L15 Invasive Plant Ecology Flashcards
Why do most invasions fail
Inappropriate abiotic conditions
Outcompeted
Natural enemies - herbivores and disease
Lack of species to pollinate, disperse or facilitate
Low density effects (lack of mates)
Lack of genetic diversity
Why do we worry babout invasions if they are rare
The small number that are successful have drastic effects on populations, communities and ecosystems
Cause extinctions
Loss of ecosystem services
What 3 factors determine the impact of an invasive
Size of range
Abundance within range
Effect of each individual plant on the community
When would synergestic effects occur
With multiple invaders
How do you quantify population dispersal over space
Density and distribution
How do you quantify population demographics over time
Age and sexual structure
2 ways to cquantify populations
CSR selection
K-r selected species
How do ramets reproduce
Vegetatively
What reproduction can occur between native and non-native species
Hybridisation
What trade offs occur when producing seeds
Size and number
What factors control germination
Light
Moisture
Temperature
What point in a plants growth has the highest mortality
Emergence and establishment
What determines phenology
Genetics
Biotic and abiotic factors
What does phenotypic plasticity allow
Adaptation
What is the name given to natural deterioration leading to death
Senescence
