Abstract
A central problem in ecology is to identify and understand patterns in the distribution and abundance of species1,2. Here, we analyse six patterns for insect populations and explore their inter-relationships. For moths, aphids, carabid beetles, and insects feeding on bracken, we examine links between local population abundance, local population variability, regional distribution, and body size. We show that population characteristics are correlated both theoretically and empirically. Widespread species are generally locally abundant, and have populations that fluctuate more than scarce, geographically restricted species. Predicted effects of body size are less well supported, although common, widespread, widely fluctuating species tend to be small.
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Gaston, K., Lawton, J. Patterns in the distribution and abundance of insect populations. Nature 331, 709–712 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/331709a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/331709a0
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