Publication details

Stage dependence of Elton's biotic resistance hypothesis of biological invasions

Authors

GUO Kun PYSEK Petr CHYTRÝ Milan DIVÍŠEK Jan SYCHROVÁ Martina LOSOSOVÁ Zdeňka VAN KLEUNEN Mark PIERCE Simon GUO Wen-Yong

Year of publication 2024
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source NATURE PLANTS
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Science

Citation
web https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01790-0
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01790-0
Keywords Biodiversity; Czech Republic; Introduced Species; Phylogeny; Plants
Description Elton's biotic resistance hypothesis posits that species-rich communities are more resistant to invasion. However, it remains unknown how species, phylogenetic and functional richness, along with environmental and human-impact factors, collectively affect plant invasion as alien species progress along the introduction-naturalization-invasion continuum. Using data from 12,056 local plant communities of the Czech Republic, this study reveals varying effects of these factors on the presence and richness of alien species at different invasion stages, highlighting the complexity of the invasion process. Specifically, we demonstrate that although species richness and functional richness of resident communities had mostly negative effects on alien species presence and richness, the strength and sometimes also direction of these effects varied along the continuum. Our study not only underscores that evidence for or against Elton's biotic resistance hypothesis may be stage-dependent but also suggests that other invasion hypotheses should be carefully revisited given their potential stage-dependent nature.
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