Divergence Across Niche Dimensions Reveals Species' Ecological Roles

Abstract

Natural history data are essential for understanding species' ecological roles, supporting applied research and guiding conservation efforts. However, significant gaps in ecological knowledge limit our understanding, requiring complementary approaches to bridge them. Using an integrative analytical framework, we explored multiple niche dimensions of poorly known co-occurring xenarthran insectivores, uncovering shared and unique roles within this guild. Our findings revealed divergences among most species' pairs across three niche dimensions while emphasising distinct ecological roles within a three-tier trophic structure. Habitat use was strongly influenced by resource availability, with species exploiting both natural and anthropogenic habitats, reflecting a double-edged trade-off. Spatial and trophic patterns mirrored each other, demonstrating the interconnectedness of diet and habitat use, with activity patterns further aligning with these trends. These findings challenge assumptions of ecological redundancy and highlight the complexity of guild-level interactions, emphasising critical knowledge gaps in biodiversity and its essential contributions to global ecosystem processes.