Charles Darwin and ecological explanations of biotic invasions: a historical analysis and modern concepts

The contribution of Ch. Darwin to invasion eco logy is discussed. Darwin considered biotic invasions as complex but integral phenomena involving ecological, biogeographical, evolutionary, taxonomic and other aspects, such as patterns of past and present distribution, means and pathways of dispersal...

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Bibliographic Details
Date:2009
Main Author: Mosyakin, A.S.
Format: Article
Language:Ukrainian
Published: Інститут ботаніки ім. М.Г. Холодного НАН України 2009
Series:Український ботанічний журнал
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Online Access:https://nasplib.isofts.kiev.ua/handle/123456789/30109
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Journal Title:Digital Library of Periodicals of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Cite this:Charles Darwin and ecological explanations of biotic invasions: a historical analysis and modern concepts / A.S. Mosyakin // Укр. ботан. журн. — 2009. — Т. 66, № 6. — С. 757-769. — Бібліогр.: 38 назв. — англ.

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Digital Library of Periodicals of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
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Summary:The contribution of Ch. Darwin to invasion eco logy is discussed. Darwin considered biotic invasions as complex but integral phenomena involving ecological, biogeographical, evolutionary, taxonomic and other aspects, such as patterns of past and present distribution, means and pathways of dispersal (and dispersal limitations), struggle for existence and natural selection, phylogenetic relationships of taxa, environmental factors, and evolutionary changes. All modern hypotheses explaining biotic invasions are evolutionary in their nature. Darwin outlined not one naturalization hypothesis but at least three invasion concepts, which may be considered as precursors of modern theories/hypotheses of biotic invasions. Thus, Darwin established foundations for all following evolutionary and ecological studies of biotic invasions, including several currently debated invasion concepts, such as Escape from Enemies, Empty Niche, Species Richness, and Disturbance hypotheses. It is demonstrated that Dar winian explanations of invasions are based on the balance between biotic/abiotic factors and ecological interactions.