Identifying neutral processes from real world data

Abstract

It is well recognised that there are many ecological processes at play which structure species diversity in natural communities. However, since the introduction of chance events by Gleason (1926) there has been much debate on niche and stochastic processes in community ecology. Recently, under the framework of the Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity (Hubbell 2001) the role of stochastic events has been expanded.

Hubbell (2001) essentially presented a sampling theory but under strict assumptions. Further work on neutral models and theory has resulted in complicated formulations or unrealistic parameter estimates whereby application to real world data has remained limited. I shall try to show how classical multivariate methods used in ecology are closely related to elements of neutral theory and can facilitate the application of neutral models to data.

Speaker

Champak Beeravolu Reddy, PhD candidate, IFP

Organisers

Department of Ecology, French Institute of Pondicherry

Venue

Jawaharlal Nehru Conference Hall, French Institute of Pondicherry, 11, Saint Louis Street, Pondicherry - 605 001

Time

4.30 pm