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The missing Madagascan mid-domain effect.

Jeremy T Kerr, Michael Perring, David J Currie

    Ecology Letters
    |September 9, 2006
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Species richness patterns in Madagascar do not support the mid-domain effect (MDE) hypothesis. Instead, biodiversity is driven by productivity and habitat availability, challenging previous findings.

    Area of Science:

    • Ecology
    • Biogeography
    • Biodiversity Science

    Background:

    • Species richness exhibits significant geographical variation, prompting numerous explanatory hypotheses.
    • The mid-domain effect (MDE) hypothesis suggests random species range redistribution increases richness towards an area's center.
    • Madagascar, with its endemic fauna and clear boundaries, offers a unique setting to test MDE predictions.

    Discussion:

    • One-dimensional MDE models initially showed a pattern consistent with richness peaks in Madagascar's center.
    • This pattern vanished when accounting for latitudinal band size, suggesting a methodological artifact.
    • Two-dimensional MDE models produced predictions opposite to observed species richness gradients.

    Key Insights:

    • Island-wide species richness in Madagascar is strongly correlated with primary productivity and remaining natural habitat.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Observed patterns contradict MDE predictions, particularly when considering two dimensions.
  • Previous studies suggesting MDE in Madagascan rainforests may have been influenced by artifacts, failing to control for key environmental factors.

    • Outlook:

    • Further research should focus on integrating environmental factors like productivity and habitat into biodiversity models.
    • Re-evaluating MDE in other biodiverse regions with similar methodological considerations is warranted.
    • Understanding the interplay of spatial factors and environmental gradients is crucial for conservation efforts.