Emerging large-scale datasets coupled with statistical advances have provided new insights
into the processes that generate the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG). But many of these …

Functional traits offer a rich quantitative framework for developing and testing theories in
evolutionary biology, ecology and ecosystem science. However, the potential of functional …

Understanding the mechanisms underlying species formation and differentiation is a central
goal of evolutionary biology and a formidable challenge. This understanding can provide …

Mountain systems are exceptionally species rich, yet the associated elevational gradients in
functional and phylogenetic diversity and their consistency across latitude remain little …

Island faunas can be characterized by gigantism in small animals and dwarfism in large
animals, but the extent to which this so-called 'island rule'provides a general explanation for …

The factors responsible for variation in dispersal distances across species remain poorly
understood. Previous comparative studies found differing results and equivocal support for …

Human activities are driving rapid defaunation of Earth's ecosystems through increasing
rates of extinction. However, the ecological consequences of species loss remain unclear, in …

Aim The world's islands support disproportionate levels of endemic avian biodiversity
despite suffering numerous extinctions. While intensive recent research has focused on …

Increases in biodiversity often lead to greater, and less variable, levels of ecosystem
functioning. However, whether species are less likely to go extinct in more diverse …

Understanding the biogeographical patterns, and evolutionary and environmental drivers,
underpinning morphological diversity are key for determining its origins and conservation …