Hastings Natural History Reservation

17 Jun, 08 AM - 20 Jun, 03 AM

Invasive species have resulted in enormous economic and ecological costs and are considered a major cause of the global loss of biodiversity. This study examines the ecology of an invasive plant species within its native range and two invasive ranges of the same climate type by comparing spatial distribution and habitat differences, and investigating the role of trophic interactions on population dynamics. Density and spatial dispersion data from the native range in Spain will be compared with data from two invaded ranges, central Chile and California. A common garden study will test for the evolution of increased competitive ability in invasive populations, and a field study will elucidate the importance of disturbance and nutrients in invasibility of colonized sites. The field of plant invasion biology has made rapid progress in recent decades. This study will contribute to the advancement of knowledge by moving beyond simple documentation of the effects of invasive plants, and incorporating comparisons of mechanisms affecting population dynamics in the native and invasive ranges.

Visit #15575 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 10167 | Research

Mechanisms of invasion in the mediterranean thistle, Centaurea melitensis

graduate_student - University of California, Los Angeles

Reservation Members(s)

Jolene Moroney Jun 17 - 20, 2008 (4 days)

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Ranch House 1 Jun 17 - 20, 2008