Niches, rather than neutrality, structure a grassland pioneer guild.

ABSTRACT: Pioneer species are fast-growing, short-lived gap exploiters. They are prime candidates for neutral dynamics because they contain ecologically similar species whose low adult density is likely to cause widespread recruitment limitation, which slows competitive dynamics. However, many pioneer guilds appear to be differentiated according to seed size. In this paper, we compare predictions from a neutral model of community structure with three niche-based models in which trade-offs involving seed size form the basis of niche differentiation. We test these predictions using sowing experiments with a guild of seven pioneer species from chalk grassland. We find strong evidence for niche structure based on seed size: specifically large-seeded species produce fewer seeds but have a greater chance

SUBMITTER: Turnbull LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1560334 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature