Back to Search Start Over

Stable Coexistence in a Field-Calibrated Individual-Based Model of Mangrove Forest Dynamics Caused by Inter-Specific Crown Plasticity

Authors :
Uwe Grueters
Mohd Rodila Ibrahim
Hartmut Schmidt
Katharina Tiebel
Hendrik Horn
Aor Pranchai
Alejandra G. Vovides
Juliane Vogt
Viviana Otero
Behara Satyanarayana
Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
Source :
Forests, Vol 12, Iss 7, p 955 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

(1,2) In this theoretical study, we apply MesoFON, a field-calibrated individual-based model of mangrove forest dynamics, and its Lotka–Volterra interpretations to address two questions: (a) Do the dynamics of two identical red mangrove species that compete for light resources and avoid inter-specific competition by lateral crown displacement follow the predictions of classical competition theory or resource competition theory? (b) Which mechanisms drive the dynamics in the presence of inter-specific crown plasticity when local competition is combined with global or with localized seed dispersal? (3) In qualitative support of classical competition theory, the two species can stably coexist within MesoFON. However, the total standing stock at equilibrium matched the carrying capacity of the single species. Therefore, a “non-overyielding” Lotka–Volterra model rather than the classic one approximated best the observed behavior. Mechanistically, inter-specific crown plasticity moved heterospecific trees apart and pushed conspecifics together. Despite local competition, the community exhibited mean-field dynamics with global dispersal. In comparison, localized dispersal slowed down the dynamics by diminishing the strength of intra-/inter-specific competition and their difference due to a restriction in the competitive race to the mean-field that prevails between conspecific clusters. (4) As the outcome in field-calibrated IBMs is mediated by the competition for resources, we conclude that classical competition mechanisms can override those of resource competition, and more species are likely to successfully coexist within communities.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12070955 and 19994907
Volume :
12
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Forests
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.04dde3be22de408c80af508638a9e538
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/f12070955