Multidimensional primate niche space sheds light on interspecific competition in primate evolution

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Primatology

Background:

• Characterizing primate diversity distribution and evolution is complex due to opposing phylogenetic patterns in individual traits.
• A species' combination of traits defines its ecological niche, crucial for understanding diversity.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively analyzed primate niche space across multiple dimensions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and analyze a seven-dimensional niche space for 191 primate species using 11 traits.
• To investigate the distribution of primate diversity across this niche space.
• To quantify interspecific competition based on niche similarity and evolutionary patterns.

Main Methods:

• Defined a seven-dimensional niche space incorporating 11 ecological and behavioral traits.
• Analyzed niche space occupation for 191 primate species.
• Quantified niche similarity and its relationship with interspecific competition.

Main Results:

• Primate diversity is unequally distributed; Cercopithecoidea and Hominidae families occupy the largest niche spaces.
• Platyrrhine families occupy smaller niche spaces that overlap with strepsirrhines.
• Omnivores, frugivores, and heat-tolerant species face stronger interspecific competition; Callitrichids experience the highest competition.

Conclusions:

• Primate niche evolution is shaped by selection for adaptive trait combinations.
• Niche similarity drives interspecific competition, influencing primate diversity partitioning.
• Hominidae's niche occupation suggests past competitive exclusion by Cercopithecoidea, yet great apes currently face low competition.