Citation
The Ecology of Adaptive Radiation
TL;DR
Ecological opportunity triggers radiation
The definitive treatment of adaptive radiation theory. Evaluates ecological causes of radiation, including divergent natural selection and competition. Documents the 'early burst' pattern where speciation rate declines as niches fill.
Essential for understanding why radiations accelerate then decelerate, and provides the theoretical foundation for applying radiation concepts to organizational diversification.
Key Findings from Schluter (2000)
- Ecological opportunity triggers radiation
- Speciation rate declines as niches fill (diversity-dependent slowdown)
- Competition drives divergent natural selection