Application of cellular automaton models to the investigation of the role of functional biodiversity.

DI RIENZO JA, CASANOVES F, DÍAZ S & GURVICH DE

Porto Alegre (Brasil)

Simposio; 45th Symposium of the International Association for Vegetation Science; 2002

International Association for Vegetation Science

Cellular automata (CA) represent a powerful tool in the investigation of the role of functional (as opposite to taxonomic) diversity in ecosystem functioning. We have developed two of models, representing extremes of a trade-off of modeling strategies. Both models are spatially explicit, based on simple rules of local interaction, and with an “environment” whose resource availability and distribution can be modified by the operator. Both of them involve plant functional types (as opposite to species) with different resource capture, use and release capacities. At one extreme is the model CA 1, with high degree of generality and simplicity (analogous to the C-S-R model). At the other extreme is the model CA 2, with more realistic functional types, which corresponds closely to a field removal experiment involving four functional types (graminoids, annual forbs, perennial forbs and deciduous shrubs). The outputs from CA 1 were strongly related to avalaibility and distribution of resources, and appeared to be sensitive to details of interpretation of the rules. On the other hand, CA 2, although much less general, appears to be very useful in the understanding of how functional biodiversity influences major community and ecosystem processes in a real field situation.