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Finnerty PB, Possell M, Banks PB, Orlando CG, Price CJ, Shrader AM, McArthur C. Olfactory misinformation provides refuge to palatable plants from mammalian browsing. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:645-650. [PMID: 38307993 PMCID: PMC11009103 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian herbivores browse palatable plants of ecological and economical value. Undesirable neighbours can reduce browsing to these plants by providing 'associational refuge', but they can also compete for resources. Here we recreated the informative odour emitted by undesirable plants. We then tested whether this odour could act as virtual neighbours, providing browsing refuge to palatable eucalyptus tree seedlings. We found that protection using this method was equivalent to protection provided by real plants. Palatable seedlings were 17-20 times more likely to be eaten by herbivores without virtual, or real, neighbours. Because many herbivores use plant odour to forage, virtual neighbours could provide a useful practical management approach to help protect valued plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B Finnerty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Malcolm Possell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Catherine J Price
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian M Shrader
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Clare McArthur
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Su GF, Chen J, Zhang L. The associational effects of host plant and mistletoe functional traits on leaf herbivory in mistletoe. Oecologia 2024; 204:213-225. [PMID: 38194086 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05508-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Associational effects are a phenomenon in which herbivore damage on co-occurring plant species is influenced by neighboring plants. Mistletoes are a group of shrubs that obtain nutrients from host plants through haustoria. Despite the potential for mistletoe herbivory to be affected by associational effects with their hosts, the effects of host and mistletoe functional traits on mistletoe herbivory have been largely overlooked. This study aimed to evaluate the associational effects of host plants and the direct effects of mistletoe functional traits on mistletoe herbivory. To achieve this, we measured leaf herbivory and leaf traits of three mistletoe species (Dendrophthoe pentandra, Scurrula chingii var. yunnanensis, and Helixanthera parasitica) and their associated 11 host species during both dry and wet seasons. Our results showed that leaf herbivory of D. pentandra and S. chingii var. yunnanensis differed significantly on their respective host species, but H. parasitica did not. The relationships between mistletoe and the paired host herbivory differed between seasons, with a stronger positive relationship observed during the dry season. Furthermore, significant relationships were observed between paired leaf carbon, leaf nitrogen, and condensed tannin in mistletoes and their host plants, indicating that host plants can affect mistletoes' leaf functional traits. A group of mistletoe leaf traits provided significant predictions for leaf herbivory: leaves with higher leaf thickness and leaf total nitrogen showed higher herbivory. Overall, our study reveals that mistletoe leaf herbivory is directly affected by its leaf traits and indirectly affected by host associational effects, primarily through changes in mistletoes' leaf traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Fa Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 65000, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, Yunnan, China.
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3
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Muñoz-Gallego R, Wiegand T, Traveset A, Fedriani JM. Sex-driven neighborhood effects on herbivory in the dioecious Mediterranean palm Chamaerops humilis L. Oecologia 2023; 203:151-165. [PMID: 37794240 PMCID: PMC10615982 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05457-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well recognized that the strength of plant-herbivore interactions can vary with the plant sex, the distance, and the density of conspecific neighbors, no study has yet assessed their combined influence. Here, we filled this knowledge gap by focusing on the dioecious palm Chamaerops humilis L., and its two main herbivores, the invasive moth Paysandisia archon Burmeister and the feral goat Capra hircus L. We evaluated levels and spatial patterns of herbivory, as well as those of plant size and number of inflorescences in two palm populations in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Our spatial point pattern analyses revealed that palms not affected by moth herbivory or goat florivory were spatially aggregated, goats fed more strongly upon inflorescences in palms with more neighbors, but they consumed more leaves in isolated palms. Interestingly, we could reveal for the first time that plant sex is a key plant trait modulating neighborhood effects. For instance, whereas aggregated female palms experienced lower intensity of goat florivory than isolated ones, male palms showed the opposite pattern. Palm size and number of inflorescences also showed sex-related differences, suggesting that sexual dimorphism is a key driver of the observed neighborhood effects on herbivory. Our study highlights the importance of considering relevant plant traits such as sex when investigating plant neighborhood effects, calling for further research to fully understand the dynamics governing plant-herbivore interactions in dioecious systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Muñoz-Gallego
- Global Change Research Group, Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies (IMCDEA, CSIC-UIB), C/ Miquel Marquès, 21, 07190, Esporles, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Thorsten Wiegand
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna Traveset
- Global Change Research Group, Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies (IMCDEA, CSIC-UIB), C/ Miquel Marquès, 21, 07190, Esporles, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Jose M Fedriani
- Desertification Research Centre (CIDE, CSIC), Crta. Moncada-Náquera, Km 4.5, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain.
- Doñana Biological Station (EBD, CSIC), C/Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain.
