Combining agent-based, trait-based and demographic approaches to model coral-community dynamics.

ABSTRACT: The complexity of coral-reef ecosystems makes it challenging to predict their dynamics and resilience under future disturbance regimes. Models for coral-reef dynamics do not adequately account for the high functional diversity exhibited by corals. Models that are ecologically and mechanistically detailed are therefore required to simulate the ecological processes driving coral reef dynamics. Here, we describe a novel model that includes processes at different spatial scales, and the contribution of species' functional diversity to benthic-community dynamics. We calibrated and validated the model to reproduce observed dynamics using empirical data from Caribbean reefs. The model exhibits realistic community dynamics, and individual population dynamics are ecologically plausible. A global se

SUBMITTER: Carturan BS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7473774 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature