A multivariate analysis of the niches of plant populations in raised bogs. II. Niche width and overlap

The results of a principal components analysis are used to define the ecological niches of the plant populations in raised bogs. This paper examines the niche parameters of width and overlap. Dominance is positively related to niche width and inversely related to the number of species (richness). Richness is shown to be positively related to increased environmental complexity and predictability. Dominants appear to decrease in environments that are more complex and predictable because as a class these organisms are less opportunistic. Niche differentiation measured as overlap is greater in the richer, more environmentally complex and predictable parts of raised bogs.