Ecological Communities - Evolution of Concepts and Modern Perspectives

Explore the evolution of ecological community concepts in this 46-minute lecture from Yale University's "Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior" course. Trace the shift from the classical view of tightly packed species in available niches to the modern emphasis on trophic cascades and top-down control in food chains. Examine the importance of predation in ecology, the role of food webs in illustrating ecosystem interconnectedness, and delve into community assembly and meta-community theories. Gain insights into how our understanding of ecological communities has transformed over the past four decades, shaping current perspectives in the field of ecology.