biological hypotheses for OFD shapes.
  • Analysis of core and satellite modes in relation to sampling scale and area characteristics.

    • Main Results:

    • Sampling protocol significantly influences OFD shape; recommendations provided for minimizing artefactual effects.
    • Habitat and environmental heterogeneity are supported mechanisms; dispersal ability has limited support; some hypotheses remain untested.
    • Core modes correlate with larger sample units and homogenous areas; satellite modes with large, heterogeneous areas and rare species effects.
    • Spatial scale is a critical determinant, altering mechanism predictions and OFD shapes.

    Conclusions:

    • A synthesis of pattern documentation and model testing across spatial scales is crucial for understanding OFDs.
    • Further research should include null models, cross-scale and cross-taxa comparisons, and species movement documentation.
    • Continued testing of biological mechanisms is essential for a comprehensive understanding of species distribution patterns.