Deterministic theories in community ecology suggest that local, niche-based processes,
such as environmental filtering, biotic interactions and interspecific trade-offs largely
determine patterns of species diversity and composition. In contrast, more stochastic
theories emphasize the importance of chance colonization, random extinction and
ecological drift. The schisms between deterministic and stochastic perspectives, which date
back to the earliest days of ecology, continue to fuel contemporary debates (eg niches …