Hastings Natural History Reservation

02 Apr, 02 AM - 02 Apr, 06 AM

Day visit only; Thesis proposed as of May 2004: Biological invasions are an omnipresent environmental threat occurring in communities worldwide. The literature on invasion ecology suggests that species interactions of resident and exotic plants play a large role in invasion dynamics. Almost all plants interact with herbivores and mycorrhizal fungi while exotic plants generally experience less herbivory and rely less on mycorrhizae. Since herbivores and mycorrhizae both affect plant performance, they are likely to interact. Although plant interactions with herbivores and mycorrhizal fungi have both been recognized as factors determining invasion dynamics, we do not know the effects of three-way mycorrhizal-plant-insect interactions. The differences of mycorrhizal-plant-insect interactions between native and invasive plants can influence the structure of plant communities and may contribute to their biotic resistance. Using a novel multi-level approach to studying communities, this work potentially opens up a new way of thinking about invasions. If we can better understand the broad scale mechanisms behind biotic resistance, we can better apply our energy into conserving the remaining communities.

Visit #5089 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 4042 | Research

Krikor

reserve_staff - University of California, Santa Cruz

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 5 Graduate Student Apr 2, 2004 (1 days)

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