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4
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Al-Namazi AA, Bonser SP. Island biogeography, competition, and abiotic filtering together control species richness in habitat islands formed by nurse tree canopies in an arid environment. Commun Integr Biol 2022; 15:232-239. [PMID: 36339474 PMCID: PMC9629067 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2022.2139471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of island biogeography predicts that island size is a key predictor of community species richness. Islands can include any habitat surrounded environments that are inhospitable to the resident species. In arid environments, nurse trees act as islands in an environment uninhabitable to many plant species, and the size of the canopy controls the size of the understory plant community. We predicted that plant species richness will be affected by the area of the habitat and decrease with habitat isolation. We sampled the adult and seedling plant communities at canopy center, canopy edge, and outside canopy microhabitats. We found that species richness in both adult and seedling communities increases with increasing island area. However, richness in seedling communities was greater than in adult communities, and this effect was greatest at the canopy center microhabitat. Competition has been demonstrated to be more important in controlling species distributions near the canopy center, and stress is more important near the canopy edge. Thus, our results suggest that neutral forces, biotic interactions, and abiotic filtering act together to control species richness in these island communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A. Al-Namazi
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia,King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,CONTACT Ali A. Al-Namazi Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, SydneyNSW2052, Australia; King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology [KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stephen P. Bonser
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
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5
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Liu OR, Gaines SD. Environmental context dependency in species interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2118539119. [PMID: 36037344 PMCID: PMC9457591 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118539119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological interactions are not uniform across time and can vary with environmental conditions. Yet, interactions among species are often measured with short-term controlled experiments whose outcomes can depend greatly on the particular environmental conditions under which they are performed. As an alternative, we use empirical dynamic modeling to estimate species interactions across a wide range of environmental conditions directly from existing long-term monitoring data. In our case study from a southern California kelp forest, we test whether interactions between multiple kelp and sea urchin species can be reliably reconstructed from time-series data and whether those interactions vary predictably in strength and direction across observed fluctuations in temperature, disturbance, and low-frequency oceanographic regimes. We show that environmental context greatly alters the strength and direction of species interactions. In particular, the state of the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation seems to drive the competitive balance between kelp species, asserting bottom-up control on kelp ecosystem dynamics. We show the importance of specifically studying variation in interaction strength, rather than mean interaction outcomes, when trying to understand the dynamics of complex ecosystems. The significant context dependency in species interactions found in this study argues for a greater utilization of long-term data and empirical dynamic modeling in studies of the dynamics of other ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen R. Liu
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106
| | - Steven D. Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106
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6
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Capó M, Cursach J, Picorelli V, Baraza E, Rita J. Eradication of feral goats, not population control, as a strategy to conserve plant communities on Mediterranean islets. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Rahmanian S, Ejtehadi H, Farzam M, Hejda M, Memariani F, Pyšek P. Does the intensive grazing and aridity change the relations between the dominant shrub Artemisia kopetdaghensis and plants under its canopies? Ecol Evol 2021; 11:14115-14124. [PMID: 34707844 PMCID: PMC8525166 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The interspecific plant interactions along grazing and aridity stress gradients represent a major research issue in plant ecology. However, the combined effects of these two factors on plant-plant interactions have been poorly studied in the northeast of Iran. To fill this knowledge gap, 144 plots were established in 12 study sites with different grazing intensities (high vs. low) and climatic characteristics (arid vs. semiarid) in northeastern Iran. A dominant shrub, Artemisia kopetdaghensis, was selected as the model species. Further, we studied changes in plant life strategies along the combined grazing and aridity stress gradients. In this study, we used relative interaction indices calculated for species richness, Shannon diversity, and species cover to determine plant-plant interactions using linear mixed-effect models (LMM). The indicator species analysis was used to identify the indicator species for the undercanopy of shrub and for the adjacent open areas. The combined effects of grazing and aridity affected the plant-plant interactions and plant life strategies (CSR) of indicator species. A. kopetdaghensis showed the highest facilitation effect under high stress conditions (high grazing, high aridity), which turned into competition under the low stress conditions (low grazing, low aridity). In the arid region, the canopy of the shrub protected ruderals, annual forbs, and grasses in both high and low grazing intensities. In the semiarid region and high grazing intensity (low aridity/high grazing), the shrubs protected mostly perennial forbs with C-strategy. Our findings highlight the importance of context-dependent shrub management to restore the vegetation damaged by the intensive grazing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroor Rahmanian
- Department of BiologyFaculty of SciencesFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Hamid Ejtehadi
- Department of BiologyFaculty of SciencesFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Mohammad Farzam
- Department of Range and Watershed ManagementFaculty of Natural Resources and EnvironmentFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Martin Hejda
- Institute of BotanyDepartment of Invasion EcologyThe Czech Academy of SciencesPrůhoniceCzech Republic
| | - Farshid Memariani
- Department of BotanyResearch Center for Plant SciencesFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
| | - Petr Pyšek
- Institute of BotanyDepartment of Invasion EcologyThe Czech Academy of SciencesPrůhoniceCzech Republic
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8
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Anujan K, Heilpern SA, Prager CM, Weeks BC, Naeem S. Trophic complexity alters the diversity-multifunctionality relationship in experimental grassland mesocosms. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6471-6479. [PMID: 34141232 PMCID: PMC8207441 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant diversity has a positive influence on the number of ecosystem functions maintained simultaneously by a community, or multifunctionality. While the presence of multiple trophic levels beyond plants, or trophic complexity, affects individual functions, the effect of trophic complexity on the diversity-multifunctionality relationship is less well known. To address this issue, we tested whether the independent or simultaneous manipulation of both plant diversity and trophic complexity impacted multifunctionality using a mesocosm experiment from Cedar Creek, Minnesota, USA. Our analyses revealed that neither plant diversity nor trophic complexity had significant effects on single functions, but trophic complexity altered the diversity-multifunctionality relationship in two key ways: It lowered the maximum strength of the diversity-multifunctionality effect, and it shifted the relationship between increasing diversity and multifunctionality from positive to negative at lower function thresholds. Our findings highlight the importance to account for interactions with higher trophic levels, as they can alter the biodiversity effect on multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Anujan
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Sebastian A. Heilpern
