Modeling macroscopic patterns in ecology
Enquist, B.J.; Sanderson, J.; Weiser, M.D.
Science 295(5561): 1835-1837
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 11890180 Document Number: 549251
A letter responds to Bell's article on modeling macroscopic patterns in ecology, which appeared in the September 28, 2001, issue. The letter urges caution in interpreting neutral model claims, as it is tempting to fiddle with parameter values to fit observed data; furthermore, Bell's proposition to restructure community ecology around a neutral model excludes many important attributes of biological diversity. The letter also disagrees with Bell that null hypotheses based on randomization are not appropriate for evaluating ecological patterns that stem from species distribution, as local dispersal readily gives rise to spatial patterns. A reply is published.