Coexistence and relative abundance in forest trees

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biodiversity Science
• Forest Ecology

Background:

• Accelerated biodiversity loss necessitates understanding species coexistence mechanisms.
• Tree diversity is crucial for terrestrial biodiversity, supporting numerous dependent species.
• Traditional coexistence theories often rely on external forces like disturbance or resource patchiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test storage theory as a model for species coexistence.
• To develop explicit predictions to differentiate between coexistence models.
• To investigate the drivers of tree species coexistence in a primary forest.

Main Methods:

• Utilized storage theory to formulate testable predictions.
• Collected and analyzed data on tree species from a Mexican Pacific coast primary forest.
• Compared empirical data against predictions from storage theory and alternative coexistence models.

Main Results:

• Empirical data supported the predictions derived from storage theory.
• Evidence suggests storage processes are key to the coexistence of similar tree species.
• Alternative coexistence theories were rejected based on the collected data.

Conclusions:

• Storage theory provides a robust framework for understanding stable species coexistence.
• Temporal dynamics and recruitment variations are critical for maintaining biodiversity in forests.
• The findings highlight the importance of ecological memory in species coexistence.