Limited effects of dominant species population source on community composition during community assembly

Gibson, David J.; Baer, Sara G.; Klopf, Ryan P.; Reed, Lewis K.; Wodika, Ben R.; Willand, Jason E.

doi:10.1111/j.1654-1103.2012.01475.x

Cited by 42 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…The notion that genotypic diversity of a dominant species provides a source of diversifying selection within the plant community is consistent with other grassland studies [51], [52]. Gibson et al [44] and Baer et al [42] demonstrated no strong effect of dominant grass source on community diversity and ecosystem processes for the first four years of community establishment from this field experiment. Similar diversity and functioning of communities sown with the different grass sources was attributed to the high productivity of subordinate species (i.e., a dilution effect), close proximity of the germplasm of the S. nutans cultivar to the local ecotype, and strong filtering of environment or site effects [42], [44].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Genetic Sorting of Subordinate Species in Grassland Modulated by Intraspecific Variation in Dominant Species

et al. 2014

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Genetic variation in a single species can have predictable and heritable effects on associated communities and ecosystem processes, however little is known about how genetic variation of a dominant species affects plant community assembly. We characterized the genetic structure of a dominant grass (Sorghastrum nutans) and two subordinate species (Chamaecrista fasciculata, Silphium integrifolium), during the third growing season in grassland communities established with genetically distinct (cultivated varieties or local ecotypes) seed sources of the dominant grasses. There were genetic differences between subordinate species growing in the cultivar versus local ecotype communities, indicating that intraspecific genetic variation in the dominant grasses affected the genetic composition of subordinate species during community assembly. A positive association between genetic diversity of S. nutans, C. fasciculata, and S. integrifolium and species diversity established the role of an intraspecific biotic filter during community assembly. Our results show that intraspecific variation in dominant species can significantly modulate the genetic composition of subordinate species.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Genetic Sorting of Subordinate Species in Grassland Modulated by Intraspecific Variation in Dominant Species

et al. 2014

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“…; Wilsey ; Lambert, Baer & Gibson ; Gibson et al . ; Grman, Bassett & Brudvig ). Therefore, the inclusion of non‐local seeds with enhanced competitive physiologies may reduce species diversity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…; Middleton, Bever & Schultz ; Wilsey ; Gibson et al . ). Maladaptations in the ecological properties of a dominant species may have cascading effects through the community (Rogers & Montalvo ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Seed source impacts germination and early establishment of dominant grasses in prairie restorations

Gallagher

Wagenius²

2015

Journal of Applied Ecology

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Summary Land managers choose seed from a variety of provenances for restoration projects. By selecting seed of the local ecotype, managers can increase establishment in the short term and prevent the disruption of local adaptations and genetic swamping in the long term. However, local seed may be disadvantageous if populations are inbred or maladapted to managed restoration environments. Seed selection may be further confounded by propagation methods. Three dominant C4 grasses, Andropogon gerardii, Bouteloua curtipendula and Sorghastrum nutans, from three types of seed provenances (remnant, restoration and nursery) were planted as seeds and plugs into experimental plots at three established tallgrass prairie restorations in western Minnesota, USA. Using a common garden design, we tested whether (i) provenance and (ii) site of planting influence germination and first‐season survival and growth both (iii) for seeds directly planted in the field and for transplants (plugs). Seed provenance impacted germination and seedling survival in all cases, except S. nutans seeded directly in the field. Andropogon gerardii and B. curtipendula nursery seedlings were consistently taller than those of the other provenance types. When directly seeded, germination, survival and vigour differed among restoration sites; however, the results were species specific. Sorghastrum nutans germination varied among sites depending on provenance, indicating that this species may be particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. Germination was 3–12 times greater for plugs than for seeds directly planted in the field in summer, but mortality after planting in the field was low for both groups. Synthesis and applications. Provenance and restoration site had varying effects among species, indicating that the dominant C4 grasses used in this study ought not to be considered ecological equivalents. While we found little evidence of local adaptation, use of local remnant seeds diminishes the risk of spreading maladapted genotypes. Germination limited establishment when sowing seeds directly in summer. Supplemental use of plugs may increase species diversity in restorations.

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“…In practice, species and trait diversity should be regarded separately as subordinate species may make a proportionally larger contribution to the functioning of ecosystems than would be expected (e.g. from biomass) compared to dominant species (O'Gorman & Emmerson, 2009;Gibson et al, 2013). This may be particularly important for wet grasslands, where plants of small stature contribute substantially to species richness and nature conservation value (e.g.…”

Section: Mechanisms For Plant Community Resiliencementioning

confidence: 99%

Extreme climate events and wet grasslands: plant traits for ecological resilience

Brotherton

Joyce

2014

Hydrobiologia

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Extreme climate events, including floods and droughts, represent disturbances that impact plant functioning, biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Wetlands can mediate climate change impacts through their multiple ecosystem services, and wet grasslands offer a fascinating wetland case because they are adapted to regular disturbance regimes typified by inundation, cutting and/or grazing. This review identifies key concepts for a better understanding of extreme climate impacts on wet grassland plant communities, focussing upon the use of functional traits for ecological resilience. It suggests that wet grasslands are underrepresented in extreme climate event experiments, despite some field studies that show floods have significant impacts upon community composition. Mechanisms for ecological stability and resilience are linked to functional diversity through plant traits, via niche complementarity or dominance. Facilitation may be important as climate stresses increase, while modified plant behaviour may promote recovery. However, plant community responses to extreme events are complex; the challenges for wet grassland researchers include: (i) identifying thresholds, tipping points and lag effects; (ii) monitoring key community components; (iii) using effective plant trait metrics; (iv) investigating beyond conservative norms; (v) combining multiple stressors and traits and (vi) extrapolating experimental results to field conditions.

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Limited effects of dominant species population source on community composition during community assembly

Cited by 42 publications

References 55 publications

Genetic Sorting of Subordinate Species in Grassland Modulated by Intraspecific Variation in Dominant Species

Genetic Sorting of Subordinate Species in Grassland Modulated by Intraspecific Variation in Dominant Species

Seed source impacts germination and early establishment of dominant grasses in prairie restorations

Extreme climate events and wet grasslands: plant traits for ecological resilience

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