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Natural ResourcesCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - Case M. Prager
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVermontUSA
| | - Brian C. Weeks
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
- School for Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Shahid Naeem
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental BiologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
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9
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Génin A, Dutoit T, Danet A, le Priol A, Kéfi S. Grazing and the vanishing complexity of plant association networks in grasslands. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thierry Dutoit
- Avignon Univ., Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, IRD, IMBE Avignon France
| | - Alain Danet
- ISEM, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, EPHE Montpellier France
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Univ. Paris France
| | - Alice le Priol
- ISEM, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, EPHE Montpellier France
| | - Sonia Kéfi
- ISEM, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, EPHE Montpellier France
- Santa Fe Inst. Santa Fe NM USA
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10
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Mitigation of Deer Herbivory in Temperate Hardwood Forest Regeneration: A Meta-Analysis of Research Literature. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11111220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ungulate herbivory poses global challenges to forest regeneration. Deer, in combination with other biotic and abiotic factors, threaten to shift forest composition away from palatable hardwoods, such as oaks (Quercus spp.), and cause regeneration failure in some cases. Many studies have assessed methods to reduce or manage browse, but comprehensive analyses of the relative effectiveness of these techniques among published experiments are lacking. We synthesized the literature describing the results of methods to reduce deer browsing impacts, and assessed the effectiveness of deer browse management methods in controlling damage to hardwood forest regeneration. Specifically, we systematically analyzed results from 99 studies that used repellents, physical barriers, lethal population control, timber harvests, facilitation by neighboring plants, or fertilizer to affect browse, survival, or height growth of hardwood seedlings. Across studies, browse was reduced (mean effect size and confidence intervals) with the following: Fencing −3.17 (CI: −4.00–−1.31), shelters −1.28 (CI: −2.02–−0.67), cages −1.48 (CI: −3.14–−0.62), facilitation from neighboring plants −0.58 (CI: −1.11–−0.13), repellents −0.45 (CI: −0.56–−0.21), hunting −0.99 (CI: −1.51–−0.26). These methods each had positive effects on seedling height growth (except for repellents), and cages, timber harvests, fences, and mesh sleeves had positive effects on survival. Logging slash had no effect on browse incidence (−0.05, CI: −0.97–0.19). Fertilizer applied during seedling establishment increased browse (0.13, CI: 0.11–0.21), and did not affect height growth. We conclude that fences or other physical barriers best control for the effects of deer, but facilitation by surrounding vegetation, logging slash, hunting, habitat management through timber harvest, and certain repellents may also be moderately effective. Discrepancies between browse effectiveness and relative costs suggest that economic analyses should be developed to help to guide prescriptions for management.
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11
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Cock MC, Hierro JL. Plant interactions balance under biotic and abiotic stressors: the importance of herbivory in semi-arid ecosystems. Oecologia 2020; 194:685-694. [PMID: 33094382 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Biotic and abiotic stressors commonly co-occur in plant communities and influence interactions between plants. However, their combined effects on plant interactions have not been widely studied and are still unclear. Here, we assessed the balance of interactions between neighboring plants along a grazing gradient and under two water regimes. We conducted a three-year-field experiment in semi-arid central Argentina with transplants of the dominant palatable grass Piptochaetium napostaense growing in Baccharis ulicina and open microsites across a gradient of grazing pressure. Additionally, we established a water addition treatment along that gradient. We recorded herbivory, size, and fecundity of P. napostaense. During the first two years, P. napostaense was consumed less and was larger below Baccharis than in the open. These differences were greatest under high grazing pressure. Differences in fecundity between microsites were only detected under high and medium grazing pressure in the first two years. In the third year, Baccharis lost their leaves for unclear reasons and provided poor herbivory protection; hence, P. napostaense plants in Baccharis were larger than those in the open only under medium and low grazing pressure, and there were no differences in fecundity between microsites under any grazing condition. Water additions exerted no effect on plant interactions. The balance of interactions changed from positive under heavy grazing to neutral at low and no grazing and water availability did not alter that balance. We conclude that herbivore pressure is an important driver of the balance of plant interactions in semi-arid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Cock
- Laboratorio de Ecología, Biogeografía y Evolución Vegetal (LEByEV), Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa (INCITAP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Mendoza 109, 6300, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina. .,Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNLPam, Uruguay 151, 6300, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina.
| | - José L Hierro
- Laboratorio de Ecología, Biogeografía y Evolución Vegetal (LEByEV), Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa (INCITAP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Mendoza 109, 6300, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNLPam, Uruguay 151, 6300, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
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12
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Dorji T, Facelli JM, Norbu T, Delean S, Brookes JD. Tree shelters facilitate brown oak seedling survival and establishment in a grazing‐dominant forest of Bhutan, Eastern Himalaya. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tshewang Dorji
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research, Conifer Forest Research Sub‐centre, P.O.Box 2049 Thimphu Bhutan
| | - José M. Facelli
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Tshewang Norbu
- Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research, Conifer Forest Research Sub‐centre, P.O.Box 2049 Thimphu Bhutan
| | - Steven Delean
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Justin D. Brookes
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
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13
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Ungulate Species and Abundance as well as Environmental Factors Determine the Probability of Terminal Shoot Browsing on Temperate Forest Trees. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11070764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ungulate browsing is a major factor influencing tree regeneration. However, it is unclear if the observed increase in ungulate abundance in Central Europe implies increased browsing, and which other factors influence the incidence of browsing. We investigated the impact of forty variables (site, climate, forest and ungulates) on the probability of leader shoot browsing of six tree species which are frequent in Switzerland. The analysis was based on a large dataset including 49 monitoring areas, each containing 25–64 circular plots, in which 10 to 130 cm tall seedlings were repeatedly assessed. Browsing probability was estimated for each plot and year by mixed effects logistic regression and used as a response in random forests to disentangle the influence of the explanatory variables. Browsing probability was positively correlated with ungulate density measures (number culled by hunting or found dead) for all six tree species. Where beyond roe deer, some red deer and/or chamois were present, the browsing probability was higher. Small timber tree stands had less browsing than young growth and thicket stands. Seedlings tended to be more frequently browsed in stands with >80% canopy shading. Browsing increased with increasing understory cover, independent of vegetation category. In conclusion, browsing is a multifactorial phenomenon and ungulate density estimates alone do not explain the whole browsing probability.
