Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
06:36
Preparation of Expanded Chitin Foams and their Use in the Removal of Aqueous Copper
Published on: February 27, 2021
4.2K
An expanded modern coexistence theory for empirical applications
Stephen P Ellner1, Robin E Snyder2, Peter B Adler3
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Ecology Letters
|October 13, 2018
Summary
Modern coexistence theory (MCT) helps understand how species survive together. This study presents a new computational method to apply MCT, making it easier to study ecological communities and species coexistence.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Theoretical Ecology
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- Understanding long-term species coexistence is a major ecological challenge.
- Modern Coexistence Theory (MCT) offers a framework but faces limited empirical application due to complexity.
- Identifying key drivers of coexistence among multiple interacting processes and species differences is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a general computational approach for applying Modern Coexistence Theory (MCT).
- To extend existing methods to encompass all standard spatial, temporal, and process-defined coexistence mechanisms within MCT.
- To facilitate empirical applications of MCT by simplifying its analysis.
Main Methods:
- Developed a computational approach to partition population growth rates into contributions from various coexistence mechanisms and their interactions.
- Employed numerical calculations involving the removal and retention of specific coexistence mechanisms.
- Extended previous work on the storage effect to include other MCT mechanisms like resource partitioning, indirect competition, and life history trade-offs.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a method to analyze the contributions of individual coexistence mechanisms and their interactions.
- Successfully applied the approach to diverse ecological scenarios, including fluctuating temperatures, plant-soil feedbacks, facilitation, and multi-trait niche differences.
- Showcased the approach's ability to handle features not previously analyzed within the standard MCT framework.
Conclusions:
- The developed computational approach simplifies the application of Modern Coexistence Theory (MCT) for empirical research.
- This method provides a powerful tool for dissecting the relative importance of different coexistence mechanisms in ecological communities.
- Facilitates a deeper understanding of the complex factors enabling species coexistence in nature.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy
686
Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
686
02:35Band Theory
17.2K
When two or more atoms come together to form a molecule, their atomic orbitals combine and molecular orbitals of distinct energies result. In a solid, there are a large number of atoms, and therefore a large number of atomic orbitals that may be combined into molecular orbitals. These groups of molecular orbitals are so closely placed together to form continuous regions of energies, known as the bands.
The energy difference between these bands is known as the band gap.
Conductor, Semiconductor,...
The energy difference between these bands is known as the band gap.
Conductor, Semiconductor,...
17.2K
02:31Scientific Laws and Theories
88.3K
Scientific Laws
88.3K
00:56Attribution Theory
13.8K
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality characteristics). Subfields of psychology tend to focus on one influence or behavior over others. Situationism is the view that our behavior and actions are determined by our immediate environment and surroundings. In contrast, dispositionism holds that our behavior is determined by internal factors (Heider, 1958).
13.8K
02:59The Atomic Theory of Matter
128.0K
The earliest recorded discussion of the basic structure of matter comes from ancient Greek philosophers. Leucippus and Democritus argued that all matter was composed of small, finite particles that they called atomos, meaning “indivisible.” Later, Aristotle and others came to the conclusion that matter consisted of various combinations of the four “elements” — fire, earth, air, and water — and could be infinitely divided. Interestingly, these philosophers...
128.0K
02:06Social Exchange Theory
40.8K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
40.8K