Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism

Morrow KH (2024)
Biology & Philosophy 39(1): 4.

Zeitschriftenaufsatz | Veröffentlicht | Englisch
 
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Abstract / Bemerkung
Ecological neutral theory has been controversial as an alternative to niche theory for explaining community structure. Neutral theory, which explains community structure in terms of ecological drift, is frequently charged with being unrealistic, but commentators have usually not provided an account of theory or model realism. In this paper, I propose a framework for comparing the “realism” or accuracy of alternative theories within a domain with respect to the extent to which the theories abstract and idealize. Using this framework I argue, contrary to most previous commentators, that neutral and niche theories are similarly realistic. Realism cannot provide a basis for accepting or rejecting either type of theory; instead, community ecologists should continue working with a plurality of models. While theoretical unification may become possible, we should treat a plurality of complementary, partial models as the expected situation within community ecology.
Stichworte
Ecological drift; Ecological equivalence; Hubbell; Modelling; Abstraction; Idealization
Erscheinungsjahr
2024
Zeitschriftentitel
Biology & Philosophy
Band
39
Ausgabe
1
Art.-Nr.
4
ISSN
0169-3867
eISSN
1572-8404
Page URI
https://pub.uni-bielefeld.de/record/2986957

Zitieren

Morrow KH. Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism. Biology & Philosophy. 2024;39(1): 4.
Morrow, K. H. (2024). Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism. Biology & Philosophy, 39(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10539-024-09941-5
Morrow, Katherine H. 2024. “Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism”. Biology & Philosophy 39 (1): 4.
Morrow, K. H. (2024). Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism. Biology & Philosophy 39:4.
Morrow, K.H., 2024. Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism. Biology & Philosophy, 39(1): 4.
K.H. Morrow, “Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism”, Biology & Philosophy, vol. 39, 2024, : 4.
Morrow, K.H.: Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism. Biology & Philosophy. 39, : 4 (2024).
Morrow, Katherine H. “Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism”. Biology & Philosophy 39.1 (2024): 4.
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OA Open Access
Zuletzt Hochgeladen
2024-02-12T13:00:10Z
MD5 Prüfsumme
281e847e77654009db0d98b12d8cd599


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