Abstract Detail
Recent Topics Posters Hodge, John [1], Jimenez, Ivan [2]. Testing the niche width hypothesis using Quercus species endemic to the conterminous US. The niche width hypothesis proposes that inter-specific variation in environmental tolerance (measured as the range of environmental conditions where a species occurs) is a major determinant of variation in geographic range size among species. An alternative hypothesis proposes the opposite direction of causality: variation in geographic range size among species may determine inter-specific variation in environmental tolerance. Using computer simulations based on USDA Forest Inventory data and climatic data from Worldclim, we show that both hypotheses predict a positive relationship between environmental tolerance and geographic range size, but also that the two hypotheses differ in terms of the predicted shape of that relationship. We confronted distinct predictions from each hypothesis against data on the geographic and environmental distribution of 30 Quercus species endemic to the conterminous United States and thus measure the explanatory ability of each hypothesis. Broader Impacts:
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Related Links:
USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program
1 -
2 - Missouri Botanical Garden, Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166, USA
Keywords:
geographic range size
environmental tolerance
niche width
Quercus.
Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT022
Abstract ID:1087 | 