Computer simulations support a core prediction of a contentious plant model

Abstract

• Premise of the study: An overarching but vigorously debated plant model proposed by the West, Brown, Enquist (WBE) theory predicts the scaling relationships for numerous botanical phenomena. However, few studies have evaluated this model' s basic assumptions, one of which is that natural selection has resulted in hierarchal networks that minimize the energy required to distribute nutrients internally and have thus produced highly efficient organisms. • Methods: If these core assumptions are correct, an "idealized" plant complying with all of the scaling relationships emerging from the WBE plant model should rapidly outcompete other plants, even those that differ slightly from it. To test this reasoning, a computer model was used to simulate competition between an idealized WBE plant, a generic "average" angiosperm (GA), and one of seven variants of the idealized WBE plant, each being similar to the GA in one of the GA's scaling parameters. • Key results: Replicate simulations show that the idealized WBE plant rapidly outcompetes all other plants under light-shade and open-field conditions. However, changing only one of the WBE' s scaling parameters results in death or in the coexistence of WBE and GA plants. • Conclusions: These simulations support a core assumption of the WBE plant model and suggest why this idealized plant has not evolved. © 2012 Botanical Society of America.