Niche Segregation
- The random selection of niches in largely empty niche space will often automatically lead to segregation (this mechanism is of particular importance in the second paradigm).
- Niches are segregated due to interspecific competition (this mechanism is of particular importance in the first paradigm).
- Niches of similar species are segregated (as the result of natural selection) in order to prevent interspecific hybridisation, because hybrids are less fit. (Many cases of niche segregation explained by interspecific competition are better explained by this mechanism, i.e., “reinforcement of reproductive barriers”, the so-called Wallace effect)(e.g., Rohde 2005b).
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Famous quotes containing the words niche and/or segregation:
“You’re neither unnatural, nor abominable, nor mad; you’re as much a part of what people call nature as anyone else; only you’re unexplained as yet—you’ve not got your niche in creation.”
—Radclyffe Hall (1883–1943)
“Segregation now, segregation tomorrow and segregation forever!”
—George C. Wallace (b. 1919)