Deforestation is the turning point for the spreading of a weedy epiphyte: an IBM approach.

ABSTRACT: The rapid spread of many weeds into intensely disturbed landscapes is boosted by clonal growth and self-fertilization strategies, which conversely increases the genetic structure of populations. Here, we use empirical and modeling approaches to evaluate the spreading dynamics of Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L. populations, a common epiphytic weed with self-reproduction and clonal growth widespread in dry forests and deforested landscapes in the American continent. We introduce the TRec model, an individual-based approach to simulate the spreading of T. recurvata over time and across landscapes subjected to abrupt changes in tree density with the parameters adjusted according to the empirical genetic data based on microsatellites genotypes. Simulations with this model showed that the strong sp

SUBMITTER: Chaves CJN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8516858 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature