Advances in restoration ecology: rising to the challenges of the coming decades

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2015, Volume and Issue: 6(8), P. 1 - 25

Published: Aug. 1, 2015

Simultaneous environmental changes challenge biodiversity persistence and human wellbeing. The science practice of restoration ecology, in collaboration with other disciplines, can contribute to overcoming these challenges. This endeavor requires a solid conceptual foundation based empirical research which confronts, tests influences theoretical developments. We review developments ecology over the last 30 years. frame our context changing goals reflect increased societal awareness scale degradation recognition that inter‐disciplinary approaches are needed tackle problems. Restoration now encompasses facilitative interactions network dynamics, trophic cascades, above‐ belowground linkages. It operates non‐equilibrium, alternative states framework, at landscape scale, response environmental, economic social conditions. Progress has been marked by advances fields trait‐environment relationships, community assembly, understanding links between ecosystem functioning. Conceptual practical have enhanced applying evolving technologies, including treatments increase seed germination overcome recruitment bottlenecks, high throughput DNA sequencing elucidate soil structure function, satellite technology GPS tracking monitor habitat use. synthesis technologies systematic reviews dependencies success, model analyses consideration complex socio‐ecological systems will allow generalizations inform evidence interventions. Ongoing challenges include setting realistic, socially acceptable for under conditions, prioritizing actions an increasingly space‐competitive world. Ethical questions also surround use genetically modified material, translocations, taxon substitutions, de‐extinction, ecology. Addressing issues, as Ecological Society America looks its next century, require current future generations researchers practitioners, economists, engineers, philosophers, architects, scientists ecologists, work together communities governments rise coming decades.

Language: Английский

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Regeneration: an overlooked aspect of trait‐based plant community assembly models

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 104(5), P. 1284 - 1298

Published: May 24, 2016

Summary Despite the disproportionate influence that propagule production, dispersal, seed‐to‐seedling recruitment and vegetative reproduction can have on plant population community dynamics, progress has been slow in directed collection of regeneration traits to inform assembly outcomes. While seed mass is globally available linked growth reproductive output, there are limits its explanatory ability. In this essay, we call for expanded efforts integrate a more diverse set into models. First, extend an existing framework conceptualize as series transitional processes whose outcomes influenced by abiotic filters, biotic interactions species traits. We then briefly review literature, highlighting filters demonstrated or theorized importance each transition. Finally, place context emerging modelling approaches trait‐based assembly, summarizing key areas needed these efforts. Synthesis . By incorporating influential empirical studies global data bases, begin disentangle regenerative mechanisms underlying enhance rapidly developing models species’ abundances, distributions responses environmental change.

Language: Английский

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Rainfall variability maintains grass‐forb species coexistence

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 22(10), P. 1658 - 1667

Published: July 12, 2019

Environmental variability can structure species coexistence by enhancing niche partitioning. Modern theory highlights two fluctuation-dependent temporal mechanisms -the storage effect and relative nonlinearity - but empirical tests are rare. Here, we experimentally test if environmental fluctuations enhance in a California annual grassland. We manipulate rainfall timing densities of the grass Avena barbata forb Erodium botrys, parameterise demographic model, partition mechanisms. Rainfall was integral to grass-forb coexistence. Variability enhanced growth rates both species, early-season drought essential for persistence. While theoretical developments have focused on effect, it not critical In comparison, strongly stabilised coexistence, where experienced disproportionately high under due competitive release from Avena. Our results underscore importance suggest that is underappreciated mechanism.

Language: Английский

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Seedling root responses to soil moisture and the identification of a belowground trait spectrum across three growth forms

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 210(3), P. 827 - 838

Published: Jan. 14, 2016

Root trait variation and plasticity could be key factors differentiating plant performance under drought. However, water manipulation root measurements are rarely coupled empirically across growth forms to identify whether belowground strategies generalizable species. We measured seedling traits three moisture levels in 18 Mediterranean forbs, grasses, woody Drought increased the mass fraction (RMF) decreased relative proportion of thin roots (indicated by diameters specific length (SRL)), rates elongation growth, nitrogen uptake, growth. Although responses varied species, was not associated with form. Woody species differed from forbs grasses many traits, but herbaceous groups were similar. Across treatments, correlations suggested a single spectrum trade-offs related resource acquisition While effects SRL RMF on shifted drought, rate consistently represented this spectrum. demonstrate that general patterns morphology identifiable diverse should enhance our understanding strategy forms, it will critical incorporate additional aspects function into these efforts.

Language: Английский

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Trait–environment interactions affect plant establishment success during restoration

Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 101(3)

Published: Jan. 14, 2020

Abstract Establishment and persistence are central to community assembly determined by how traits interact with the environment determine performance (trait–environment interactions). Community studies have rarely considered such trait–environment interactions, however, which can lead incorrect inferences about affect assembly. We evaluated functional traits, environmental conditions, interactions structure plant establishment, as a measure of performance. Within 12 prairie restorations created sowing 70 species, we quantified conditions counted individuals each seeded species quantify first‐year establishment. Three structured Leaf nitrogen interacted herbivore pressure, low leaf established relatively better under higher herbivory than high nitrogen. Soil moisture root mass fraction (RMF), low‐RMF establishing soil higher‐RMF on wetter soils. Specific area (SLA) light availability, low‐SLA high‐SLA conditions. Our work illustrates be described correlating or This knowledge assist selection maximize restoration success.