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14
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Zhang R, Tielbörger K. Density-dependence tips the change of plant-plant interactions under environmental stress. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2532. [PMID: 32439842 PMCID: PMC7242385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Facilitation studies typically compare plants under differential stress levels with and without neighbors, while the density of neighbors has rarely been addressed. However, recent empirical studies indicate that facilitation may be density-dependent too and peak at intermediate neighbor densities. Here, we propose a conceptual model to incorporate density-dependence into theory about changes of plant-plant interactions under stress. To test our predictions, we combine an individual-based model incorporating both facilitative response and effect, with an experiment using salt stress and Arabidopsis thaliana. Theoretical and experimental results are strikingly consistent: (1) the intensity of facilitation peaks at intermediate density, and this peak shifts to higher densities with increasing stress; (2) this shift further modifies the balance between facilitation and competition such that the stress-gradient hypothesis applies only at high densities. Our model suggests that density-dependence must be considered for predicting plant-plant interactions under environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichang Zhang
- Plant Ecology Group, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Katja Tielbörger
- Plant Ecology Group, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
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15
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Guignabert A, Augusto L, Gonzalez M, Chipeaux C, Delerue F. Complex biotic interactions mediated by shrubs: Revisiting the stress‐gradient hypothesis and consequences for tree seedling survival. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurent Augusto
- UMR 1391 ISPA Bordeaux Sciences AgroINRAE Villenave d'Ornon France
| | - Maya Gonzalez
- UMR 1391 ISPA Bordeaux Sciences AgroINRAE Villenave d'Ornon France
| | | | - Florian Delerue
- EA 4592 G&E Bordeaux INP Pessac France
- EA 4592 G&E Univ. Bordeaux Montaigne Pessac France
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16
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Khan N, Jhariya MK, Yadav DK, Banerjee A. Structure, diversity and ecological function of shrub species in an urban setup of Sarguja, Chhattisgarh, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:5418-5432. [PMID: 31848969 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07172-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The vegetation plays important role in urban environment and associated ecology. Urban vegetation experienced various changes due to biotic and natural interference which alter the vegetation structure, function and ecology. The present study deals with the assessment of shrub species structure, diversity, biomass, volume, C storage and CO2 mitigation potential in an urban setup. Total four sites were selected, viz., east, west, north and south directions of Ambikapur City. A sum of eight shrub species representing seven families was recorded in Ambikapur City area. The highest representatives were recorded towards east direction (seven species with six families) and lowest towards south direction (five species with five families). The total density of shrubs ranged between 230 and 570 individual ha- 1 being highest at east direction and least at south direction. The higher diversity was found at east direction. The shrub biomass was ranged between 0.999 and 2.603 t/ha being highest at north direction and lowest at east direction. The shrub volume, C storage and CO2 mitigation values reflected similar trend as in case of shrub biomass. The shrub volume, C stock and CO2 mitigation values were ranged from 0.141 to 0.250 m3/ha, 0.437 to1.132 t/ha and 1.597 to 4.156 t/ha, respectively, among the various sites. The species like Cestrum nocturnum and Nerium oleander are found to be potential in terms of various ecological services such as biomass, C storage and CO2 mitigation in different sites. However, Lantana camara was also found to be potential species under urban setup which can be utilized for its various ecological functions. Further, it was found that the contribution of the non-native species was higher over native species in terms of stand density, basal area, biomass, C stock, volume and CO2 mitigation potential among different study sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Khan
- Department of Farm Forestry, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya, Sarguja, Ambikapur, 497001 (C.G.), India
| | - Manoj Kumar Jhariya
- Department of Farm Forestry, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya, Sarguja, Ambikapur, 497001 (C.G.), India.
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Yadav
- Department of Farm Forestry, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya, Sarguja, Ambikapur, 497001 (C.G.), India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Environmental Science, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya, Sarguja, Ambikapur, 497001 (C.G.), India
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17
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Al-Namazi A. Effects of plant-plant interactions and herbivory on the plant community structure in an arid environment of Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2019; 26:1513-1518. [PMID: 31762619 PMCID: PMC6864212 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently considerable evidence support that plant community structures are driven by plant-plant interactions (e.g., competition and facilitation). In contrast, there is also evidence demonstrating that plant community structure is affected by the impact of consumer pressure (e.g., grazing). In this study, 15 and 10 Acacia gerrardii nurse plants were selected inside and outside Sudyrah natural reserve (protected) area in western Saudi Arabia, respectively. The understory vegetation abundance (e.g. cover and density) was measured among quadrats around the nurse trees in both protected and unprotected areas to examine the impact of grazing and the positive interaction on the understory species. I found that understory vegetation associated with nurse trees (A. gerrardii) has been driven by both the positive impact of nurse plant and the grazing. Although the understory vegetation was positively affected by the impact of facilitation, the composition of such vegetation has been changed due to the impact of herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Al-Namazi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Zamora-Nasca LB, Relva MA, Núñez MA. Ungulate browsing on introduced pines differs between plant communities: Implications for invasion process and management. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía B. Zamora-Nasca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente; CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Quintral 1250 8400 Río Negro Argentina
| | - M. Andrea Relva
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente; CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Quintral 1250 8400 Río Negro Argentina
| | - Martín A. Núñez
- Grupo Ecología de Invasiones; Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente; CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Bariloche Río Negro Argentina
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19
