Competition

Question 1

What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric competition?

Answer 1

Above ground competition is asymmetric competition and below ground is symmetric competition.

Question 2

What are the two reasons for internode elongation?

Answer 2

1. So the plants can reach the light source for sufficient photosynthesis.
2. To place reproductive organs into an environment to allow for successful pollination and seed dispersal.

Question 3

What are the two general types of root systems?

Answer 3

1. Fibrous root systems (more transitory, short-lived)
2. Taproom root systems (central, long-lived)

Question 4

What kind of things do plants compete for?

Answer 4

Space, water, nutrition, and sunlight.

Question 5

What are the two competition models?

Answer 5

1. CSR Model
2. Resource competition theory

Question 6

What is another name for CSR theory?

Answer 6

Grime

Question 7

What are the two broad categories of factors that affect plant growth?

Answer 7

1. Stress: light, temp., water, etc.
2. Disturbance: Grazing, disease, frost.

Question 8

What is resource competition theory?

Answer 8

A species with a higher relative growth rate
under specified conditions would outcompete
the other species if grown together under the
specified conditions.
If all species are limited by the same nutrient
then the species with the lowest required
concentration for the nutrient will outcompete
the others.

Question 9

What are the three important considerations for plant species selection?

Answer 9

1. Site
2. Use of plant species
3. Time of use.