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How are heterogeneity–diversity relationships (HDRs) influenced by spatial structure in environmental variables, sampling grain and the extent of niche differentiation?

We developed a spatially explicit simulation model incorporating variable dispersal distances and competition strength on fractal landscapes. By varying the grain used to sample these models, we examined scaling patterns in HDR metrics at fine scales (sampling grain from 100 to 10 000 individuals, sampling extent ca. 260 000 individuals).

Environmental geometry exerts an important influence on the ecological processes responsible for HDRs. Unique geometric characteristics of individual landscapes can greatly influence emergent community properties; field studies frequently use inadequate sample sizes to account for this phenomenon. Two opposing processes influence spatial scaling of HDRs: variance …