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Elevational species richness gradients in a hyperdiverse insect taxon: a global meta‐study on geometrid moths
Author(s) -
Beck Jan,
McCain Christy M.,
Axmacher Jan C.,
Ashton Louise A.,
Bärtschi Florian,
Brehm Gunnar,
Choi SeiWoong,
Cizek Oldrich,
Colwell Robert K.,
Fiedler Konrad,
Francois Cristina L.,
Highland Steven,
Holloway Jeremy D.,
Intachat Jurie,
Kadlec Tomas,
Kitching Roger L.,
Maunsell Sarah C.,
Merckx Thomas,
Nakamura Akihiro,
Odell Erica,
Sang Weiguo,
Toko Pagi S.,
Zamecnik Jaroslav,
Zou Yi,
Novotny Vojtech
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
global ecology and biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.164
H-Index - 152
eISSN - 1466-8238
pISSN - 1466-822X
DOI - 10.1111/geb.12548
Subject(s) - species richness , ecology , biology , habitat , environmental gradient , univariate , spatial heterogeneity , latitude , multivariate statistics , geography , statistics , mathematics , geodesy
Aims We aim to document elevational richness patterns of geometrid moths in a globally replicated, multi‐gradient setting, and to test general hypotheses on environmental and spatial effects (i.e. productivity, temperature, precipitation, area, mid‐domain effect and human habitat disturbance) on these richness patterns. Location Twenty‐six elevational gradients world‐wide (latitudes 28° S to 51° N). Methods We compiled field datasets on elevational gradients for geometrid moths, a lepidopteran family, and documented richness patterns across each gradient while accounting for local undersampling of richness. Environmental and spatial predictor variables as well as habitat disturbance were used to test various hypotheses. Our analyses comprised two pathways: univariate correlations within gradients, and multivariate modelling on pooled data after correcting for overall variation in richness among different gradients. Results The majority of gradients showed midpeak patterns of richness, irrespective of climate and geographical location. The exclusion of human‐affected sampling plots did not change these patterns. Support for univariate main drivers of richness was generally low, although there was idiosyncratic support for particular predictors on single gradients. Multivariate models, in agreement with univariate results, provided the strongest support for an effect of area‐integrated productivity, or alternatively for an elevational area effect. Temperature and the mid‐domain effect received support as weaker, modulating covariates, while precipitation‐related variables had no explanatory potential. Main conclusions Despite the predicted decreasing diversity–temperature relationship in ectotherms, geometrid moths are similar to ants and salamanders as well as small mammals and ferns in having predominantly their highest diversity at mid‐elevations. As in those comparative analyses, single or clear sets of drivers are elusive, but both productivity and area appear to be influential. More comparative elevational studies for various insect taxa are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of elevational diversity and productivity.