The effects of herbivory and granivory on terrestrial plant succession
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Authors: D. W. Davidson
Date: 1993
Journal: Oikos
Volume: 68
Number: 1
Pages: 23-35
Summary of Methods: Based on resource availability models of plant defense investment, several authors have predicted and documented that herbivores tend to accelerate the pace of plant community succession. Davidson did a literature survey of experimental and observational tests of the effects of above-ground, native herbivores on terrestrial plant succession and it revealed a more complex pattern than anticipated from earlier reviews on this subject. Although herbivory tends to hasten succession from grasses, shrubs, and pioneer trees to persistent trees, it typically retards succession from earlier stages, if such seres are present. The dichotomy in herbivore effects early and late in old field succession reflects differentially high herbivory on intermediate seral species, whose principal defense against herbivores is rapid, compensatory growth in comparatively favorable resource environments. Documented patterns in the effects of herbivores and, to a lesser extent, granivores on the course of succession should be useful to management of natural ecosystems and the restoration of disturbed environments. Humans have modified natural ecosystems both through the activities of symbiotic grazers (domestic livestock), and by hunting out granivores or the predators of these granivores. By constructing general models to predict the likely consequences of such intervention in natural communities, Davidson feels it may strengthen arguments for curtailing destructive practices and avoid some of the inherent pitfalls.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: herbivory, granivory, plant defense, plant community succession, terrestrial ecosystems
Annotation: This review uses studies done in North America and outside of North America. This summaries addresses only information pertaining to North America. Grazing intensity is not specified. Season of use is not specified.
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