On the life of species: Mathematically modelling the taxon cycle

João P.G. Machado and Vinícius P. de Oliveira

Ecological Modelling, 2025, vol. 508, issue C

Abstract: The taxon cycle hypothesis provided a conceptual framework for the cyclical stages of geographic range expansion, habitat specialization, and eventual range contraction leading to species extinction. Despite its historical significance, the taxon cycle has remained a conceptual model due to the absence of a quantitative framework. This study bridges this gap by developing a comprehensive mathematical model that integrates population structure, adaptation, speciation, and biogeographical range mechanisms. This model is designed to offer an easy-to-use, consilient framework to be applied across taxa and biogeographical scales as a null model for general taxon dynamics.

Keywords: Gene flow; Mathematical model; Quantitative ecology; Speciation; Species range; Taxon cycle (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:508:y:2025:i:c:s0304380025002194

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2025.111233

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