The theory of forest gap dynamics predicts that species which can most fully use the new light environment of a gap will become the replacement individuals. When a gap is created, as when a tree falls, all seedlings in the existing regeneration layer theoretically have an equal opportunity to become the next canopy individual in the new gap environment. However, the loss of a single canopy individual frequently begins a short-term process whereby the gap slowly enlarges as a result of damage to canopy trees bordering the gap. As this happens the light environment changes. Species better able to acclimate to high light will have a competitive advantage.

Along the Coosawhatchie River in South Carolina, laurel oak was the dominant tree species in both the canopy and advance regeneration layer. The canopy was manipulated to address the following question: