Unimodal tree size distributions possibly result from relatively strong conservatism in intermediate size classes.

ABSTRACT: Tree size distributions have long been of interest to ecologists and foresters because they reflect fundamental demographic processes. Previous studies have assumed that size distributions are often associated with population trends or with the degree of shade tolerance. We tested these associations for 31 tree species in a 20 ha plot in a Dinghushan south subtropical forest in China. These species varied widely in growth form and shade-tolerance. We used 2005 and 2010 census data from that plot. We found that 23 species had reversed J shaped size distributions, and eight species had unimodal size distributions in 2005. On average, modal species had lower recruitment rates than reversed J species, while showing no significant difference in mortality rates, per capita population growth rate

SUBMITTER: Bin Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3534107 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature