Density-independent mortality, density compensation, gap formation, and self-thinning in plant populations (Q1202777)

The timing and relative contributions of mortality agents in plant populations depend on the ways in which density-dependent (DD) mortality compensates for density-independent (DI) mortality rate. This relationship, in turn, determines the degree of canopy closure, or its complement, gap area. A model is presented that integrates the effects of DD and DI mortality agents, and it permits exploration of the ``density compensation'' (DC) effect, or the degree to which mortality caused by DI factors is alleviated by reductions in DD mortality, and changing gap area through time.