Abstract
Guilds of granivorous rodents from the Great Basin and Sonoran deserts appear similar in species number, overdispersion of body sizes and matching of body sizes on a species-for-species basis. Monte Carlo simulations, however, revealed that these guilds are not matched on a species-for-species basis. The apparent matching of species between these guilds is an artifact of selection for small size in granivorous, desert mammals. Overdispersion of body sizes within guilds did not increase matching between them. In general, purported cases of matching at the species level may, under closer scrutiny, prove to be artifacts of community convergence at coarser levels.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call