An Individual-Based Model of the Red Alga Agarophyton chilense Unravels the Complex Demography of Its Intertidal Stands

Algal demographic models have been developed mainly to study their life cycle evolution or optimize commercial exploitation. Most commonly, structured-aggregated population simulate the main stages considering fertility, growth and survival. Their coarse resolution results in weak predictive abilities since neglected details may still impact whole. In our case, we need a model of Agarophyton chilense natural intertidal populations that unravels complex demography isomorphic biphasic cycles be further used for: (i) introduction genetics, aimed at studying evolutionary stability cycles, (ii) optimizing exploitation, (iii) adaptation for other species. Long-term monitoring yield 6,066 individual observations 40 observations. For holistic perspective, an Individual-Based Model (IBM) ploidy stage, sex holdfast age survival, frond size, breakage, fecundity, spore stand biomass, location season. The IBM was calibrated validated comparing observed estimated sizes abundances gametophyte males, females tetrasporophytes, haploid:dipoid ratio (known as H:D G:T), fecundity recruitment. replicated well respective properties, processes such winter competition light, self-thinning, summer stress from desiccation, breakage re-growth, different niche occupation by haploids diploids. Its success depended on simulating with precision holdfasts’ dynamics. Because “details” often occur reduced number individuals, inferring about them required going beyond statistically significant evidences integrating these parameter calibration maximized fit. On average, haploid-dominated (H:D > 1). locations stressed slightly biased toward diploids younger individuals due superior germination survival diploid sporelings. permanently submerged rock pools older haploid adults. application demonstrated conditional differentiation among responsible differential occupation, which, its turn, has argued driver cycles.