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Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages

Author

Listed:
  • Lucie Aulus-Giacosa

    (UNIL – Sorge, University of Lausanne)

  • Sébastien Ollier

    (UNIL – Sorge, University of Lausanne
    AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution)

  • Cleo Bertelsmeier

    (UNIL – Sorge, University of Lausanne)

Abstract

As geographic distance increases, species assemblages become more distinct, defining global biogeographic realms with abrupt biogeographic boundaries. Yet, it remains largely unknown to what extent these realms may change because of human-mediated dispersal of species. Focusing on the distributions of 309 non-native ant species, we show that historical biogeographic patterns have already broken down into tropical versus non-tropical regions. Importantly, we demonstrate that these profound changes are not limited to the distribution patterns of non-native ants but fundamentally alter biogeographic boundaries of all ant biodiversity (13,774 species). In total, 52% of ant assemblages have become more similar, supporting a global trend of biotic homogenization. Strikingly, this trend was strongest on islands and in the tropics, which harbor some of the most vulnerable ecosystems. Overall, we show that the pervasive anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity override biogeographic patterns resulting from millions of years of evolution, and disproportionally affect particular regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucie Aulus-Giacosa & Sébastien Ollier & Cleo Bertelsmeier, 2024. "Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46359-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46359-9
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    1. Hanno Seebens & Tim M. Blackburn & Ellie E. Dyer & Piero Genovesi & Philip E. Hulme & Jonathan M. Jeschke & Shyama Pagad & Petr Pyšek & Marten Winter & Margarita Arianoutsou & Sven Bacher & Bernd Blas, 2017. "No saturation in the accumulation of alien species worldwide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, April.
    2. Michael Greenacre, 2011. "A Simple Permutation Test for Clusteredness," Working Papers 555, Barcelona School of Economics.
    3. Evan P. Economo & Nitish Narula & Nicholas R. Friedman & Michael D. Weiser & Benoit Guénard, 2018. "Macroecology and macroevolution of the latitudinal diversity gradient in ants," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-8, December.
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