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Coverdale TC, McGeary IJ, O'Connell RD, Palmer TM, Goheen JR, Sankaran M, Augustine DJ, Ford AT, Pringle RM. Strong but opposing effects of associational resistance and susceptibility on defense phenotype in an African savanna plant. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.06644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C. Coverdale
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton Univ USA
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell Univ E429A Corson Hall Ithaca NY 14850 USA
| | - Ian J. McGeary
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton Univ USA
| | - Ryan D. O'Connell
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton Univ USA
- Dept of Biology, Duke Univ USA
| | | | | | - Mahesh Sankaran
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR Bengaluru India
- School of Biology, Univ. of Leeds Leeds UK
| | | | - Adam T. Ford
- Dept of Biology, Univ. of British Columbia – Okanagan Kelowna BC Canada
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20
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Watson LH, Cameron MJ, Iifo F. Elephant herbivory of knob‐thorn (
Senegalia nigrescens
) and ivory palm (
Hyphaene petersiana
) in Bwabwata National Park, Caprivi, Namibia: The role of ivory palm as a biotic refuge. Afr J Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence H. Watson
- Nature Conservation Program Nelson Mandela University George South Africa
| | - Michael J. Cameron
- Nature Conservation Program Nelson Mandela University George South Africa
| | - Fillemon Iifo
- Directorate of Scientific Services – CITES Office Ministry of Environment and Tourism Windhoek Namibia
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21
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Cáceres Y, Schrieber K, Lachmuth S, Auge H, Argibay D, Renison D, Hensen I. Effects of altitude, land use and microsites on early life performance of a high mountain tree: Insights from an in situ sowing experiment. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Cáceres
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Karin Schrieber
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
- Department Chemical Ecology, Faculty of Biology Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
| | - Susanne Lachmuth
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Harald Auge
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
- Department of Community Ecology Helmholtz – Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Daihana Argibay
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas Centro de Ecología y Recursos Naturales Renovables (CONICET – Universidad Nacional de Córdoba) Córdoba Argentina
| | - Daniel Renison
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas Centro de Ecología y Recursos Naturales Renovables (CONICET – Universidad Nacional de Córdoba) Córdoba Argentina
| | - Isabell Hensen
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
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22
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Zhang R, Tielbörger K. Facilitation from an intraspecific perspective - stress tolerance determines facilitative effect and response in plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 221:2203-2212. [PMID: 30298569 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plant-plant interactions are reciprocal and include effects on and response to neighbours. Distinct traits confer competitive effect and response ability, but how specific traits determine effect and response in facilitative interactions has not been studied experimentally. We utilized the model species Arabidopsis thaliana to test for trait dependence of facilitative interactions. Salt-sensitive (sos) mutants or salt-tolerant wild-types were exposed to an experimental salinity gradient with and without intraspecific neighbours and the intensity of plant-plant interactions was measured for three performance variables. We tested whether salt tolerance can predict facilitative effect and response and whether a tradeoff exists between competitive ability and tolerance to stress. Interactions shifted very clearly from negative to positive with increasing stress. Salt-sensitive genotypes were less negatively affected by competition but more dependent on facilitation than were wild-types, indicating a tradeoff between competitive ability and stress tolerance. Surprisingly, sensitive genotypes imposed stronger facilitative effects, despite being much smaller under stress, probably because they retrieved more salt from the soil. Stress tolerance defined facilitative effect and response via distinct mechanisms. We advocate more controlled experiments with model species to advance our understanding of the trait dependence of biotic interactions and their consequences for community organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichang Zhang
- Plant Ecology Group, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katja Tielbörger
- Plant Ecology Group, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany
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23
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Wenninger A, Hollingsworth T, Wagner D. Predatory hymenopteran assemblages in boreal Alaska: associations with forest composition and post-fire succession. ECOSCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/11956860.2018.1564484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Wenninger
- Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Teresa Hollingsworth
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Diane Wagner
- Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
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24
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Molina-Venegas R, Llorente-Culebras S, Ruiz-Benito P, Rodríguez MA. Evolutionary history predicts the response of tree species to forest loss: A case study in peninsular Spain. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204365. [PMID: 30235313 PMCID: PMC6147707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary history can explain species resemblance to a large extent. Thus, if closely related species share combinations of traits that modulate their response to environmental changes, then phylogeny could predict species sensitivity to novel stressors such as increased levels of deforestation. To test this hypothesis, we used 66,949 plots (25-m-radius) of the Spanish National Forest Inventory and modelled the relationships between local (plot-level) stem density of 61 Holarctic tree species and forest canopy cover measured at local and landscape scales (concentric circles centred on the plots with radiuses of 1.6, 3.2 and 6.4 km, respectively). Then, we used the output model equations to estimate the probability of occurrence of the species as a function of forest canopy cover (i.e. response to forest loss), and quantified the phylogenetic signal in their responses using a molecular phylogeny. Most species showed a lower probability of occurrence when forest canopy cover in the plots (local scale) was low. However, the probability of occurrence of many species increased when forest canopy cover decreased across landscape scales. We detected a strong phylogenetic signal in species response to forest loss at local and small landscape (1.6 km) scales. However, phylogenetic signal was weak and non-significant at intermediate (3.2 km) and large (6.4 km) landscape scales. Our results suggest that phylogenetic information could be used to prioritize forested areas for conservation, since evolutionary history may largely determine species response to forest loss. As such, phylogenetically diverse forests might ensure contrasted responses to deforestation, and thus less abrupt reductions in the abundances of the constituent species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paloma Ruiz-Benito
