Before revision:  However , the conditions under which these priority effects occur remain unknown. Using a simple simulation model , we show that long-term (equilibrium ) priority effects are possible only when the plants have low fecundity and show an establishment-longevity tradeoff, with annuals having competitive advantage over perennial seedlings .
After revision:  However , the conditions under which these priority effects remain unclear. 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, with annuals having competitive advantage over perennial seedlings .