Language: Английский

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Need to Seed? Ecological, Genetic, and Evolutionary Keys to Seed-Based Wetland Restoration

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 8

Published: Aug. 18, 2020

As we approach the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), there is renewed focus on improving wetland restoration practices to reestablish habitat and climate mitigation functions services that wetlands provide. A first step in restoring these native vegetation structure composition through strategic seed-based approaches. These approaches should be driven by ecological, genetic, evolutionary principles, along with consideration for economics, logistics, other social constraints. Effective must consider chosen species, seed sourcing, dormancy break germination requirements, enhancement technologies, potential invaders, seeding densities, long-term monitoring. Choice species reflect historical plant communities future environmental conditions, support functional goals including invasion resistance, availability Furthermore, seeds sourced ensure ample genetic diversity multifunctionality capacity while also considering broad natural dispersal many species. The decision collect wild or purchase will impact choice diversity, which can have cascading effects goals. To seedling establishment, addressed breaking treatments potentially narrow requirements some require targeted sowing timing location align safe sites. Other enhancements such as priming coatings are poorly developed their establishment unknown. Because highly prone, invaders legacies addressed. Seeding densities strike a balance between outcompeting preserving valuable resources. Invader control monitoring key revegetation restoration. Here, review scientific advances improve outcomes, provide methods recommendations help achieve desired Gaps knowledge about currently exist, however, untested certainly increase risks efforts. efforts used better understand processes related seeds, bring us one closer needed human ecological communities.

Language: Английский

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A recruitment niche framework for improving seed‐based restoration

Restoration Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 31(7)

Published: July 12, 2023

As larger tracts of land experience degradation, seed‐based restoration (SBR) will be a primary tool to reestablish vegetation and ecosystem function. SBR has advanced in terms technical technological approaches, yet plant recruitment remains major barrier some systems, notably drylands. There is an unmet opportunity test science‐based approaches seed mix design application, based not only on diversity or local provenance, but the unique strategies species. We lay out framework that uses quantitative representation species' niches match them targeted goals (e.g. drought invasion resistance) methods precision tools technologies) SBR. first describe how quantify niche with seedling traits tied observed responses environmental factors. then show quantified can serve as foundation address three challenges: (1) designing forward‐looking mixes increase resilience future climate disturbance, (2) accounting for natural recovery planning, (3) applying seeding practices maximize success. Finally, we demonstrate these ideas existing data discuss key challenges adoption practice. While this are ecological theory, they require substantial testing refinement by scientists engaged efforts. If integrated into research agendas, believe it potential unify advance diverse elements ecology improve outcomes.

Language: Английский

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Plant Strategies

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 27, 2023

Abstract Plants have evolved a remarkable array of adaptive solutions to the existential problem survival and reproduction in world where disturbances can be deadly, resources are scarce, competition is cutthroat. inherited phenotypic traits that increased their chance success, these indicators strategies for establishment survival. A plant strategy thought as “how species sustains population” (Westoby, 1998, p. 214) because all successful must positive demographic outcomes habitats which they adapted. This book aims articulate coherent framework studying unifies demography with functional ecology advance prediction ecology. Central this traits: heritable morphological, physiological, phenological attributes plants influence therefore drive fitness differences among species.

Language: Английский

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Drought response in herbaceous plants: A test of the integrated framework of plant form and function

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(3), P. 679 - 691

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Abstract Multidimensional trait frameworks are increasingly used to understand plant strategies for growth and survival. However, it is unclear if developed at a global level can be applied in local communities how well these frameworks—based largely on morphological traits—align with physiology response stress. We tested the ability of an integrated framework form function characterise seedling variation drought among 22 grasses forbs common semi‐arid grassland. measured above‐ground below‐ground traits, survival explore linked three dimensions (resource conservation, microbial collaboration, size) associated as non‐morphological (e.g. physiological traits) that under‐represented frameworks. found support globally‐recognised axes representing trade‐offs tissue investment (leaf nitrogen, leaf mass per area, root density), resource uptake (root diameter, specific length), size (shoot mass). contrast patterns, conservation gradients were oppositely aligned: density was positively correlated N rather than area. This likely reflects different annual perennial herbaceous species, fast‐growing species invested lower roots less nitrogen‐rich leaves maximise plant‐level carbon assimilation. Species longer minimised water loss through small low leaf‐level transpiration rates, best predicted by principal component axis size. Contrary our expectations, seedlings did not align or collaboration suggesting functional achieve similar survival, long they minimise loss. Our results also show within communities, expected relationships could decoupled some groups performance combinations. The effectiveness mean values predicting highlights value trait‐based methods versatile tool understanding ecological processes locally across various ecosystems. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Facilitating comparable research in seedling functional ecology

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(3), P. 464 - 476

Published: Jan. 19, 2024

Abstract Ecologists have worked to ascribe function the variation found in plant populations, communities and ecosystems across environments for at least past century. The vast body of research functional ecology has drastically improved understanding how individuals respond their environment, are assembled function. However, with limited exceptions, few studies quantified differences during earliest stages life cycle, fewer tested this early variability shapes ecosystems. Drawing from literature our collective experience, we describe current state knowledge seedling provide examples subdiscipline can enrich fundamental levels organisation. To inspire progressive work area, also outline key considerations involved (who, what, when, where measure traits) identify remaining challenges gaps around methodological approaches. Within conceptual synthesis, highlight three critical areas future target. First, given wide definition a ‘seedling’, standard based on seed reserve dependence while emphasising need ontogenetic more clearly both within following stage. Second, demonstrate that seedlings be studied multiple media (e.g. soil, agar, filter paper) conditions field, greenhouse, laboratory). We recommend researchers select methods explicit goals, yet follow guidelines reduce noise studies. Third, is critically needed assess implications different methodologies trait measurement compatibility By highlighting importance suggesting pathways address challenges, aim generates useful comparable data ecology. This explain among integrate most vulnerable stage into ecological frameworks.

Language: Английский

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