Competition for light and persistence of rare light‐demanding species within tree‐fall gaps in a moist tropical forest

“…It is also important to note here that few studies dealing with the functional trait-growth rates association have worked with tree neighbourhood interactions and, to the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have used spatial point-pattern analyses with the same objective. With this in mind, our results highlight that quantitatively marked spatial point-pattern analysis, and in particular, summary statistics, such as the Schlather's I index and the mark variograms, have great potential for elucidating the role played by inter-specific negative interactions (competition) on species coexistence (Velázquez et al 2016, Velázquez andWiegand 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Fine‐scale spatial associations between functional traits and tree growth

Fajardo

Velázquez

2021

Oikos

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The effective use of functional traits to explain species coexistence has been hindered by the scarce use of demographic variables, such as growth, with the association between functional traits and growth often assumed rather than tested. In this study, using spatial point‐pattern analyses, we spatially related three functional traits linked to plant competitive ability (maximum tree height [HMAX], leaf mass per area [LMA] and wood density [WD]) to tree growth rates (basal area increment [BAI10] and growth efficiency [GE]) in a stem‐mapped plot of a temperate rainforest in southern Chile. With this, we tested the competition‐trait similarity and the competition‐trait hierarchy hypotheses, and further assessed the relationship between functional trait values' spatial distribution and growth rate. We used spatial point‐pattern analyses, in particular, pair‐wise spatial association patterns, the Schlather's I index and mark variograms associated to specific null models to infer spatial correlations among individuals of several species with different traits and growth values. First, we found spatial similarity in trees' functional traits on a fine‐scale, a result supporting the competition‐trait hierarchy hypothesis. Second, while the HMAX and LMA specific values of the focal tree were spatially positively correlated with their neighbours' growth rates, the WD of the focal tree had a negative spatial correlation with its neighbours' growth rates. We also found a positive spatial autocorrelation among HMAX, LMA and WD at a fine‐scale; neighbouring trees tended to have similar values. In agreement with our a priori statements, we infer that HMAX and LMA provide a competitive tolerance, while WD of the focal tree has a competitive effect on its immediate neighbours. As such, we have demonstrated that functional traits mediate species interactions, which is a step forward in predictive community ecology, thus we can further our understanding regarding how traits mediate community assembly and species coexistence.

show abstract

“…We expect that the peaks of species richness accumulators among all trees might be generated by gap (phase) dynamics that is a dominant process in the tropical forest turnover (Gray & Spies, 1997; Hubbell et al., 1999; Kohyama, 1993; Punchi‐Manage et al., 2015; Velázquez & Wiegand, 2020). Gaps are caused by tree or branch falls, less frequently by other disturbances such as landslides.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Common spatial patterns of trees in various tropical forests: Small trees are associated with increased diversity at small spatial scales

Fibich

Novotný

Ediriweera

et al. 2021

Ecology and Evolution

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Competition for light and persistence of rare light‐demanding species within tree‐fall gaps in a moist tropical forest

Abstract: Wiegand. 2020. Competition for light and persistence of rare light-demanding species within tree-fall gaps in a moist tropical forest.

Cited by 28 publications

References 48 publications

Conspecific negative density dependence does not explain coexistence in a tropical Afromontane forest

Conspecific negative density dependence does not explain coexistence in a tropical Afromontane forest

Fine‐scale spatial associations between functional traits and tree growth

Common spatial patterns of trees in various tropical forests: Small trees are associated with increased diversity at small spatial scales

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About