Stable coexistence in a field-calibrated individual-based model of mangrove forest dynamics caused by inter-specific crown plasticity

Grueters, U. et al. (2021) Stable coexistence in a field-calibrated individual-based model of mangrove forest dynamics caused by inter-specific crown plasticity. Remote Sensing, 12(7), 955. (doi: 10.3390/f12070955)

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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.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research by U.G. was funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Project: DFG BE 1960/7-1). The research by M.R.I. V.O., F.D.G. and B.S. was supported by the Belgian Science Policy-funded MAMA-FOREST project, Managing Mangrove Forests with Optical and Radar Environmental SaTellites (BELSPO, SR/00/323). A.P, A.G.V. and J.V. were funded by the European Commission in the framework of the Coastal Research Network on Environmental Changes (CREC), which was part of its 7th Framework Program (Marie Curie Action FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IRSES; EU IRSES # 247514). The contribution by H.S., K.T. and H.H. was not funded.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Vovides, Dr Alejandra
Creator Roles:
Vovides, A.Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing – review and editing
Authors: Grueters, U., Ibrahim, M. R., Schmidt, H., Tiebel, K., Horn, H., Pranchai, A., Vovides, A. G., Vogt, J., Otero, V., Satyanarayana, B., and Dahdouh-Guebas, F.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Remote Sensing
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:2072-4292
ISSN (Online):2072-4292
Published Online:20 July 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Remote Sensing 12(7): 955
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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