A conceptual framework integrating the degree of phylogenetic signal in plant-soil habitat associations and the phylogenetic structure of the assemblage.

Niche-based processes (i.e. habitat filtering of limiting similarity) are indicated by a non-random phylogenetic structure of the assemblage, but which processes can only be inferred by considering the degree of phylogenetic signal in plant-soil habitat associations. A Neutral model is supported when the assemblage is random with respect to phylogeny regardless of the degree of phylogenetic signal in plant-soil habitat associations. (Adapted from Kraft NJB, Cornwell WK, Webb CO, Ackerly DD (2007) Trait evolution, community assembly, and the phylogenetic structure of ecological communities. Am Nat 170: 271–283).