Theory for Coexistence of Species Differing in Regeneration Properties

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Abstract
In many organisms [plants and animals) the life cycle is characterized by a regular shift between 2 distinctly different lifeforms one spatially fixed phase and one dispersal phase. Interspecific differentiation with regard to the dispersal phase may enable a species to survive in a community of otherwise superior competitors. How much differentiation is required with respect to: temporal average, temporal variance, phenology of diaspore production and fixed phase longevity, for 2 spp. to co-exist when one always outcompetes the other in the fixed phase is discussed. Differentiation solely in (1), (2) or (3) can suffice, while differentiation in (4) cannot. Temporal fluctuation existence in the environment permits adoption of qualitatively new strategies, not available in a constant environment. Increasing the magnitude of environmental fluctuations allows competing species to become more similar. Differences in flowering or fruiting periods between coexisting plant species need not result from pollinator or seed dispersal agent competition as has been suggested. The formalism is compared with that used by previous workers. Much existing competition theory, based on assumption of global interaction, is less well suited for understanding of mechanisms behind maintained specie richness in many community kinds. [A mathematical model is discussed.].

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