Before revision:  2. Focusing on interactions between annual and perennial plants, we used a simulation model to investigate how longevity, fecundity, and the competitive ability of seedlings might affect the probability of equilibrium priority effects (alternative stable states) and transient priority effects (alternative transient states). 3. The model suggests that establishment-longevity tradeoff, in which annuals have competitive advantage over perennial seedlings, is a necessary condition for equilibrium priority effects.
After revision:  2. Focusing on interactions between annual and perennial plants, we used a simulation model of plant community assembly. We show that, in this model, the establishment-longevity tradeoff, in which annuals have competitive advantage over perennial seedlings, is a necessary condition for equilibrium priority effects.