The hydrological niche and spatially structured species co-existence

摘要

Identifying niche differences and trade-offs that contribute to species co-existence in field studies remains a challenge (Hille Ris Lambers et al. 2012, Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 43: 227-248). In this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, Garcia-Baquero etal. test whether plant species show spatial segregation along hydrological gradients. By demonstrating the importance of hydrological niches in structuring plant communities, they provide a mechanistic foundation for stronger tests of species co-existence.