Species coexistence and mixed-forest dynamics
One of the current challenges in ecosystem ecology is to predict the response of communities to environmental changes, and to achieve that we need to understand what drives forest dynamics and species coexistence. In temperate forests, forest succession is largely driven by gap-dynamics, but species-specific differences in shade tolerance only explain the coexistence of a limited number of species.
In this line, I try to identify the main traits that determine forest dynamics across temperate and boreal forests. I use different approaches, including the characterization of the variation in plant traits along environmental gradients, the assessment of the functional responses of plants through their functional traits, and the use of simulation models to test conditions for coexistence.
Selected publications
One of the current challenges in ecosystem ecology is to predict the response of communities to environmental changes, and to achieve that we need to understand what drives forest dynamics and species coexistence. In temperate forests, forest succession is largely driven by gap-dynamics, but species-specific differences in shade tolerance only explain the coexistence of a limited number of species.
In this line, I try to identify the main traits that determine forest dynamics across temperate and boreal forests. I use different approaches, including the characterization of the variation in plant traits along environmental gradients, the assessment of the functional responses of plants through their functional traits, and the use of simulation models to test conditions for coexistence.
Selected publications
- Shade tolerance and the functional trait - demography relationship in temperate and boreal forests
- Tree dynamics and coexistence in the montane-subalpine ecotone: the role of different light-induced strategies
- Unraveling the role of light and biotic interactions on seedling performance of four Pyrenean species along environmental gradients
- Birch and conifer deadwood favour early establishment and shade tolerance in yellow birch juveniles growing on sugar maple stands
