Theory 21/Temperate Forest/Deer browsing
Regeneration Tips on Browse
The claim
Forest regeneration collapses above a threshold in browse pressure, and the threshold depends on light availability rather than on deer density alone.
01Mechanism
Seedlings need to reach a height escape; browsing holds them below it, and shade makes growth slower and the escape harder.
02Prediction
Regeneration should track the ratio of browse to growth.
03Refutation
Regeneration tracking deer density would remove light.