Periphyton data set

In addition to playing an empirical role in establishing a close characterization of ecological communities, species abundance distribution enables the comparison of different communities with a compact description of structures. Several models seek proper understanding of this distribution. Yet, only two models are currently more common: log-series and log-normal. Studies on these patterns raise theories seeking an improved understanding. In this context, Hubbell proposes a neutral model (Unified Neutral Theory) under dynamic zero-sum known as zero-sum multinomial (ZSM) species abundance distribution model bringing renewed understanding and discussion. Since the neutral theory is expressly related to communities of non-motile organisms, the periphytic algal community represents an excellent group to have patterns and ecological theories investigated. Thereby, the objective of this study is the assessment of periphytic algal community structure supported by the Neutral Theory. Data include samples of petioles from three banks of the Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth aquatic macrophyte (n=45). The zero-sum assumption was not reached and the non-neutral model (log-normal distribution) fit more satisfactorily. Hence, in the context of our results we present two conclusions: the periphytic algal community dynamics cannot be regarded as neutral and the structuring was not through ecological drift. Our study reveals the relevance of periphytic algal communities as object of study for ecological theories and concepts and the necessity of expanding the number of samplings as well as substrates.

物种多度分布（species abundance distribution）不仅可为精准刻画生态群落特征提供实证支撑，还能通过简洁的结构描述实现不同群落间的对比。目前已有诸多模型尝试阐释该分布规律，但当前应用最广泛的仅两类：对数级数分布（log-series）与对数正态分布（log-normal）。针对此类分布模式的相关研究催生了诸多旨在深化认知的理论。在此背景下，哈贝尔（Hubbell）提出了基于动态零和框架的中性模型——统一中性理论（Unified Neutral Theory），即零和多项式（ZSM）物种多度分布模型，为该领域带来了全新的认知与讨论。由于中性理论明确针对固着生物群落，附生藻类群落（periphytic algal community）便成为探究分布模式与生态学理论的绝佳研究对象。据此，本研究以验证中性理论框架下的附生藻类群落结构为目标。本研究的数据取自3个岸带的水生大型植物紫花凤眼莲（Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth）的叶柄样本，共计45份（n=45）。本研究未满足零和假设，且非中性模型（对数正态分布）的拟合效果更优。基于上述研究结果，本研究得出两点结论：其一，附生藻类群落的动态并非中性过程；其二，其群落结构并非由生态漂变主导。本研究证实了附生藻类群落作为生态学理论与概念研究对象的重要价值，同时也指出了扩大采样规模与拓展基质类型的必要性。