Abstract:Analyzing population structure and spatial patterns of species not only can reveal the dynamic changes and pattern formation mechanism of population,but also can provide the theoretical foundation for local vegetation conservation and restoration.In this study,population structure,life table characteristics and spatial distribution of Acer ginnala population was studied using the life table,size-class structure and survivorship curve.The results showed that:(1)The size-class structure of the population of A.ginnala was a developing population,which majority of the seedling individuals,the saplings and small ones following.On density distribution of size class,the peak appeared in population on DBH<130 cm,after which the density tended to decline.Generally,the density of A.ginnala population decreases gradually with the increases of size class.(2)Within different altitude populations,the population structure was from developing,stability to declining type along the elevation gradient.Life table showed that there was a plenty of seedling individuals in A.ginnala.The peak of mortality rate appeared at different size class in different altitude populations.(3)The survivorship curve of A.ginnala population generally matched a Deevey Type Ⅲ.Except 1 400 m and 1 700 m populations (which matched Deevey Type Ⅲ),other populations’ survivorship curve generally fitted Deevey Type Ⅱ.Spatial distribution patterns of the population differed among growth periods.(4)The distribution pattern was tend to be clumped for seedling,saplings and little tree,but the assemble intensity decreased gradually.Along the elevation gradient,the assemble intensity decreased gradually with the increase of altitude.Overall,there were obvious traits on the life history and spatial structure for A.ginnala.This resulted from A.ginnala’s biological characteristics,abundant seedling resources,microenvironments and interspecies competition.