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Pioneer-climax tree competition models Sakai, Shūichi

Abstract

Tree species can be broadly categorized into two kinds: pioneer and climax. Pioneer species are ones that survive under low population densities, but progressively do worse as densities increase. Climax species, on the other hand, need some degree of neighboring population to survive, and have a maximum fitness at a unique population density, whereafter fitness decreases with increased competition. This thesis examines models of competition between these two species both in continuous and discrete time. Whereas popular belief is that the pioneer species become extinct with competition, the models studied here suggest the possibility of coexistence, either in a stable equilibrium or a periodic solution. Simple genetical variations on one or both species are also considered for their effects on coexistence. It is found that genetic variety can be a crucial factor in achieving coexistence between the two species.

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