Life-history strategies of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in relation to their successional dynamics

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are integral components of terrestrial ecosystems. Currently, it is difficult to predict the dynamics of AMF communities, mainly because little is known about AMF life-history strategies. This review provides a theoretical context for AMF community dynamics on a successional time scale, based on differences in AMF life-history strategies. While some studies have examined colonization and persistence behaviors among AMF, these traits have not been examined in the context of life-history strategies for AMF. We propose a model whereby differences in colonizing and persistence strategies among AMF are responsible for AMF succession over time. In our Driver/Passenger hypothesis, we describe two mechanisms for AMF and plant community changes over time. In the Driver hypothesis, interactions within AMF communities are responsible for changes in the plant community over time. In the Passenger hypothesis, AMF community dynamics are a by-product of changes within the plant community. To test these theories, it will be necessary to classify AMF in terms of life-history strategies. Once accomplished, this knowledge will allow landscape managers to have better predictive power when utilizing AMF for ecosystem management.