Resolving the context-dependency of local heterogeneity-diversity relationships across rocky reefs worldwide
Data files
Apr 04, 2025 version files 19.86 MB
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Heterogeneity_metanalysis_data_Dryad.csv
19.85 MB
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Metadata_Dryad.xlsx
11.88 KB
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README.md
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Abstract
Environmental heterogeneity is widely thought to promote biodiversity, yet its variable effects limit its predictive power. This variability can be better understood by considering key mediating factors: different forms of local heterogeneity, organismal groups and their associated traits, and the broader environmental context (e.g., latitude, substrate type). To address these factors, we analysed 144 studies (24,412 data points and 2,815 effects) from rocky reefs worldwide. Heterogeneity was defined as spatial variability in an area, and heterogeneity metrics were grouped into facets such as three-dimensional structure (e.g., substrate rugosity), complexity (e.g., fractal dimension), and feature variability (e.g., mussel size classes). All facets promoted biodiversity, but effects were context-dependent, with three-dimensional structures having the strongest impact, likely due to increased niche provision and substrate area. Responses also varied across organismal groups, with small-bodied and mobile species benefiting most. Additionally, heterogeneity reduced grazing and enhanced recruitment, helping promote biodiversity. Effects were strongest on biogenic substrates, at lower latitudes, and in more stressful intertidal zones. Overall, the influence of local heterogeneity would depend on how it is generated and measured, organisms’ traits, and prevailing environmental conditions. These insights inform the development of a conceptual model predicting heterogeneity’s context-dependent effects on biodiversity across systems.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.jh9w0vtm5
This repository provides the data and code used to produce the results presented in Sola & Griffin (2024): Resolving the context-dependency of local heterogeneity-diversity relationships: a framework and key moderators from rocky reefs worldwide.
Following a metanalytical approach, heterogeneity effects in rocky reef literature were analysed to assess the effects of heterogeneity facet, organismal group, environmental context and ecological processes on the strength and shape of HDRs. This approach allowed to develop an operational framework of heterogeneity metrics linked to multiple forms of heterogeneity at the local scale, or ‘heterogeneity facets’ (e.g., Heidrich et al. 2020).
Description of the data and file structure
Here, you can find the code used to compute the effect sizes used in the metanalyses, the models run to assess heterogeneity effects, and the code produced to present model outputs in the Results section.
Code/Software
To run the software, first download the data and run the code in the Data folder. All metadata can be found in the Metadata file. First, run the “Compute_EffectsSizes.R” file to obtain the effect size data used for the models. Once the effect sizes have been computed, you can run all the “Models” files – which are separated into Facets, Organismal Groups, Ecological Processes, Environmental Context and models used in Supplementary Materials. Finally, in the “Plot” files you can find the code to produce the plots used to prepare the figures in the Results section.
References
Heidrich, L., Bae, S., Levick, S., Seibold, S., Weisser, W., Krzystek, P., … & Müller, J. (2020). Heterogeneity–diversity relationships differ between and within trophic levels in temperate forests. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 4(9), 1204-1212..