Modern exclusion theory: What hinders species coexistence?

• Applicant: Dr. Jürg W. Spaak
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 542896705

We propose to apply the newest advancements of modern coexistence theory, i.e. a new definition of niche and fitness differences as well as a more robust form of invasion growth rate, to species-rich communities. This will generalize our current understanding of coexistence from simple two-species communities to species-rich ones. But more importantly, it will open the possibility to also understand why certain species are excluded from this local community of coexisting species. The methods developed in this proposal are general and are, in theory, applicable to any ecological system. They therefore hold the potential to explain general patterns of species assemblages as well as the ecological reasons why certain species thrive, and some are excluded under various environmental conditions. Such a general understanding may help us mitigate the negative effects of climate change on biodiversity, as we will be able to estimate which communities will be affected most.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Ralf B. Schäfer