Using Chapter 6 (Section 6.12 ) as your resource, what characteristics might enable a plant species (species 1 ) to tolerate low soil nutrient availability? How might these characteristics limit the maximum growth rates under high soil nutrient conditions? Conversely, what characteristics might enable a plant species (species 2 ) to maintain high growth rates under high soil nutrient availability? How might these characteristics limit the plant species' ability to tolerate low soil nutrient conditions? Now predict the outcome of competition between species 1 and 2 in two plant communities, one with low soil nutrients and the other with abundant nutrients. Discuss in terms of tolerance and competition.

Species 1 has evolved to tolerate low soil nutrient availability. This may be achieved through a few characteristics: - Slow nutrient uptake: Species 1 might have a low nutrient uptake rate from the soil, which allows it to still maintain steady growth despite low soil nutrients. - Efficient nutrient-use: Species 1 could have an efficient nutrient-use strategy, meaning it can utilize the nutrients it does take up in an effective way, ensuring steady growth. - Deep root system: Species 1 may have a deep-root system to reach nutrients which are deeper in the soil. These characteristics, however, might limit species 1's maximum growth rates under high soil nutrient conditions. Since species 1 is adapted for low nutrient conditions, it may be unable to take advantage of the available nutrients when they suddenly become abundant, as its nutrient uptake rate is too slow, leading to slower growth rates.

Species 2 is able to maintain high growth rates under high soil nutrient availability. This may be due to the following characteristics: - Fast nutrient uptake: Species 2 might have a high nutrient uptake rate from the soil, allowing it to quickly take in the available nutrients, leading to increased growth rates. - Boosted energy production: With abundant nutrients, species 2 could have boosted energy production through faster photosynthesis and growth rates. However, these characteristics might limit species 2's ability to tolerate low soil nutrient conditions. Since species 2 is adapted for high nutrient conditions, it may have difficulty surviving when nutrients are scarce, as it may require a higher nutrient input to maintain its growth rate and energy production.

In a plant community with low soil nutrients: - Species 1 is more likely to outcompete species 2, as it has evolved to tolerate low soil nutrient availability. Its slow nutrient uptake, efficient nutrient-use, and deep root system will help it maintain steady growth, while species 2 struggles to do so. - Species 2 will have difficulty maintaining high growth rates in a low nutrient environment and might be outcompeted by species 1. In a plant community with abundant soil nutrients: - Species 2 is more likely to outcompete species 1, as it can take advantage of the high nutrient availability with its fast nutrient uptake and boosted energy production, leading to faster growth rates. - Species 1 will not be able to take full advantage of the abundant nutrients, as its nutrient uptake rate is too slow and it's adapted for low nutrient conditions, which might cause it to be outcompeted by species 2 in the presence of abundant nutrients. In conclusion, species 1 will likely be more competitive in low soil nutrient communities, while species 2 will be more competitive in high nutrient communities. Their different characteristics regarding tolerance and nutrient utilization will determine their success in competing with each other.