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Huang Y, Wang L, Wang D, Zeng DH, Li Y, Liu J, Wang Y. Foraging responses of sheep to plant spatial micro-patterns can cause diverse associational effects of focal plant at individual and population levels. J Anim Ecol 2018; 87:863-873. [PMID: 29430651 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple-scale foraging decisions by large herbivores can cause associational effects of focal plant individuals neighboured with different species. Spatial micro-patterns between the focal plant and its neighbouring species within patches can affect herbivore foraging selectivity at within- and between-patch scales, which may consequently lead to associational plant effects occurring at both plant individual and population levels. However, these associational effects have not been explored together in the plant-herbivore interaction studies. We aim to evaluate how plant spatial micro-pattern within different quality patches mediate herbivore foraging selectivity, thereby affecting the associational effects of focal plant individuals and population. Using sheep as the model herbivore and a medium preferred species as the focal plant, we conducted a manipulative experiment by allowing sheep grazing freely among three different quality patches, each of which consisted of preferred, unpreferred and focal plant species with different abundances forming spatially aggregated or dispersed micro-patterns. Results showed that, compared with the aggregated plant micro-pattern, dispersed plant micro-patterns within different quality patches increased sheep within-patch selectivity, and caused diverse associational effects of focal plant individuals. Focal plant individuals experienced neighbour contrast defence (i.e. got protection in the high quality patch) and associational defence (i.e. got protection in the low quality patch), respectively, when plants distributed dispersedly in the low and high quality patch. Focal plant individuals simultaneously experienced associational susceptibility (i.e. got damage in the high quality patch) and neighbour contrast susceptibility (i.e. got damage in the low quality patch) when plants distributed dispersedly in the medium quality patch. Furthermore, dispersed plant micro-patterns reduced sheep foraging selectivity between patches, and led to a lower consumption of focal plant population compared with the aggregated plant micro-pattern. Herbivores adopt different within- and between-patch foraging decisions to maintain a high intake of the preferred species in response to various plant micro-patterns, and consequently cause diverse associational effects of both focal plant individuals and population. These associational effects have important implications for understanding the species coexistence and plant community assembly in the grazing ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- Key Laboratory of Forest and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Deli Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - De-Hui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Forest and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yexing Li
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Ministry of Education, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Liu
- College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
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26
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Lucero JE, Callaway RM. Granivory from native rodents and competition from an exotic invader strongly and equally limit the establishment of native grasses. Oecologia 2018; 186:1043-1053. [PMID: 29423753 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seed predation and resource competition are fundamental biotic filters that affect the assembly of plant communities, yet empirical studies rarely assess their importance relative to one another. Here, we used rodent exclosures and experimental seed additions to compare how rodent granivory and resource competition affected the net establishment of an exotic invader (Bromus tectorum) and two native bunchgrasses (Pseudoroegneria spicata and Elymus elymoides) in the Great Basin Desert, USA. Rodent granivory limited the establishment of both native grasses, but had no significant effect on B. tectorum. Competition from B. tectorum limited the establishment of both native grasses, but neither native grass imposed a significant competitive effect on B. tectorum. Interestingly, we found that rodent granivory and B. tectorum competition limited the establishment of native grasses to the same extent, suggesting that these biotic interactions may impose equally important barriers to the local establishment of P. spicata and E. elymoides. By evaluating the strength of multiple biotic interactions in simultaneous, coordinated experiments, we can understand their relative contributions to community-level patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Lucero
- Division of Biological Sciences and the Institute on Ecosystems, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.
| | - Ragan M Callaway
- Division of Biological Sciences and the Institute on Ecosystems, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
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27
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Heroy KY, St Clair SB, Burritt EA, Villalba JJ. Plant Community Chemical Composition Influences Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Intake by Sheep. J Chem Ecol 2017; 43:817-830. [PMID: 28744731 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-017-0872-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nutrients and plant secondary compounds in aspen (Populus tremuloides) may interact with nutrients in the surrounding vegetation to influence aspen use by herbivores. Thus, this study aimed to determine aspen intake and preference by sheep in response to supplementary nutrients or plant secondary compounds (PSC) present in aspen trees. Thirty-two lambs were randomly assigned to one of four molasses-based supplementary feeds to a basal diet of tall fescue hay (N = 8) during three experiments. The supplements were as follows: (1) high-protein (60% canola meal), (2) a PSC (6% quebracho tannins), (3) 25% aspen bark, and (4) control (100% molasses). Supplements were fed from 0700 to 0900, then lambs were fed fresh aspen leaves collected from stands containing high (Experiment 1, 2) or low (Experiment 3) concentrations of phenolic glycosides (PG). In Experiment 2, lambs were simultaneously offered aspen, a forb (Lathyrus pauciflorus), and a grass (Bromus inermis) collected from the aspen understory. Animals supplemented with high protein or tannins showed greater intake of aspen leaves than animals supplemented with bark or the control diet (P < 0.05), likely because some condensed tannins have a positive effect on protein nutrition and protein aids in PSC detoxification. Overall, animals supplemented with bark showed the lowest aspen intake, suggesting PSC in bark and aspen leaves had additive inhibitory effects on intake. In summary, these results suggest that not only the concentration but also the types and proportions of nutrients and chemical defenses available in the plant community influence aspen use by herbivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Y Heroy
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, 84322-5230, USA.
