The origin and nature of macroecological patterns in amphibians: old questions, novel approaches

• Published in: Frontiers of biogeography Vol. 5; no. 4
• Main Author: Gouveia, Sidney F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oakland University of California Digital Library - eScholarship 31.12.2013
• Subjects: Amphibians; Environmental changes; Macroecology; Niches; Physiology; Spatial analysis; Species diversity
• ISSN: 1948-6596; 1948-6596
• DOI: 10.21425/F5FBG19355

The role of physiological parameters as determinants of macroscale patterns is still widely disputed. Using amphibians as a model, I revisited three fundamental themes in macroecology from a physiological perspective: the global diversity gradient, ecogeographical rules and the evolution of the climatic niche at physiological and macroecological scales. To do this, I used a variety of data types, performed a number of spatial and phylogenetic analyses and proposed novel applications for some methods. I also provided support for some well-established hypotheses regarding the physiological determinants of species diversity and trait variation across space, while revealing other lesser known patterns and the possible processes underlying species’ distributions and niche evolution. I emphasize the need for a novel integration of theoretical and methodological approaches to improve the analysis of broad-scale ecological processes, in particular those related to the fundamental features (e.g. physiology) of species. I also highlight the strategic role of macroecology in this quest, especially in the face of ongoing environmental changes.