Diversity in tropical rain forests and coral reefs
Connell JH. 1978. Diversity in tropical rain forests and coral reefs. Science. 199(4335):1302-1310
The commonly observed high diversity of trees in tropical rain forests and corals on tropical reefs is a nonequilibrium state which, if not disturbed further, will progress toward a low-diversity equalibrium community. This may not happen if gradual changes in climate favor different species. If equilibrium is reached, a lesser degree of diversity may be sustained by niche diversification or by a compensatory mortality that favors inferior competitors. However, tropical forests and reefs are subject to severe disturbances often enough that equalibrium may never be attained. Abstract provided by author.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Connell, Joseph
- Units
- BUIS , KLMN , NPSA
- Keywords
- Community Structure, Coral Reefs, Disturbance, Diversity, equilibrium, equillibrium, Forests, nich diversification, Species Composition, Species Diversity, Species Richness, Tropical rain