In the intricate tapestry of biodiversity that blankets our planet, understanding how species spread across landscapes remains one of ecology’s most tantalizing challenges. A recent breakthrough study published in Nature Communications delves into the spatial distribution patterns of plants and animals, revealing profound differences shaped by their inherent dispersal mechanisms. The research, led by an international collaboration including Panter, Kambach, and Bachman, provides fresh insights into why plants often conform to classical ecological theories whereas similar patterns in animals remain elusive, shifting paradigms that have long guided ecological research.
At the heart of this scientific endeavor lies the concept of the “abundant-centre hypothesis” (ACH), a longstanding ecological model proposing that species reach peak population densities at the center of their geographic ranges, with numbers tapering off towards the edges. This hypothesis has intrigued ecologists for decades because of its potential to simplify complex distribution patterns into a predictable framework. Yet, empirical validations of ACH across taxa have been inconsistent, especially in the animal kingdom where varying mobility and behavioral patterns add layers of complexity.
The research team employed an unprecedentedly large dataset encompassing thousands of species distributed across diverse global ecosystems. Using advanced spatial statistical models coupled with dispersal trait analyses, they were able to dissect how intrinsic dispersal abilities influence the observed abundance patterns. Their findings reveal a striking dichotomy: plants with superior dispersal capabilities—such as those producing wind-dispersed seeds or extensive vegetative propagation—tend to display classic abundant-centre patterns. Conversely, animals, even those with high mobility, seldom adhere to this model, indicating that dispersal alone cannot explain their population distributions.
This distinction underscores the complex interplay between biology and ecology. For plants, which generally remain rooted and rely on passive dispersal methods, environmental gradients and habitat suitability often dominate distribution dynamics. A seed carried efficiently by wind or water can colonize optimal patches surrounding the range center, resulting in the pronounced abundance peaks predicted by ACH. In contrast, animals, endowed with mobility and behavioral adaptability, are influenced by a cocktail of factors such as territoriality, predation, social structures, and habitat fragmentation, all of which complicate simple abundance gradients.
Methodologically, the team integrated species range maps with trait databases, applying hierarchical modeling to accommodate spatial autocorrelation and measurement errors. This robust framework allowed them to isolate the effect of dispersal capacity on abundance patterns meticulously. Importantly, their approach mitigated many pitfalls that bedeviled previous studies, such as small sample sizes, limited geographic scope, and confounding anthropogenic impacts.
One of the more intriguing implications is how the findings challenge the predictive power of ACH in conservation biology. For plants, conservation efforts can benefit from anticipating population hotspots within range centers, focusing resources effectively. However, for animals, especially those subject to rapid environmental change and habitat fragmentation, conservationists must consider multifaceted drivers beyond geographic centrality. This complexity may necessitate novel monitoring strategies tailored to species-specific behavioral ecology.
The research also bridges ecological theory and evolutionary biology. Dispersal traits are not static; they evolve in response to environmental pressures. The pronounced alignment of dispersal ability with abundance patterns in plants suggests that evolutionary constraints on seed dispersal have a cascading effect on spatial population ecology. In animals, evolutionarily honed behaviors such as migration, territorial expansion, and sociality might disrupt such straightforward correlations, contributing to the rarity of abundant-centre patterns.
Additionally, the study’s scope extends beyond pure ecology into pressing issues such as climate change and habitat fragmentation. As global environmental conditions shift, so do species ranges and dispersal dynamics. Plants with efficient dispersal strategies may adapt by expanding their ranges and maintaining abundance gradients, potentially stabilizing ecosystems. Animals, with their weaker adherence to abundant-centre distributions, might exhibit more unpredictable responses, heightening extinction risks in fragmented habitats.
The scientists emphasize how their findings open avenues for refining ecological models by incorporating species-specific traits and behaviors rather than relying solely on geographic parameters. This more nuanced approach promises to enhance predictive ecology, aiding in forecasting species responses to global change. Understanding why some species display abundant-centre patterns—and others do not—is pivotal for unraveling biodiversity patterns on a rapidly changing planet.
Intriguingly, the paper also elucidates why abundant-centre patterns have been persistently difficult to detect in fauna despite intense scrutiny over decades. Behavioral ecology, habitat complexity, and interspecific interactions generate noise that obscures neat abundance patterns. Moreover, the role of life history strategies—such as breeding systems, dispersal timing, and mobility—emerges as a critical determinant, underscoring that simple spatial models are insufficient for animals.
Technological advancements such as remote sensing, GPS tracking, and citizen science data integration promise to refine future analyses. As datasets grow richer and more precise, researchers can test the abundant-centre hypothesis across finer spatial and temporal scales, potentially uncovering hidden patterns in animal populations or confirming the predominance of other distribution models.
Furthermore, the study’s global scope lends confidence in the universality of its conclusions, covering temperate and tropical biomes, insular and continental habitats, as well as varying anthropogenic pressures. This inclusiveness provides a robust foundation for ecological generalizations while hinting at interesting geographic variations to explore in future research.
One cannot overlook the implications for ecosystem services and human well-being. Plant species that follow abundant-centre distributions often underpin critical functions such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and pollinator support. Predicting and managing their population dynamics are crucial as these services face mounting environmental threats. Conversely, animal populations that defy simple abundance models may require tailored conservation and management strategies to maintain ecosystem balance.
This study also acts as a call to action for ecologists to embrace complexity and multi-dimensional analyses when interpreting species distributions. It challenges the community to move beyond elegant but oversimplified models, advocating for integrating behavior, demography, and environmental heterogeneity into spatial ecology. The findings exemplify how classical theories, valuable as they are, demand reinterpretation in light of massive data and modern analytical tools.
Finally, by shedding light on the divergent abundance patterns of plants and animals, this research enriches our grasp of biodiversity’s spatial fabric. It reinforces the notion that life’s myriad forms operate under distinct ecological and evolutionary rules, molded by their modes of dispersal, life histories, and interactions. As global change accelerates, unraveling these complex distribution patterns holds the key to conserving biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of ecosystems that sustain us all.
Subject of Research: Species distribution patterns and the influence of dispersal capabilities on the abundant-centre hypothesis in plants and animals.
Article Title: Plants with higher dispersal capabilities follow ‘abundant-centre’ distributions but such patterns remain rare in animals.
Article References:
Panter, C.T., Kambach, S., Bachman, S.P. et al. Plants with higher dispersal capabilities follow ‘abundant-centre’ distributions but such patterns remain rare in animals. Nat Commun 16, 8205 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63566-0
Image Credits: AI Generated
