| An allometry-based approach for understanding forest structure, predicting tree-size distribution and assessing the degree of disturbance. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 23193128 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Tree-size distribution is one of the most investigated subjects in plant population biology. The forestry literature reports that tree-size distribution trajectories vary across different stands and/or species, whereas the metabolic scaling theory suggests that the tree number scales universally as -2 power of diameter. Here, we propose a simple functional scaling model in which these two opposing results are reconciled. Basic principles related to crown shape, energy optimization and the finite-size scaling approach were used to define a set of relationships based on a single parameter that allows us to predict the slope of the tree-size distributions in a steady-state condition. We tested the model predictions on four temperate mountain forests. Plots (4 ha each, fully mapped) were selected with different degrees of human disturbance (semi-natural stands versus formerly managed). Results showed that the size distribution range successfully fitted by the model is related to the degree of forest disturbance: in semi-natural forests the range is wide, whereas in formerly managed forests, the agreement with the model is confined to a very restricted range. We argue that simple allometric relationships, at an individual level, shape the structure of the whole forest community. |
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Authors:
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Tommaso Anfodillo; Marco Carrer; Filippo Simini; Ionel Popa; Jayanth R Banavar; Amos Maritan |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society Volume: 280 ISSN: 1471-2954 ISO Abbreviation: Proc. Biol. Sci. Publication Date: 2013 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2012-11-29 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101245157 Medline TA: Proc Biol Sci Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: 20122375 Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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Dipartimento Territorio e Sistemi Agro-Forestali, University of Padova, , 35020 Legnaro, Italy, Department of Physics and Center for Complex Network Research, Northeastern University, , Boston, MA 02115, USA, Institute of Physics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, , Budapest 1111, Hungary, Forest Research and Management Institute, , Campulung Moldovenesc, Romania, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, , College Park, MD 20742, USA, Dipartimento di Fisica 'G. Galilei', University of Padova, CNISM and INFN, , 35131 Padova, Italy. |
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