Title | Woody Plant Invasion at a Semi-arid Transition Zone: Importance of Ecosystem Type to Colonization and Patch Expansion |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2006 |
Authors | Peters DC, Yao J, Gosz J.R. |
Journal | Journal of Vegetation Science |
Volume | 17 |
Pagination | 389-396 |
Date Published | June 15, 2006 |
ARIS Log Number | 194825 |
Keywords | colonization, ecosystem, semi-arid, transition, woody |
Abstract | Our objective was to evaluate how patterns in colonization and patch expansion of an invasive woody plant, Larrea tridentata (creosotebush) differ between two grassland ecosystems at a biome transition zone. We sampled frequency of occurrence, height, and surface area of saplings (n=134) and patches of adult plants (n=247) of creosotebush within a mosaic of ecosystems dominated either by the Chihuahuan Desert species, black grama, or the shortgrass steppe species, blue grama, located within 1 km of the creosotebush-dominated ecosystem. Distances between patches and patch area were used to estimate connectivity and propagule pressure. Sapling height and distance to the creosotebush dominated ecosystem were used to estimate patterns in dispersal. Our results show that creosotebush saplings ( |
URL | /files/bibliography/06-024.pdf |