Abstract
In 1970 Janzen proposed that species-specific seed predation, by eliminating establishment of seedlings near adult trees of the same species, should lead to a regular dispersion of trees and to increased species diversity in tropical forests. Seed predation would lead to increased species diversity by setting upper bounds to the densities of individual species: if each extant species reached its predation-determined limit and yet more canopy space was available, individuals of additional species would be able to invade. Here I derive a patch model of Janzen's mechanism that is simple in form yet captures its spatial flavor. The model predicts that this mechanism will tend to stabilize any number of competing species. As a corollary, the model predicts that Janzen's mechanism can lead to increased diversity without leading to regular spacing of individuals.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
