Angelo Coast Range Reserve

23 Feb, 04 AM - 26 Feb, 04 AM

I propose to compare the effects grassland habitat of native tussock grasses, including newly restored tussock grasses, to invasive annual dominated grasslands on the ability of spiders to suppress prey. Recent research about the effects of habitat complexity on spiders would suggest that invasive annual grasses, being simpler in structure and shorter lived, affect the ability of these predators to control populations of leaf chewing and sap feeding herbivores. Changes in these interactions can contribute to changes within the ecosystem structure, modes of energy transfer, and nutrient cycling. Findings from this research will inform grassland restoration goals regarding arthropod community structure, our understanding of biological invasions, and food web theory in changing ecosystems. They will also contribute to our understanding of how the spread of invasive species can affect typical functional roles within ecosystems and food webs.

Visit #20673 @Angelo Coast Range Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 21287 | Research

Spiders in Grasslands

graduate_student - University of California, Berkeley

Reservation Members(s)

Kirsten Hill Feb 23 - 26, 2010 (4 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

HQ House 1 Feb 23 - 26, 2010