A.N.Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Science, Leninsky prospekt 33, Moscow 117071, Russia

Abstract

The review is dedicated to some old and modern problems in studying of the assemblages of phylogenetically related species among terrestrial vertebrates. The classical approach by Robert MacArthur, discussed elsewhere summurized briefly. Although an explanative potential of competition theory seems exhausted there is no new paradigm that can simply explain species diversity in natural communities. From the beginning of 90s community ecology became very complex and controversial discipline. At the same time it is still a pioneering science. We have not enough comparative data on geographically distinct communities studied under the unified methods of data collection and analysis. Some recent results of intercontinental comparisons signify to the high degree of individualism in structure of geographically isolated communities. This makes doubtful any extrapolation from one region to another. Examination and explanation of processes is still the most contradictory field in community ecology. Confusion of causes and effects is continuing to be serious methodological problem. Much of attention was paid recently to the macroecological approach. A desire for reconsideration of some "old rules" of biodiversity is explained by advances in palaeozoology, biogeography and systematic, as well as by some unsatisfactory explanations within the framework of competition theory.