Organism
Tropical Rainforest Species
TL;DR
These extreme abundance distributions emerge from colonization, competition, and extinction processes.
In tropical rainforest communities, species differ dramatically in abundance - a few species contribute thousands of individuals while most species are represented by only a few individuals. These extreme abundance distributions emerge from colonization, competition, and extinction processes. Most species are rare (contributing diversity), but common species contribute most biomass and ecosystem function.
Notable Traits of Tropical Rainforest Species
- Extreme abundance inequality
- Rare species constitute most diversity
- Common species drive ecosystem function