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Modeling the Size Spectrum for Macroinvertebrates and Fishes in Stream Ecosystems
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Predicting the species abundance distribution using a model food web.

Craig R Powell1, Alan J McKane

  • 1Theoretical Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. craig.powell@manchester.ac.uk

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|October 11, 2008
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Summary

The power-law normal distribution better models species abundance distributions (SAD) than log-normal models. This study used the Webworld ecosystem model to reveal features distinguishing ecological distribution models.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Theoretical Ecology
  • Ecological Modeling

Background:

  • Numerous species abundance distribution (SAD) models exist, often resembling the log-normal distribution and proving difficult to distinguish with empirical data.
  • Ecological datasets are incomplete and noisy, limiting our ability to accurately approximate true underlying distributions.
  • The complexity of real-world ecosystems makes analytical study of SAD challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predicted species abundance distribution (SAD) using the complex Webworld ecosystem model.
  • To identify distinguishing features between SAD models that are not apparent in field data.
  • To compare the performance of different SAD models, including log-normal, logit-normal, and power-law normal distributions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized simulation data from the Webworld ecosystem model, a complex system not amenable to analytical solutions.
  • Employed an analytical approach similar to that used for empirical ecological data.
  • Examined large, fully described datasets from simulations to identify subtle model distinctions.

Main Results:

  • The power-law normal distribution demonstrated superior performance compared to both log-normal and logit-normal distributions for modeling SAD.
  • Simulation data revealed features capable of distinguishing between different SAD models, which are often obscured in empirical datasets.
  • The study identified potential improvements to the power-law normal distribution at the high-population cut-off.

Conclusions:

  • The power-law normal distribution is a more effective model for species abundance distributions than previously assumed log-normal or logit-normal distributions.
  • Complex ecosystem models, when analyzed via simulation, can uncover critical differences between ecological distribution models.
  • Further refinement of SAD models, particularly at population cut-offs, is warranted based on simulation insights.