While negative effects of landscape fragmentation on biodiversity are well documented, recent evidence suggests positive or neutral effects may also be common. The mechanisms driving these contrasting outcomes cannot be understood without assessing how species traits influence responses to landscape and patch characteristics. Here, we show that three key elements can enhance predictability of fragmentation effects across scales: (i) the trait distribution of the regional species pool; (ii) the relationship between taxonomic and trait diversity; and (iii) the effects of the landscape matrix on the distribution of species traits. Considering these elements will facilitate the development of generalizable hypotheses on the consequences of fragmentation across diverse taxonomic groups and regions, with broad applicability to ecology and conservation.

People have been long-fascinated with birds, and their scientific study has been central to advances in evolution, animal behavior, biogeography, population dynamics, and community ecology. Research q...

Bats are one of the most widespread, species-rich, ecologically and morphologically diverse mammal lineages, and the only mammals capable of powered flight. Due to their evolution within the constrain...

Being open with my colleagues about my cancer diagnosis has allowed me to access an enormous source of support and comfort.

Ecology jobs. 10 jobs to view and apply for now with ESA Career Center

The Janzen–Connell hypothesis (JC effect) has been proposed as a mechanism for explaining high tropical tree diversity via negative conspecific density dependence imposed by natural enemies. Seed masting describes the uneven investment in reproduction between years, and could be a mechanism for reducing seed predation by means of predator satiation. JC effects select for wider dispersal kernels, allowing species to escape enemies in space, while the predator-satiation model of seed masting assumes escape from predators in time. Although representing contrasting ecological dynamics, both models are predicated on similar assumptions: that tree recruitment is limited by seed mortality via natural enemies. We suggest that the individual fitness advantages of masting and JC dynamics would be better understood by considering both mechanisms together.

Carlos Vives carries the mantle of Colombia's vallenato tradition. Now 30 years after his landmark recording, he revisits songs from La Tierra del Olvido with a 12-piece band.

Science isn’t really moving towards equity; institutions are just perfecting the appearance of equity. We need to build an alternative system. Science isn’t really moving towards equity; institutions are just perfecting the appearance of equity. We need to build an alternative system.

Abstract. Biotic interactions influence evolutionary pathways, impacting diversification positively and negatively. Here, we examine the coevolutionary dyn

Migration exerts a selective pressure for increased flight efficiency and reduced energy expenditure in long-distance migratory birds. In North America, eastern migratory flyways are longer and requir...

Information for undergraduates about graduate degree programs in ornithology.

Migration exerts a selective pressure for increased flight efficiency and reduced energy expenditure in long-distance migratory birds. In North America, eastern migratory flyways are longer and requir...

Female gorillas challenge the male power narrative