Coexistence trend contingent to Mediterranean oaks with different leaf habits.

ABSTRACT: In a previous work we developed a mathematical model to explain the co-occurrence of evergreen and deciduous oak groups in the Mediterranean region, regarded as one of the distinctive features of Mediterranean biodiversity. The mathematical analysis showed that a stabilizing mechanism resulting from niche difference (i.e. different water use and water stress tolerance) between groups allows their coexistence at intermediate values of suitable soil water content. A simple formal derivation of the model expresses this hypothesis in a testable form linked uniquely to the actual evapotranspiration of forests community. In the present work we ascertain whether this simplified conclusion possesses some degree of explanatory power by comparing available data on oaks distributions and remotely sen

SUBMITTER: Di Paola A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5415544 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature