The Define Size Class interface allows users to add, remove, and set a lower limit for size classes of communities listed in the Communities table (Figure). Communities often have multiple size classes to allow for characteristics and rules to be applied per community-class, or comm:class for short. The Size Class Lower Limit values are entered in terms of community units and establish boundaries between classes. New recruits begin at the lower limit of the lowest size class. Size cannot be smaller than the lower limit of the lowest size class. Size increases via growth and consumption. When size overtakes a size class lower limit that has not been reached before, the community at that location graduates to the corresponding class and any community-class characteristics and rules are applied accordingly. Communities do not regress or “down-graduate” when their size is reduced through dynamics like stress or browsing.
Figure. Communities can have multiple size classes.
