distributional ecology

Distributional ecology studies where species are found across different environments and why they occupy certain areas. It examines how factors like climate, soil, competition, and resources influence the presence or absence of species in particular locations. This helps scientists understand patterns of biodiversity, species interactions, and how ecosystems function. By analyzing these distribution patterns, ecologists can predict how species might respond to environmental changes, aiding conservation efforts and ecosystem management. Essentially, it’s about understanding the “where” and “why” of species distributions in the natural world.