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Coexistence of tropical tree species

Author

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  • Patrick J. Baker

    (Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service)

  • Jeremy S. Wilson

    (University of Maine)

Abstract

For decades, ecologists have struggled to explain how so many tropical tree species can coexist. Kelly and Bowler1 propose that differences in recruitment fluctuation and competitive abilities among closely related tree species could promote coexistence, and data from a tropical deciduous forest in western Mexico seem to confirm their predictions. We argue, however, that the tests of their model's predictions make fundamentally flawed assumptions about both size–age relationships in trees and the factors that influence population size structures. As such, their results are potentially misleading and lack the necessary rigour to “reject all other theories of coexistence”.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick J. Baker & Jeremy S. Wilson, 2003. "Coexistence of tropical tree species," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6932), pages 581-582, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:422:y:2003:i:6932:d:10.1038_422581a
    DOI: 10.1038/422581a
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