
The role of negative interactions in shaping ecological communities and the realized niches of species has been a focus of considerable research for at least decades. Traditionally, the discrepancy between the size of the fundamental and realized niche of a species was attributed to the effect of negative interactions, such that the realized niche is always smaller than the fundamental niche. However, in the last decade, a series of studies have highlighted the important role that positive interactions played in shaping the structure of communities. This renewed interest in positive interactions has led to a reconsideration of the niche concept. Specifically, some investigators have suggested that positive interactions can lead the realized niche of a species to be larger than its fundamental niche. Here, we show that although positive interactions can counteract the effects of negative interactions and possibly modify the realized niche of a species, the realized niche of a species can never be larger than the fundamental niche.
positive interactions, realized niche, Ecology, Hutchinson, Evolution, fundamental niche, QH359-425, QH540-549.5, facilitation
positive interactions, realized niche, Ecology, Hutchinson, Evolution, fundamental niche, QH359-425, QH540-549.5, facilitation
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| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
