According to classical exploitation theory, an increase of primary productivity should result in
increased herbivore grazing pressure, thus maintaining a low plant standing crop. However …

Abstract.—Can the evolution of plant defense lead to an optimal primary production? In a
general theoretical model, Loreau (1995) and de Mazancourt et al.(1998, 1999) have shown …

Based on the assumption that each trophic level acts as a single exploitative population, a
model relating the trophic structure of ecosystems to their potential primary productivity is …

We develop a new approach to modeling grazing systems that links foraging characteristics
(intake and digestive constraints) with resource dynamics via the probability of encounter …

We develop a multispecies plant‐herbivore model to explore how plant competition for light
and the selectivity of herbivores affect abundance patterns of plants and herbivores along …

Many laboratory and field studies suggest that heavy grazing decreases plant productivity,
whereas light grazing may promote increases in comparison with ungrazed controls. A …

The functional response as the link between the consumer and its resource is a central issue
in herbivore–vegetation interactions. Vegetation often consists of low and high quality tissue …

We argue that herbivores often induce nonlinear or biphasic growth and development in
plants. Collectively these individual responses translate into a system—level optimization …

In a general theoretical ecosystem model, we investigate the conditions under which
herbivores increase primary production and lead to grazing optimization through recycling of …

The role of grazing by natural herbivores in structuring plant communities in habitats
differing in primary productivity is discussed. It is suggested that natural herbivory is …