Contributions of covariance: decomposing the components of stochastic population growth in Cypripedium calceolus.

ABSTRACT: Although correlations between vital rates can have important effects on evolution and demography, few studies have investigated their effects on population dynamics. Here, we extend life-table response experiments (LTREs) to variable environments, showing how to quantify contributions made by (1) mean vital rates, (2) variability driven by environmental fluctuations, (3) correlations implying demographic trade-offs and reflecting stage transition synchrony, and (4) elasticities reflecting local selection pressures. Applying our methods to the lady's slipper orchid Cypripedium calceolus, we found that mean rates accounted for 77.1% of all effects on the stochastic growth rate, variability accounted for 12.6%, elasticities accounted for 6.6%, and correlations accounted for 3.7%. Stochastic e

SUBMITTER: Davison R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3810155 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature