Indirect interactions mediated by changing plant chemistry: Beaver browsing benefits beetles
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Authors: G. D. Martinsen, E. M. Driebe, and T. G. Whitham
Date: 1998
Journal: Ecology
Volume: 79
Number: 1
Pages: 192-200
Summary of Methods: Cottonwood (Populus fremontii, P. angustifolia) resprout growth had twice the amount of defensive chemicals after beavers (Castor canadensis) cut the trees compared to regular juvenile growth. Leaf beetles (Chrysomela confluens) are attracted to this resprout growth and use the defensive chemicals called phenolic glycosides, used as a defense against mammalian herbivores, for their own defense. The beetles also gain nutritional benefits from the conversion of the plant's chemicals to glucose and the increased level of nitrogen in the resprout growth. Beetles that ate the resprout growth developed faster and weighed more as adults. Beetles also laid more egg clutches where resprout growth was greatest. Overall, beaver herbivory was shown to enhance leaf beetle defenses and growth rates by altering the cottonwood resprout growth chemistry.
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: cottonwood, populus fremontii, populus angustifolia, castor canadensis, leaf beetles, chrysomela confluens, defensive chemicals, phenolic glycosides, nitrogen
Annotation: Grazing intensity not defined.
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