Successional theories

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 98(6), P. 2049 - 2077

Published: July 16, 2023

ABSTRACT Succession is a fundamental concept in ecology because it indicates how species populations, communities, and ecosystems change over time on new substrate or after disturbance. A mechanistic understanding of succession needed to predict will respond land‐use design effective ecosystem restoration strategies. Yet, despite century conceptual advances comprehensive successional theory lacking. Here we provide an overview 19 theories (‘models’) their key points, group them based similarity, explain development ideas suggestions move forward. Four groups models can be recognised. The first ( patch & plants ) focuses at the level consists three subgroups that originated early 20th century. One subgroup processes (dispersal, establishment, performance) operate sequentially during succession. Another emphasises individualistic responses succession, this driven by traits. last vegetation structure underlying demographic second provides more holistic view considering ecosystem, its biota, interactions, diversity, processes. third landscape considers larger spatial scale includes effect surrounding matrix as distance neighbouring patches determines potential for seed dispersal, quality abundance composition sources biotic dispersal vectors. fourth socio‐ecological systems human component focusing where management practices have long‐lasting legacies pathways regrowing vegetations deliver range services local global stakeholders. four differ (patch, landscape) organisational (plant species, system), increase scope, reflect increasingly broader perspective time. They coincide approximately with periods prevailing time, although all views still coexist. are: (from 1910 onwards) was seen through lens replacement; communities 1965 when there succession; landscapes 2000 realised strongly impact pathways, increased remote‐sensing technology allowed better quantification context; people 2015 societal drivers strong effects are important well‐being, most successful done people. Our review suggests hierarchical framework Pickett best starting point forward already several factors, flexible, enabling application different systems. mainly replacement could improved occurring scales (population, community, integrating recent developments other models: (landscape, region), temporal (ecosystem centuries, evolution), taking (landscape integrity composition, disperser community) factors (previous current intensity) into account. Such new, tested using combination empirical research, experiments, process‐based modelling novel tools. Applying seres across broadscale environmental disturbance gradients allows insight what matter under conditions.

Language: Английский

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Persistent Effects of Landscape Context on Recruitment Dynamics During Secondary Succession of Tropical Forests

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Large‐scale reforestation is promoted as an important strategy to mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss. A persistent challenge for efforts restore ecosystems at scale how accelerate ecological processes, particularly natural regeneration. Yet, despite being recognized barrier the recovery of diverse plant communities in tropical agricultural landscapes, impacts dispersal limitation on regeneration secondary forests—and especially this changes these forests grow older—are still poorly studied. In a region where animals have been shown be dominant seed dispersers, we evaluate proximity connected network narrow streamside strips forest (SSF) recruitment 1–40‐year‐old forests. We used 8 years annual census data from 45 sites with paired plots, one directly adjoining SSF other further uphill (henceforth “landscape context”), null model approach test effects SSFs basal area, while accounting variation soil, topography, distance between plots stand structure. general, found that landscape context affects multiple aspects recruitment, including species diversity proportion rarer less‐widely distributed among recruits. Unexpectedly, effect did not weaken over time, fast increase area diversity. This suggests development first decades succession may sufficient attract disperse tree species. Our results provide empirical evidence guide restoration initiatives landscapes regions, principally prioritizing corridor networks along streams, also highlighting knowledge gap about restoring animal dispersers

Language: Английский

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Functional recovery of secondary tropical forests

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 118(49)

Published: Nov. 29, 2021

Significance Tropical forests disappear rapidly through deforestation but also have the potential to regrow naturally a process called secondary succession. To advance successional theory, it is essential understand how these and their assembly vary across broad spatial scales. We do so by synthesizing continental-scale patterns in succession using functional trait approach. show that start pathway of varies with climatic water availability. In dry forests, driven drought tolerance traits wet shade traits. Based on principles, we propose an ecologically sound strategy improve active forest restoration.

Language: Английский

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Linking land-use and land-cover transitions to their ecological impact in the Amazon

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 119(27)

Published: June 27, 2022

Human activities pose a major threat to tropical forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although the impacts of deforestation are well studied, multiple land-use land-cover transitions (LULCTs) occur in landscapes, we do not know how LULCTs differ their rates or on key components. Here, quantified 18 three components (biodiversity, carbon, soil), based variables collected from 310 sites Brazilian Amazon. Across all LULCTs, was most affected component, followed by carbon stocks, but magnitude change differed widely among individual variables. Forest clearance for pasture prevalent high-impact transition, also identified other with high impact lower prevalence (e.g., agriculture). Our study demonstrates importance considering understand consequences human landscapes.

