What selection: Herbivory or competition?
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Authors: L. W. Aarssen, and D. L. Irwin
Date: 1991
Journal: Oikos
Volume: 60
Number: 2
Pages: 261-262
Summary of Methods: This review was based on Paige and Whitman (1987), who showed that browsed plants of Ipomopsis aggregata had greater seed production than unbrowsed plants, which supports Owen and Wiegert's (1976) prediction that consumers can increase plant fitness. Aarssen and Irwin (1991) suggest that the continuing debate over the interpretations concerning why and how plants may benefit from being eaten will arrive at a basis for more common ground if selection factors, in addition to herbivory, are taken into consideration. They also suggest, however, that in cases where shoot apices are removed by herbivores, increased yield responses may have little to do with an adaptive consequence of selection involving herbivory and more to do with an indirect consequence of selection from herbivory.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types: All Vegetation Types
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Opinion
Keywords: herbivory, ipomopsis aggregata, seed production, competition, apical dominance, grazing
Annotation: This review classifies plants as grazed and ungrazed, but does not specify use levels.
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