Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2017
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Major
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
First Advisor
Brent Danielson
Second Advisor
William S. Harpole
Abstract
The mechanisms of species coexistence and diversity constitute the foundation of community ecology, yet the identity of these mechanisms remain as important questions in ecology. Current theory indicates that coexistence occurs as species face multiple limiting factors, such as finite resources or consumers, and trade off in their ability to cope with these limitations. Therefore, consumers should promote resource diversity, as in the case of herbivores and plants. However, in practice, herbivores do not always affect plant diversity as predicted. I examine potential mechanisms by which herbivores may, and may not, affect plant diversity using empirical approaches in the context of ecological restoration and theoretical modeling. I show that herbivores may increase plant diversity by limiting even brief periods of dominance, though preferentially consuming those species that are dominant in terms of competitive ability or biomass is not a requirement or assurance of this outcome. Moreover, I show that the proximal mechanisms by which herbivores increase diversity, specifically competition for light, are still not well understood. Thus, more research is necessary to determine those mechanisms as well as the full range of conditions in which consumers may increase diversity or allow coexistence.
Copyright Owner
Brent Mortensen
Copyright Date
2017
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
241 pages
Recommended Citation
Mortensen, Brent, "Herbivore effects on plant coexistence and diversity" (2017). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 15382.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/15382
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Plant Sciences Commons