| | - Samuel B St Clair
- Department of Plant & Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Burritt
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, 84322-5230, USA
| | - Juan J Villalba
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, 84322-5230, USA
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28
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Predation on Early Recruitment in Mediterranean Forests after Prescribed Fires. FORESTS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/f8070243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Hahn PG, Orrock JL. Neighbor palatability generates associational effects by altering herbivore foraging behavior. Ecology 2016; 97:2103-2111. [PMID: 27859184 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip G. Hahn
- Department of Zoology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin 53706 USA
| | - John L. Orrock
- Department of Zoology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin 53706 USA
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30
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Champagne E, Tremblay J, Côté SD. Spatial extent of neighboring plants influences the strength of associational effects on mammal herbivory. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Champagne
- Département de Biologie & Centre d’études NordiquesUniversité Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Jean‐Pierre Tremblay
- Département de Biologie & Centre d’études NordiquesUniversité Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
- Centre d’étude de la forêtUniversité Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Steeve D. Côté
- Département de Biologie & Centre d’études NordiquesUniversité Laval Québec Québec G1V 0A6 Canada
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31
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Surrounding vegetation mediates frequency of plant–herbivore interactions in leaf-feeders but not in other herbivore groups. Basic Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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32
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Verschut TA, Becher PG, Anderson P, Hambäck PA. Disentangling associational effects: both resource density and resource frequency affect search behaviour in complex environments. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Verschut
- Department of Ecology Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University 106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Paul G. Becher
- Department of Plant Protection Biology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 102 230 53 Alnarp Sweden
| | - Peter Anderson
- Department of Plant Protection Biology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 102 230 53 Alnarp Sweden
| | - Peter A. Hambäck
- Department of Ecology Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University 106 91 Stockholm Sweden
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33
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Huang Y, Wang L, Wang D, Zeng DH, Liu C. How does the foraging behavior of large herbivores cause different associational plant defenses? Sci Rep 2016; 6:20561. [PMID: 26847834 PMCID: PMC4742796 DOI: 10.1038/srep20561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The attractant-decoy hypothesis predicts that focal plants can defend against herbivory by neighboring with preferred plant species when herbivores make decisions at the plant species scale. The repellent-plant hypothesis assumes that focal plants will gain protection by associating with nonpreferred neighbors when herbivores are selective at the patch scale. However, herbivores usually make foraging decisions at these scales simultaneously. The net outcomes of the focal plant vulnerability could depend on the spatial scale at which the magnitude of selectivity by the herbivores is stronger. We quantified and compared the within- and between-patch overall selectivity index (OSI) of sheep to examine the relationships between associational plant effects and herbivore foraging selectivity. We found that the sheep OSI was stronger at the within- than the between-patch scale, but focal plant vulnerability followed both hypotheses. Focal plants defended herbivory with preferred neighbors when the OSI difference between the two scales was large. Focal plants gained protection with nonpreferred neighbors when the OSI difference was narrowed. Therefore, the difference in selectivity by the herbivores between the relevant scales results in different associational plant defenses. Our study suggests important implications for understanding plant-herbivore interactions and grassland management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, 5268 Renmin St., Changchun 130024, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Forest and Soil Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, P.R. China
| | - Ling Wang
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, 5268 Renmin St., Changchun 130024, P.R. China
| | - Deli Wang
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, 5268 Renmin St., Changchun 130024, P.R. China
| | - De-Hui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Forest and Soil Ecology, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, P.R. China
| | - Chen Liu
- Northwest Polytechnical University, Centre for Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an, 710072, P.R. China
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34
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Schneider FD, Kéfi S. Spatially heterogeneous pressure raises risk of catastrophic shifts. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12080-015-0289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Baraza E, Zamora R, Hódar JA. Species-specific responses of tree saplings to herbivory in contrasting light environments: An experimental approach. ECOSCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.2980/17-2-3286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Holthuijzen MF, Veblen KE. Grass-Shrub Associations over a Precipitation Gradient and Their Implications for Restoration in the Great Basin, USA. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143170. [PMID: 26625156 PMCID: PMC4666403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As environmental stress increases positive (facilitative) plant interactions often predominate. Plant-plant associations (or lack thereof) can indicate whether certain plant species favor particular types of microsites (e.g., shrub canopies or plant-free interspaces) and can provide valuable insights into whether "nurse plants" will contribute to seeding or planting success during ecological restoration. It can be difficult, however, to anticipate how relationships between nurse plants and plants used for restoration may change over large-ranging, regional stress gradients. We investigated associations between the shrub, Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis), and three common native grasses (Poa secunda, Elymus elymoides, and Pseudoroegneria spicata), representing short-, medium-, and deep-rooted growth forms, respectively, across an annual rainfall gradient (220-350 mm) in the Great Basin, USA. We hypothesized that positive shrub-grass relationships would become more frequent at lower rainfall levels, as indicated by greater cover of grasses in shrub canopies than vegetation-free interspaces. We sampled aerial cover, density, height, basal width, grazing status, and reproductive status of perennial grasses in canopies and interspaces of 25-33 sagebrush individuals at 32 sites along a rainfall gradient. We found that aerial cover of the shallow rooted grass, P. secunda, was higher in sagebrush canopy than interspace microsites at lower levels of rainfall. Cover and density of the medium-rooted grass, E. elymoides were higher in sagebrush canopies than interspaces at all but the highest rainfall levels. Neither annual rainfall nor sagebrush canopy microsite significantly affected P. spicata cover. E. elymoides and P. spicata plants were taller, narrower, and less likely to be grazed in shrub canopy microsites than interspaces. Our results suggest that exploring sagebrush canopy microsites for restoration of native perennial grasses might improve plant establishment, growth, or survival (or some combination thereof), particularly in drier areas. We suggest that land managers consider the nurse plant approach as a way to increase perennial grass abundance in the Great Basin. Controlled experimentation will provide further insights into the life stage-specific effectiveness and practicality of a nurse plant approach for ecological restoration in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike F. Holthuijzen
- Dept. of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kari E. Veblen
