In Section \(17.7,\) we discussed the difference between size-symmetrical and size-asymmetrical compctition for resources. How might the nature of these two types of competition shift during the process of plant succession?

Size-symmetrical competition is a type of competition between plants for resources (e.g. light, water, and nutrients) where each individual plant has an equal chance of acquiring resources regardless of its size or age.

Size-asymmetrical competition, on the other hand, is a type of competition between plants where individuals that are larger or older have a competitive advantage over smaller or younger plants, and therefore have a higher chance of acquiring resources.

Plant succession is the process by which a plant community evolves over time. It involves a series of changes in the composition and structure of the plant community, driven by factors such as disturbances, resource availability, and competition.

During the early stages of plant succession, size-symmetrical competition might be relatively more dominant. This is because, in a newly established plant community, plants are often initially similar in size and age, so their competitive abilities are more evenly matched. As succession progresses, plant populations tend to become more diverse in terms of age and size structure. Older and larger plants in the community have now established themselves and can compete more effectively for resources than younger or smaller plants. This means that size-asymmetrical competition becomes more important in later stages of plant succession. In conclusion, the nature of competition between plants tends to shift from being more size-symmetrical in the early stages of succession to being more size-asymmetrical as the plant community matures and becomes more structurally diverse.