Mathematical Approaches to the Analysis
of the SpatialAge Structures of Tussock Herb Species

M. B. Fardeeva, N. A. Chizhikova, N. V. Biryuchevskaya,
T. V. Rogova, and A. A. Savel’ev

Kazan State University, ul. Kremlevskaya 18, Kazan, 420008 Tatarstan, Russia

e-mail: chizhikova_n@rambler.ru

Received February 7, 2008

Abstract—Some up-to-date methods of analysis of the spatial and age structures of populations, including
local population density maps and Ripley’s functions, are described using 20 cenopopulations (CPs) of Adonis
vernalis L. as an example. Pregenerative plants have been found to be the most contagious, irrespective of cli-
matic and phytocenotic conditions and land use type. The spatial distribution pattern and structure of A. vernalis
are mainly determined by generative plants forming a tussock, irrespective of the climate and vegetation type.
This is explained by higher competitiveness of generative plants, which results in a reduced vegetation density
at small distances from them (25–50 cm). Within wider areas, plant distribution may be random due to unifor-
mity of local conditions in microhabitats. The formation of distinct plant aggregations is accounted for by insuf-
ficient water supply and the intensity and type of anthropogenic impact.

DOI: 10.1134/S106741360904002X

Key words: Adonis vernalis L., cenopopulation, spatial–age structure, local population density map, Ripley’s
function.

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