Using a spatially explicit mathematical model for water-limited vegetation we show that spatial instabilities of uniform states can lead to species coexistence under conditions where uniformly distributed species competitively exclude one another. Coexistence is made possible when water-rich patches formed by a pattern forming species provide habitats for a highly dispersive species that is a b...

Ecological niche modeling of the main forest-forming species within same geographic range contributes significantly to understanding coexistence and regularities formation their current spatial distribution. The abiotic biotic environmental variables, as well dispersal capability, affecting distribution in Caucasus, have not been sufficiently studied. We conducted studies physiographic boundari...

Theoretical models predict that the relative importance of competition and facilitation vary inversely along gradients of abiotic stress, with facilitation dominating under harsh conditions (the so called ‘‘stress-gradient hypothesis’’). To date, very few studies have tested this hypothesis in the framework of succession. Moreover, the generality of the hypothesis is currently under debate and ...

Aim Intraspecific genetic diversity is one of the pillars biodiversity, supporting resilience and evolutionary potential populations. Yet, our knowledge regarding patterns at macroecological scales, so-called macrogenetic patterns, remains scarce, particularly in marine species. Marine habitat-forming (MHF) species are key some most diverse but also impacted ecosystems, such as coral reefs fore...

Adaptations of Abies nordmanniana, Picea orientalis, Pinus sylvestris, Fagus and Carpinus betulus to the abiotic environmental conditions study area largely determined their predicted distribution in Caucasus. The ecological niches species mostly coincided two analyzed complex factors (characteristics water regime topographic parameters). humidity factor was main determining potential forest-fo...