Language: Английский

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Measuring forest health at stand level: A multi-indicator evaluation for use in adaptive management and policy

Ecological Indicators, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 150, P. 110225 - 110225

Published: April 20, 2023

Assessments of forest ecosystem health for use in adaptive management need an integrative multi-indicator examination at the stand scale. To assess health, we exained multiple indicators including diversity, age structure, regeneration, and edaphic factors dominant associated tree species their natural habitats. A stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to gather vegetation samples from five main types Zabarwan Mountain Range—Acacia (ACFT), Broad leaved (BLFT), Oak (OKFT), Pinus wallichiana (PWFT), Scrub (SRFT). The Pearson method canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were investigate relationship between factors. total 22 found, which 13 exotic 9 native. proportion highest OKFT (85%), followed by BLFT (75%), least (50%) SRFT. type had Shannon diversity while lowest ACFT have significantly higher indexes than other types. Based on density-girth class distribution, & SRFT showed Inverse-J distribution pattern, indicating a stable population structure. species, such as Populus alba BLFT, demonstrated comparatively no whereas Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana SRFT, PWFT, Quercus robur OKFT, Robinia pseudoacacia adequate regeneration performance. Overall pseudoacacia, Prunus cerasifera, Celtis australis, Ailanthus altissima high/sufficient average seedling/tree value all area 2.14, with (3.61) (0.71). In CCA it that forests greatly influenced salinity organic carbon, comparable habitat preferences mutually electrical conductance phosphorus availability. cerasifera only positively available calcium. By combining data numerous field-based into single integrated study, our research will give decision-makers update forest's current anticipated health.

Language: Английский

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A comprehensive framework for vegetation succession

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Succession is defined as a directional change in species populations, the community, and ecosystem at site following disturbance. fundamental concept ecology it links different disciplines. An improved understanding of succession urgently needed Anthropocene to predict widespread effects global on recovery, but comprehensive successional framework (CSF) lacking. A CSF synthesize results, draw generalizations, advance theory, make decisions for restoration. We first show that an integral part socio‐ecological system dynamics driven by social ecological factors operating spatial scales, ranging from patch globe. then present local scale (patch landscape) which takes place explain underlying processes mechanisms scale. The reflects increasingly broader perspective includes recent theoretical advances not only focusing replacement also development, considering system, taking effect past current land use, landscape context, biotic interactions, feedback loops into account. discuss how can be used integrate studies, its implications

Language: Английский

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Feedback loops drive ecological succession: towards a unified conceptual framework

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 99(3), P. 928 - 949

Published: Jan. 16, 2024

ABSTRACT The core principle shared by most theories and models of succession is that, following a major disturbance, plant–environment feedback dynamics drive directional change in the plant community. commonly studied loops are those which regrowth community causes changes to abiotic (e.g. soil nutrients) or biotic dispersers) environment, differentially affect species availability performance. This, turn, leads shifts composition However, there many other PE that potentially succession, each can be considered model succession. While generate predictable successional trajectories, generally observed highly variable. Factors contributing this variability stochastic processes involved dynamics, such as individual mortality seed dispersal, extrinsic not affected but do performance availability. Both lead variation identity dominant within communities. further contingencies if these differ their effect on environment (priority effects). Predictability thus intrinsically linked features ecological We present new conceptual framework integrates propositions discussed above. This defines seven general causes: landscape context, disturbance land‐use, factors, availability, performance, When loop, when not, they create trajectories dynamics. proposed provides guide for linking into causal pathways represent specific Our represents systematic approach identifying main at different stages. It used comparisons among study sites along environmental gradients, conceptualise studies, formulation research questions design field studies. Mapping an extensive onto our revealed representing study's empirical outcomes had important differences, underlining need move beyond currently dominate fields find ways examine importance interactions alternative To aim, we argue integrating long‐term studies across anthropogenic combined with controlled experiments dynamic modelling.

Language: Английский

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Biomass recovery along a tropical forest succession: Trends on tree diversity, wood traits and stand structure

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 555, P. 121709 - 121709

Published: Jan. 21, 2024

Language: Английский

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Impacts of forest expansion on microbial diversity and community assembly in fragmented mountain ecosystems

Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 120956 - 120956

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Impacts of fire on canopy structure and its resilience depend on successional stage in Amazonian secondary forests

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 15, 2025

Abstract Secondary forests in the Amazon are important carbon sinks, biodiversity reservoirs, and connections between forest fragments. However, their regrowth is highly threatened by fire. Using airborne laser scanning (ALS), surveyed 2016 2018, we analyzed canopy metrics burned (fires occurred 2001 2018) unburned secondary across different successional stages ability to recover after We assessed maximum mean height, openness at 5 10 m, roughness, leaf area index (LAI) height volume (LAHV) for 20 sites South‐East Amazonia (ranging from 375 1200 ha). Compared forests, had reductions LAI, LAHV, increases roughness. These effects were more pronounced early (ES) than later (LS) stages, example, decreased 33% ES 14% LS LAI 36% 18% LS. Forests less resistant fire, but resilient (capable of recovering a disturbance) post‐fire stage forests. Data extrapolation our models suggests that structure partially recovers with time since fire six out seven metrics; however, LAHV may never fully recover. Our results indicate stage‐specific management policies mitigate against should be implemented increase success regeneration. Mitigation fires critical if continue provide wide array ecological services.

Language: Английский

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