Speciation happens in company - not in isolation

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Island Biogeography
• Ecology

Background:

• Oceanic islands are key models for allopatric speciation and adaptive radiation.
• Current speciation and endemism concepts primarily focus on spatial and temporal scales.
• Biotic interactions and ecological drivers are recognized but underintegrated in evolutionary island studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose ecosystems as the central evolutionary arena on islands.
• To advocate for integrating ecosystem functioning into biogeographical studies of speciation and endemism.
• To encourage the inclusion of ecological processes, assembly rules, and vegetation structure in future research.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual review and synthesis of existing theories in biogeography and ecology.
• Highlighting the role of ecosystem functioning in regulating abiotic factors.
• Critiquing the traditional focus on species lists in biogeographical research.

Main Results:

• Ecosystem functioning, including energy and matter regulation, is crucial but often overlooked in island biogeography.
• A functional understanding of island ecosystems is needed beyond simple species inventories.
• Integrating ecological processes offers a more comprehensive view of island evolution.

Conclusions:

• Island biogeography must evolve to incorporate ecosystem dynamics and ecological interactions.
• Future studies should bridge the gap between macroecology, biogeography, and ecosystem science.
• A functional, ecosystem-based approach will enhance our understanding of island speciation and endemism.