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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
High Phenolic Content Fails To Deter Mesograzer Consumption Of Myriophyllum Spicatum (Eurasian Watermilfoil) In New England, Latina Steele, Courtney Ray, Michele Guidone
High Phenolic Content Fails To Deter Mesograzer Consumption Of Myriophyllum Spicatum (Eurasian Watermilfoil) In New England, Latina Steele, Courtney Ray, Michele Guidone
Biology Faculty Publications
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is often considered one of the most aggressive macrophyte invaders in freshwater habitats throughout the United States. However, conditions leading to successful milfoil invasions are not well understood. This study sought to illuminate the role of 4 herbivores in determining milfoil invasion success via either enemy release or biotic resistance. We determined feeding preferences of three herbivores native to the northeastern United States and measured milfoil phenolic content, which may act as an herbivore feeding deterrent. We found that phenolic content in milfoil was two times higher than in two of the most abundant native macrophytes …
Mule Deer Impede Pando’S Recovery: Implications For Aspen Resilience From A Single-Genotype Forest, Paul C. Rogers, Darren J. Mcavoy
Mule Deer Impede Pando’S Recovery: Implications For Aspen Resilience From A Single-Genotype Forest, Paul C. Rogers, Darren J. Mcavoy
Ecology Center Publications
Aspen ecosystems (upland Populus-dominated forests) support diverse species assemblages in many parts of the northern hemisphere, yet are imperiled by common stressors. Extended drought, fire suppression, human development, and chronic herbivory serve to limit the sustainability of this keystone species. Here we assess conditions at a renowned quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) grove—purportedly the largest living organism on earth—with ramifications for aspen biogeography globally. The “Pando” clone is 43 ha and estimated to contain 47,000 genetically identical aspen ramets. This iconic forest is threatened in particular by herbivory, and current management activities aim to reverse the potential for …
Aspen Recruitment In The Yellowstone Region Linked To Reduced Herbivory After Large Carnivore Restoration, Luke E. Painter, Robert L. Beschta, Eric J. Larsen, William J. Ripple
Aspen Recruitment In The Yellowstone Region Linked To Reduced Herbivory After Large Carnivore Restoration, Luke E. Painter, Robert L. Beschta, Eric J. Larsen, William J. Ripple
Aspen Bibliography
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) recruitment during the 1980s–90s was suppressed by Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis) herbivory on winter ranges in the Yellowstone region, and saplings (young aspen taller than 2 m) were rare. Following the 1995–96 reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus), browsing decreased and sapling recruitment increased in Yellowstone National Park. We compared aspen data from inside the park to data collected in three winter ranges outside the park. For most areas, the percentage of young aspen browsed annually was 80–100% in 1997–98, decreasing to 30–60% in 2011–15. Sapling recruitment was inversely …
Quantifying Plant Soluble Protein And Digestible Carbohydrate Content, Using Corn (Zea Mays) As An Exemplar, Carrie A. Deans, Gregory A. Sword, Paul A. Lenhart, Eric Burkness, William D. Hutchison, Spencer T. Behmer
Quantifying Plant Soluble Protein And Digestible Carbohydrate Content, Using Corn (Zea Mays) As An Exemplar, Carrie A. Deans, Gregory A. Sword, Paul A. Lenhart, Eric Burkness, William D. Hutchison, Spencer T. Behmer
Entomology Faculty Publications
Elemental data are commonly used to infer plant quality as a resource to herbivores. However, the ubiquity of carbon in biomolecules, the presence of nitrogen-containing plant defensive compounds, and variation in species-specific correlations between nitrogen and plant protein content all limit the accuracy of these inferences. Additionally, research focused on plant and/or herbivore physiology require a level of accuracy that is not achieved using generalized correlations. The methods presented here offer researchers a clear and rapid protocol for directly measuring plant soluble proteins and digestible carbohydrates, the two plant macronutrients most closely tied to animal physiological performance. The protocols combine …
Predators Shape Sedimentary Organic Carbon Storage In A Coral Reef Ecosystem, Trisha Brooke Atwood, Elizabeth M. P. Madin, Alastair R. Harborne, Edd Hammill, Osmar J. Luiz, Quinn R. Ollivier, Chris M. Roelfsema, Peter I. Macreadie, Catherine E. Lovelock
Predators Shape Sedimentary Organic Carbon Storage In A Coral Reef Ecosystem, Trisha Brooke Atwood, Elizabeth M. P. Madin, Alastair R. Harborne, Edd Hammill, Osmar J. Luiz, Quinn R. Ollivier, Chris M. Roelfsema, Peter I. Macreadie, Catherine E. Lovelock
Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications
Trophic cascade theory predicts that predator effects should extend to influence carbon cycling in ecosystems. Yet, there has been little empirical evidence in natural ecosystems to support this hypothesis. Here, we use a naturally-occurring trophic cascade to provide evidence that predators help protect sedimentary organic carbon stocks in coral reef ecosystems. Our results show that predation risk altered the behavior of herbivorous fish, whereby it constrained grazing to areas close to the refuge of the patch reefs. Macroalgae growing in “riskier” areas further away from the reef were released from grazing pressure, which subsequently promoted carbon accumulation in the sediments …
The Adaptive Evolution Of Herbivory In Freshwater Systems, Jessica Lynn Sanchez Montelongo
The Adaptive Evolution Of Herbivory In Freshwater Systems, Jessica Lynn Sanchez Montelongo
FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Herbivory is thought to be nutritionally inefficient relative to carnivory and omnivory. But, herbivory evolved from carnivory in many lineages, suggesting that there are advantages to eating plants. To understand the adaptive significance of the transition from carnivory to herbivory, I proposed five hypotheses for the adaptive evolution of herbivory and reviewed the current freshwater literature to identify conditions where eating plants might be adaptive over eating animals. I tested three of these ideas (Suboptimal Habitat, Heterotroph Facilitation, and Lipid Allocation) using the herbivorous Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna)and identified each as a potential mechanism for the evolution of …