The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography
TL;DR
Neutral processes generate log-series abundance distributions
Demonstrates that neutral (non-selective) processes - where species are ecologically equivalent - can generate highly unequal species abundance distributions through stochastic demographic fluctuations alone.
Challenges assumption that extreme inequality requires differential ability, showing that randomness alone can produce power law-like concentration. Important for understanding role of luck versus skill in organizational power laws.
Key Findings from Hubbell (2001)
- Neutral processes generate log-series abundance distributions
- Ecological equivalence still produces extreme inequality
- Stochastic demography creates concentration without selection
- Random drift produces few common, many rare species