How ecological and evolutionary theory expanded the ‘ideal weed’ concept

Oecologia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 203(3-4), P. 251 - 266

Published: June 20, 2023

Abstract Since Baker’s attempt to characterize the ‘ideal weed’ over 50 years ago, ecologists have sought identify features of species that predict invasiveness. Several traits are well studied, and we now understand many can facilitate different components invasion process, such as dispersal promoting transport or selfing enabling establishment. However, effects on context dependent. The in one community at stage may inhibit other communities success stages, benefits any given trait depend possessed by species. Furthermore, variation among populations is result evolution. Accordingly, evolution both prior after determine outcomes. Here, review how our understanding ecology invasive plants has developed since original efforts, resulting from empirical studies emergence new frameworks ideas assembly theory, functional ecology, rapid adaptation. Looking forward, consider trait-based approaches might inform less-explored aspects biology ranging responses climate change coevolution invaded communities.

Language: Английский

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Requirements for the spatial storage effect are weakly evident for common species in natural annual plant assemblages

Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 101(12)

Published: Sept. 4, 2020

Coexistence in spatially varying environments is theorized to be promoted by a variety of mechanisms including the spatial storage effect. The effect promotes coexistence when (1) species have unique vital rate responses their environment and, abundant, (2) experience stronger competition environmental patches where they perform better. In naturally occurring southwest Western Australian annual plant system, we conducted neighbor removal experiment involving eleven focal growing high-abundance populations. Specifically, measured species' fecundity across gradients both presence and absence neighbors. For variables that measured, there was only limited evidence for species-specific environment, with composite variable describing overstory cover leaf litter being best predictor subset species. addition, although found strong intraspecific competition, positive environment-competition covariance detected one Thus, may not as common expected populations at high abundance, least tested natural assemblages. Our findings highlight inherent limitations using assemblages study mechanisms, urge empirical ecologists take these into account designing future experiments.

Language: Английский

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Intra‐annual precipitation effects on annual grassland productivity and phenology are moderated by community responses

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 110(1), P. 162 - 172

Published: Oct. 9, 2021

Abstract Within ecosystems, intra‐annual precipitation patterns—the variability and timing of rainfall—may be a stronger driver net primary productivity than total annual precipitation. In particular, the amount directly affects plant production, but also indirectly via changes to community composition. Community response patterns may either buffer or amplify responses precipitation, as different species respond conditions. semi‐arid California grassland, we experimentally tested how communities using rainout shelters in which manipulated drought (early season drought, late continuous ambient precipitation) over 3 years assessed responses: (ANPP), phenological peak production senescence, Overall, early consistent treatments had lowest productivity, while senesced earlier. Plots with functionally diverse shifted composition significant ANPP treatments. contrast, dominated by single resource‐acquisitive grass did not change time no The differed community, however, where remained green longer (particularly under treatment) compared one species, earlier treatment). Synthesis . Our study demonstrates that drive phenology. This suggests combination vegetation phenology could jointly alter ecosystem‐level sensitivity seasonality future climate change. We show both functional diversity dominant stability mechanisms are operation simultaneously, highlighting need understand context variation structure predict

Language: Английский

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Pathways to global-change effects on biodiversity: new opportunities for dynamically forecasting demography and species interactions

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 290(1993)

Published: Feb. 22, 2023

In structured populations, persistence under environmental change may be particularly threatened when abiotic factors simultaneously negatively affect survival and reproduction of several life cycle stages, as opposed to a single stage. Such effects can then exacerbated species interactions generate reciprocal feedbacks between the demographic rates different species. Despite importance such feedbacks, forecasts that account for them are limited individual-based data on interacting perceived essential mechanistic forecasting—but rarely available. Here, we first review current shortcomings in assessing population community dynamics. We present an overview advances statistical tools provide opportunity leverage population-level abundances multiple infer stage-specific demography. Lastly, showcase state-of-the-art Bayesian method project Mediterranean shrub community. This case study shows climate threatens populations most strongly by changing interaction conspecific heterospecific neighbours both juvenile adult survival. Thus, repurposing multi-species abundance forecasting substantially improve our understanding emerging threats biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Will trees or grasses profit from changing rainfall regimes in savannas?

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 241(6), P. 2379 - 2394

Published: Jan. 21, 2024

Summary Increasing rainfall variability is widely expected under future climate change scenarios. How will savanna trees and grasses be affected by growing season dry spells altered seasonality how tightly coupled are tree–grass phenologies with rainfall? We measured tree grass responses to rainfall. also tested whether the of 17 deciduous woody species Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index were related between 2019 2023. Tree growth was significantly reduced during spells. strongly soil water potentials limited wet season. Grasses can rapidly recover after evapotranspiration in both seasons. leaf flushing commenced before onset date little subsequent flushing. grew when moisture became available regardless Our findings suggest that increased spell length frequency may slow down some savannas, which together longer seasons allow an advantage over C 3 plants advantaged rising CO 2 levels.

Language: Английский

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