Population structure and spatial pattern analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus aquifolioides</Emphasis> on Sejila Mountain,Tibet, China

Understanding population structure provides basic ecological data related to species and ecosystems. Our objective was to understand the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of Quercus aquifolioides populations. Using a 1 ha permanent sample plot data for Q. aquifolioides on Sejila Mountain, Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibet), China, we analyzed the population structure of Q. aquifolioides by combining data for diameter class, static life table and survival curve. Simultaneously, the spatial distribution of Q. aquifolioides was studied using Ripley’s L Function in point pattern analysis. The results showed: (1) Individuals in Q. aquifolioides populations were mainly aggregated in the youngest age classes, that accounted for 94.3% of the individuals; the older age classes had much smaller populations. Although the youngest age classes (Classes I and II) had fewer individuals than Class III, the total number of individuals in classes I and II was also greater than in classes IV to IX. In terms of tree height, few saplings, more medium-sized saplings and few large-sized trees were found. The diameter class structure of Q. aquifolioides populations formed an atypical ‘pyramid’ type; the population was expanding, but growth was limited, tending toward a stable population. (2) Mortality of Q. aquifolioides increased continuously with age; life expectancy decreased over time, and the survivorship curve was close to a Deevey I curve. (3) The spatial distribution pattern of Q. aquifolioides varied widely across different developmental stages. Saplings and medium-sized tree showed aggregated distributions at the scales of 0–33 m and 0–29 m, respectively. The aggregation intensities of saplings and medium-sized trees at small scales were significantly stronger than that of large-sized trees. However, large-sized trees showed a random distribution at most scales. (4) No correlation was observed among saplings, medium- and large-sized trees at small scales, while a significant and negative association was observed as the scale increased. Strong competition was found among saplings, medium- and large-sized trees, while no significant association was observed between medium- and large-sized trees at all scales. Biotic interactions and local ecological characteristics influenced the spatial distribution pattern of Q. aquifolioides populations most strongly.