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Dynamic process, spatial pattern and species coexistence in plants

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Abstract

The significance of dynamic processes of individual genets/ramets for the spatial pattern of plant species and community structure is discussed. It is suggested that under a different mode of competition (symmetric vs. asymmetric), spatial distribution of individuals, initial size distribution at the establishment stage and boundary conditions as recruitment influence differently the species coexistence pattern. It is therefore important to consider the mode of competition for the study of community structure. To know the mode and degree of intra- and interspecific competition, the dynamic processes of individual genets/ramets must be studied by following the growth, mortality and recruitment of each genet/ramet of each component species in a plant community. The models and methods of plant population ecology are therefore useful also for plant community ecology.

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Hara, T. Dynamic process, spatial pattern and species coexistence in plants. Folia Geobot 30, 529–533 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02803982

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