Metacommunity Theory

Metacommunity Theory explains how groups of interconnected communities of species interact and influence each other across a landscape. It considers how local factors (like habitat conditions) and regional processes (such as dispersal and species movement) shape biodiversity and species distribution. The theory highlights that the composition of one community isn't isolated but affected by neighboring communities, leading to patterns of diversity and coexistence. This framework helps us understand ecological dynamics across larger spatial scales, emphasizing the importance of both local environments and regional connectivity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.