Determining the effects of herbivory using naturally damaged plants
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Authors: S. Y. Strauss
Date: 1988
Journal: Ecology
Volume: 69
Number: 5
Pages: 1628-1630
Summary of Methods: Strauss measured the effects of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) selection of smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) shoots on plant growth, and compared the results to a similar study that utilized simulated grazing techniques. Deer selectively browsed larger shoots that were clumped on single ramets, which produced larger, wider shoots that were more likely to produce seed than unbrowsed plants. Natural browsing increased plant fitness by a factor of 3.1, while simulated grazing only increased plant fitness by a factor of 2.4. These results indicate that simulated grazing, although useful in some experiments, does not accurately reflect the effects of natural herbivory on smooth sumac plants.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: deer, odocoileus virginianus, smooth sumac, rhus glabra, plant growth, selective browsing, simulated grazing
Annotation: Location, region, vegetation type, and grazing intensity were not defined.
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