Pattern Formation in Ecological Systems
I .- Vegetation patterns
Vegetation patterns are probably one of the most striking features of arid ecosystems. One of the most broadly accepted theories about their origin in the existence of scale dependent feedbacks in the interactions between plants, resulting in facilitative interactions at short scales and competitive interactions at the large scale. These feedbacks shape the distribution of water in the system and drive the formation of patterns. Together with Cristobal Lopez and Emilio Hernandez-Garcia (IFISC) and Justin Calabrese (Smithsonian & University of Maryland), we developed a family of models that debate the need for scale-dependent feedbacks in the formation of regular patterns of vegetation in arid ecosystems. Our models undermine the effect of facilitative interactions in these systems and show how patterns can emerge just out of plant to plant competition under very broad conditions.
Vegetation patterns are probably one of the most striking features of arid ecosystems. One of the most broadly accepted theories about their origin in the existence of scale dependent feedbacks in the interactions between plants, resulting in facilitative interactions at short scales and competitive interactions at the large scale. These feedbacks shape the distribution of water in the system and drive the formation of patterns. Together with Cristobal Lopez and Emilio Hernandez-Garcia (IFISC) and Justin Calabrese (Smithsonian & University of Maryland), we developed a family of models that debate the need for scale-dependent feedbacks in the formation of regular patterns of vegetation in arid ecosystems. Our models undermine the effect of facilitative interactions in these systems and show how patterns can emerge just out of plant to plant competition under very broad conditions.
