Modelling invasibility in endogenously oscillating tree populations: timing of invasion matters

Authored by Chris T Bauch, Madhur Anand, Paul Caplat

Date Published: 2010

DOI: 10.1007/s10530-009-9444-1

Sponsors: National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Canada Research Chairs Program Canadian Foundation for Innovation Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research Ontario Ministry for Research and Innovation

Platforms: CORMAS

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The timing of introduction of a new species into an ecosystem can be critical in determining the invasibility (i.e. the sensitivity to invasion) of a resident population. Here, we use an individual-based model to test how (1) the type of competition (symmetric versus asymmetric) and (2) seed masting influence the success of invasion by producing oscillatory dynamics in resident tree populations. We focus on a case where two species (one resident, one invader introduced at low density) do not differ in terms of competitive abilities. By varying the time of introduction of the invader, we show that oscillations in the resident population favour invasion, by creating ``invasibility windows{''} during which resource is available for the invader due to transiently depressed resident population density. We discuss this result in the context of current knowledge on forest dynamics and invasions, emphasizing the importance of variability in population dynamics.

Tags

Individual-based model Spatial heterogeneity Plant-communities Forest dynamics Asymmetric competition General-theory Species coexistence Fluctuating environment Competitive coexistence Varying environments