Biological traits, phylogeny and human footprint signatures on the geographical range size of passerines (OrderPasseriformes) worldwide

Abstract

Aim Many hypotheses exist to explain the astonishing variation in geographical range size across species, but these have rarely been tested under a unifying framework that simultaneously considers direct and indirect effects of ecological niche processes and evolutionary dynamics. Here, we jointly evaluate ecological and evolutionary hypotheses that might account for global interspecific patterns of range size in the most species‐rich avian order: Passeriformes (perching birds). Location Global. Time period Current. Major taxa studied Order Passeriformes. Methods We used phylogenetic path analysis to test for the relationship between eight variables and range size. Our list of predictors included a set of niche‐related variables (both Grinellian and Eltonian), species‐specific morphological and life‐history traits (body size, dispersal ability and fertility), extrinsic (human footprint) and evolutionary factors (time since divergence from the closest extant relative). Results We found that Grinellian (climatic) and Eltonian (trophic) niche breadth are crucial to account for the observed patterns, followed by reproductive effort (as measured by clutch size). We also found a negative relationship between native range size and human footprint. The significant and positive relationship between niche breadth, either Grinnellian or Eltonian, and range size was consistent across all species, irrespective of their migratory/resident status or taxonomic grouping (Passeri versus Tyranni). Main conclusions Globally, the range sizes of passerine species are associated with the Grinellian niche, meaning that species with broader environmental tolerances exhibit larger geographical ranges. These findings give further empirical support to the positive niche breadth–range size relationship as a general pattern in ecology.

Rescue effect drives local persistence of fish species in the Upper Paraná River floodplain

“…Species with large range sizes were more locally persistent, although this effect was statistically significant in only one site. Evidence suggests that species with larger ranges have greater dispersal capabilities (Gaston & Blackburn, 1996; Lester et al., 2007) and tend to be generalists (Olalla‐Tárraga et al., 2019; Slatyer et al., 2013), which could explain higher local persistence. Furthermore, while the rescue effect indicates that persistence is driven by individuals coming from within the metapopulation (Hanski, 1998), the positive effect of range size may also suggest that individuals dispersing from other parts of the range (i.e.…”

Ecological correlates of extinction risk in Chinese terrestrial mammals

“…Finally, many significant drivers of population decline and diversity loss are highly related to human impacts, such as habitat fragmentation, biological invasion, climate change, logging and overexploitation (Davies et al., 2006). Thus, anthropogenic disturbance such as human population density and human footprint is highly associated with extinction risk (Cardillo et al., 2004; Di Marco et al., 2018; Olalla‐Tárraga et al., 2019). Recent studies have highlighted the importance of simultaneously considering the roles of biological, environmental and anthropogenic factors in analysing extinction risk (Cardillo et al., 2004, 2005; Chen, Chen, et al., 2019; Chen, Qu, et al., 2019; Davidson et al., 2009; Gonzalez‐Suarez et al., 2013; Murray et al., 2014).…”

Resource and seasonality drive interspecific variability in a Dynamic Energy Budget model

“…Variation of body size in time and space is assumed to be a product of evolution modulated by the biotic and abiotic environment (Mayr 1956, Millien et al 2006, Yom-Tov and Geffen 2011). Additionally, body size tends to covary with several life-history and morphological traits (Olalla-Tárraga et al 2019). For example, birds’ body size is thought to be positively correlated with clutch size (Jetz et al 2008, Olalla-Tárraga et al 2019).…”

“…Additionally, body size tends to covary with several life-history and morphological traits (Olalla-Tárraga et al 2019). For example, birds’ body size is thought to be positively correlated with clutch size (Jetz et al 2008, Olalla-Tárraga et al 2019). Although there is extensive evidence describing and supporting spatial patterns in body size and reproductive output at different biological scales, the processes that underpin their variation are not fully comprehended (Gaston et al 2008).…”

“…Additionally, body size tends to covary with several life-history and morphological traits (Olalla-Tárraga et al 2019). For example, birds' body size is thought to be positively correlated with clutch size (Jetz et al 2008, Olalla-Tárraga et al 2019.…”