DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/E758-T802
Defense Date
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Mathematical Sciences
First Advisor
David M. Chan
Second Advisor
Benjamin S. Ramage
Third Advisor
Craig E. Larson
Abstract
In ecology literature, there is much data which suggests that conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) and abiotic disturbances increase biodiversity in forests. This thesis elucidates the notion that not only do these two forces increase diversity, but they may also interact with one another in order to achieve higher levels of biodiversity. Abiotic disturbances, like fires and hurricanes, can indirectly impact conspecific effects because when these forces remove individuals from the landscape, the role of the conspecific effects will change. The interaction of these two factors in biodiversity are explored in an agent based forest simulation through a resource surface. Several different types of abiotic disturbances are simulated with either weak or strong CNDD effects in order to establish that different disturbances and conspecific effects cause certain levels of diversity. The underlying causes for the change in impact is also examined.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-12-2017
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Forest Biology Commons, Forest Management Commons, Other Applied Mathematics Commons, Other Forestry and Forest Sciences Commons, Population Biology Commons