Conspecific density dependence and community structure: Insights from 11 years of monitoring in an old-growth temperate forest in Northeast China.

ABSTRACT: Forest community structure may be influenced by seedling density dependence, however, the effect is loosely coupled with population dynamics and diversity in the short term. In the long term the strength of conspecific density dependence may fluctuate over time because of seedling abundance, yet few long-term studies exist. Based on 11 years of seedling census data and tree census data from a 25-ha temperate forest plot in Northeast China, we used generalized linear mixed models to test the relative effects of local neighborhood density and abiotic factors on seedling density and seedling survival. Spatial point pattern analysis was used to determine if spatial patterns of saplings and juveniles, in relation to conspecific adults, were in accordance with patterns uncovered by conspecific n

SUBMITTER: Kuang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5528227 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature