Ecology 7th Edition by Manuel Molles

Exercise 15

Use fractal geometry and the niche concept (see chapters 9, 13, and 16) to explain why the canopy of a forest should accommodate more species of predaceous insects than insectivorous birds. Assume that the numbers of bird and predaceous insect species are limited by competition. (Hint: Milne's study [1993] of barnacles and bald eagles on Admiralty Island should provide a beginning for your argument.)