Mechanisms of plant species co-existence in species-rich ecosystems: testing hypotheses using spatially-explicit field data and computer models [ 2003-01-01 - 2009-12-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Byron Lamont (Chief Investigator) ,  Prof Neal Enright (Chief Investigator) ,  George Perry (Partner Investigator) ,  Prof Florian Jeltsch (Partner Investigator)

Brief description Mechanisms of plant species co-existence in species-rich ecosystems: testing hypotheses using spatially-explicit field data and computer models. A generally accepted explanation for the co-existence of species in high diversity communities is one of the outstanding unresolved issues in ecology. Current hypotheses fail to satisfy in their generality; spatial implications are inadequately explored empirically, and the hypotheses are not testable within a common framework. Advances in spatial analysis and complex system modelling now make the search for a general explanation feasible. This project will parameterise and test the different co-existence hypotheses using spatial statistics, empirical/experimental studies of dispersal, recruitment, competition and herbivory, and spatially-explicit computer simulation models of community assemblage in species-rich Australian shrubland communities.

Funding Amount $475,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

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