The evolutionary ecology of masting: does the environmental prediction hypothesis also have a role in mesic temperate forests?

Abstract

AbstractThe evolutionary advantages of mast seeding in mesic temperate forests are reviewed with reference to the whole plant's lifecycle. The aim of this article is to give attention to the environmental prediction hypothesis as an evolutionary aspect of closed‐forest dynamics that need to be tested in field studies and modelling. It is suggested that the year after a period of water stress (or other suboptimal conditions for growth) trees respond with high seed production. Due to an understory environment favorable for prolific establishment of seedlings (i.e., more light at the forest floor) this may give rise to a pulse of regeneration. Thus, understanding masting may require a multi‐faceted approach including the study of the ecology of the trees themselves beyond pollination and seed predation, and including gap ecology and patch dynamics with special attention to patterns of forest regeneration.