- Dept. of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Stutz RS, Banks PB, Dexter N, McArthur C. Herbivore search behaviour drives associational plant refuge. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fleury M, Marcelo W, Vásquez RA, González LA, Bustamante RO. Recruitment Dynamics of the Relict Palm, Jubaea chilensis: Intricate and Pervasive Effects of Invasive Herbivores and Nurse Shrubs in Central Chile. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26218100 PMCID: PMC4517911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Shrubs can have a net positive effect on the recruitment of other species, especially relict species in dry-stressful conditions. We tested the effects of nurse shrubs and herbivory defoliation on performance (survival and growth) of nursery-grown seedlings of the largest living palm, the relict wine palm Jubaea chilensis. During an 18-month period, a total of more than 300 seedlings were exposed to of four possible scenarios produced by independently weakening the effects of nurse shrubs and browsers. The experiment followed a two-way fully factorial design. We found consistent differences in survival between protected and unprotected seedlings (27.5% and 0.7%, respectively), and herbivory had a dramatic and overwhelmingly negative effect on seedling survival. The invasive rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is clearly creating a critical bottleneck in the regeneration process and might, therefore, partially explain the general lack of natural regeneration of wine palms under natural conditions. Apparently biotic filters mediated by ecological interactions are more relevant in the early stages of recruitment than abiotic, at least in invaded sites of central Chile. Our data reveal that plant-plant facilitation relationship may be modulated by plant-animal interactions, specifically by herbivory, a common and widespread ecological interaction in arid and semi-arid environments whose role has been frequently neglected. Treatments that protect young wine palm seedlings are mandatory to enable the seedlings to attain a height at which shoots are no longer vulnerable to browsing. Such protection is an essential first step toward the conservation and reintroduction of this emblematic and threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Fleury
- Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y de la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
| | - Wara Marcelo
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A. Vásquez
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Alberto González
- Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y de la Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramiro O. Bustamante
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Ginane C, Manuelian CL, Dumont B. Sheep herbivory within grassland patches: The potential cost of food item discrimination. Basic Appl Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Tálamo A, Barchuk AH, Garibaldi LA, Trucco CE, Cardozo S, Mohr F. Disentangling the effects of shrubs and herbivores on tree regeneration in a dry Chaco forest (Argentina). Oecologia 2015; 178:847-54. [PMID: 25707777 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Successful persistence of dry forests depends on tree regeneration, which depends on a balance of complex biotic interactions. In particular, the relative importance and interactive effects of shrubs and herbivores on tree regeneration are unclear. In a manipulative study, we investigated if thornless shrubs have a direct net effect, an indirect positive effect mediated by livestock, and/or an indirect negative effect mediated by small vertebrates on tree regeneration of two key species of Chaco forest (Argentina). In a spatial association study, we also explored the existence of net positive interactions from thorny and thornless shrubs. The number of Schinopsis lorentzii seedlings was highest under artificial shade with native herbivores and livestock excluded. Even excluding livestock, no seedlings were found with natural conditions (native herbivores present with natural shade or direct sunlight) at the end of the experiment. Surprisingly, seedling recruitment was not enhanced under thornless shrubs, because there was a complementary positive effect of shade and interference. Moreover, thornless shrubs had neither positive nor negative effects on regeneration of S. lorentzii. Regeneration of Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco was minimal in all treatments. In agreement with the experiment, spatial distributions of saplings of both tree species were independent of thornless shrubs, but positively associated with thorny shrubs. Our results suggest that in general thornless shrubs may have a negligible effect and thorny shrubs a net positive effect on tree regeneration in dry forests. These findings provide a conceptual framework for testing the impact of biotic interactions on seedling recruitment in other dry forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tálamo
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del Noroeste Argentino (IBIGEO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa), Mendoza 2, CP 4400, Salta, Salta Capital, Argentina,
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Tálamo A, Barchuk A, Cardozo S, Trucco C, MarÁs G, Trigo C. Directversusindirect facilitation (herbivore mediated) among woody plants in a semiarid Chaco forest: A spatial association approach. AUSTRAL ECOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tálamo
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO); Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Salta Avenida Bolivia 5150, CP 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Alicia Barchuk
- Ecología Agrícola; Facultad de Cs. Agropecuarias; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Córdoba Argentina
| | - Silvana Cardozo
- Facultad de Cs. Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Salta; Salta
| | - Carlos Trucco
- Facultad de Cs. Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Salta; Salta
| | - Gustavo MarÁs
- Facultad de Cs. Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Salta; Salta
| | - Carolina Trigo
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA (IBIGEO); Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; Universidad Nacional de Salta - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Salta Avenida Bolivia 5150, CP 4400, Salta, Argentina
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Occurrence patterns of facilitation by shade along a water gradient are mediated by species traits. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Macias D, Mazía N, Jacobo E. Grazing and neighborhood interactions limit woody encroachment in wet subtropical savannas. Basic Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Gong B, Zhang G. Interactions between plants and herbivores: A review of plant defense. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chnaes.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Stutz RS, Banks PB, Dexter N, McArthur C. Associational refuge in practice: can existing vegetation facilitate woodland restoration? OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Stutz
- School of Biological Sciences, The Univ. of Sydney; Camperdown, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Peter B. Banks
- School of Biological Sciences, The Univ. of Sydney; Camperdown, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Nicholas Dexter
- Booderee National Park; Village Road, Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay Territory 2540 Australia
| | - Clare McArthur
- School of Biological Sciences, The Univ. of Sydney; Camperdown, New South Wales 2006 Australia
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Hahn PG, Orrock JL. Land-use legacies and present fire regimes interact to mediate herbivory by altering the neighboring plant community. OIKOS 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.01445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip G. Hahn
- Dept of Zoology; Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison WI 53706 USA
| | - John L. Orrock
- Dept of Zoology; Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison WI 53706 USA
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Zamora R, Matías L. Seed dispersers, seed predators, and browsers act synergistically as biotic filters in a mosaic landscape. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107385. [PMID: 25233342 PMCID: PMC4169421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we analize the functional influence of animals on the plants they interact with in a mediterranean mountain. We hypothesise that seed dispersers, seed predators, and browsers can act as biotic filters for plant communities. We analyse the combined effects of mutualistic (seed dispersal) and antagonistic (seed predation, herbivory) animal interactions in a mosaic landscape of Mediterranean mountains, basing our results on observational and experimental field. Most of the dispersed seeds came from tree species, whereas the population of saplings was composed predominantly of zoochorous shrub species. Seed predators preferentially consumed seeds from tree species, whereas seeds from the dominant fleshy-fruited shrubs had a higher probability of escaping these predators. The same pattern was repeated among the different landscape units by browsers, since they browsed selectively and far more intensely on tree-species saplings than on the surrounding shrubs. In synthesis, our work identifies the major biotic processes that appear to be favoring a community dominated by shrubs versus trees because seed dispersers, predators, and herbivores together favored shrub dispersal and establishment versus trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regino Zamora
- Grupo de Ecología Terrestre, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Luis Matías
- Grupo de Ecología Terrestre, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Saiz H, Alados CL. Effect of livestock grazing in the partitions of a semiarid plant–plant spatial signed network. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Cornelissen P, Gresnigt MC, Vermeulen RA, Bokdam J, Smit R. Transition of a Sambucus nigra L. dominated woody vegetation into grassland by a multi-species herbivore assemblage. J Nat Conserv 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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