What are ecological mechanisms? Suggestions for a fine-grained description of causal mechanisms in invasion ecology

Abstract Invasion ecology addresses the spread of species outside their native ranges. A central aim this field is to find mechanistic explanations for why are able establish and in an area which they did not evolve. Usually it remains unclear, however, what exactly meant by ‘mechanistic explanation’ or ‘mechanism’. The paper argues that can benefit from philosophical discussion a mechanism is. Based on conceptions mechanisms as processes concrete systems, causal be defined one type mechanism, representing recurring networks relationships. With example well-known hypothesized invasion ecology, namely enemy release , demonstrates how such depicted network diagrams. This approach could facilitate development step-by-step explanations, enhance clear argumentation allow more precise linkage empirical tests theory. Challenges assessing relevance discussed, suggestions made concerning proposed help overcoming some them.