Data from: Using functional and phylogenetic diversity to infer avian community assembly along elevational gradients

Aim We present the first global analysis of elevational gradients in
functional and phylogenetic diversity of birds and test for signals of
deterministic processes (i.e., environmental filtering and limiting
similarity) in community assembly. Further, we examine for latitudinal
effects in the strength of these processes. Location Forty-six elevational
gradients across the globe. Time period Current (between 1924 and 2016)
Major taxa Birds. Methods We systematically selected, compiled and
analyzed published data on bird diversity along elevational gradients. For
each gradient, we calculated functional and phylogenetic diversity across
elevations and described the main patterns for each diversity metric.
Then, we calculated standardized effect sizes (SES) of each metric and
used these SES values to (1) test the signals of deterministic processes
shaping assemblages across elevations and (2) to compare changes in
within-mountain diversity, among mountains located at different latitudes.
Results Birds displayed eight different patterns of functional and
phylogenetic diversity across elevations, but no global pattern of
increase or decrease was found. There is, however, a consistent global
pattern of phylogenetic clustering, with mountain species being more
closely related to each other at any given elevation. Latitude had a
significant effect on within-mountain changes in functional and
phylogenetic diversity across elevations, with more negative slopes
(stronger decline in diversity metrics with increasing elevation) in
tropical mountains. Main conclusions Our findings challenge the idea that
the decline of functional and phylogenetic diversity with elevation is a
general pattern, emphasizing the uniqueness of each mountain system. In
spite of this great variability, we found a latitudinal effect in the
patterns of within-mountain functional and phylogenetic dispersion of
birds after controlling for effects of species richness. Environmental
filtering, thus, may act differently in tropical and temperate mountains,
and calls for more comparative studies on the mechanisms driving community
assembly at different latitudes.