Population Dynamics of Primula farinosa subsp. modesta for Matrix Population Model and Integral Projection Model

Abstract

Alpine and sub-alpine regions are known to be preferentially affected by climate change, and are ecosystems containing many endemic plant species in the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, understanding the population dynamics of subalpine plants under climate change is an important conservation study. This study tried to understand the population dynamics by applying two models to Primula farinosa subsp. modesta, which is endemic perennial herb and occurs mainly in open habitats of subalpine areas higher than 1000 m. The matrix population model (MPM) and the integral projection model (IPM) are suitable analysis methods for the study of population dynamics in consideration of the biological mechanism. First, we created transition matrices based on life-stage through the census from 2016 to 2021 for the four sites where the P. farinosa inhabits. Using transition matrices, the population growth rate in each site and elasticity by life-stage were calculated. In addition, the relationship between the contribution of major vital rates to the growth rate and temporal population dynamics was analyzed by life-table response experiment (LTRE) analysis. Second, population dynamics analysis was performed using the integral projection model for the extended investigation area from 2018. We additionally analyzed difference in population growth rates caused by environmental factors and ecological factors within habitats using the integral projection model.