Integrating conspecifics negative density dependence, successional and evolutionary dynamics: Towards a theory of forest diversity.

ABSTRACT: Tree successional diversity is evident even to casual observers and has a well-understood physiological basis. Various life history trade-offs, driven by interspecific variation in a single trait, help maintain this diversity. Conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) is also well-documented and reduces tree vital rates independently of succession strategies. The CNDD hypothesis is frequently justified by specialist natural enemies at a separate trophic level. We integrate these processes into an analytical demographic model, spanning short-term plant physiological responses to the dynamics of a large forest mosaic connected to a metacommunity. Surprisingly, multiple trade-offs do not necessarily increase diversity, as suboptimal trait combinations lead to strategies that cannot compe

SUBMITTER: Detto M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11599592 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature