University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
College of Biological Sciences
http://www.cbs.umn.edu/

Experiments

Experiment 234 - An evolutionary perspective on functional diversity in co-occuring willow(salix) species

Thirteen willow (Salix) species occur in southeastern Minnesota and often co-occur within the
same wetlands. This high local diversity is challenging to explain since closely related species are often functionally similar and density-dependent interactions such as competition and susceptibility to pests and pathogens should limit their co-occurrence. However, if willow species are partitioning resources, or if they are phylogenetically structured so that closely related species rarely co-occur, then the impact of these density-dependent processes could be reduced. In this study, I examined the role of niche partitioning in maintaining local willow diversity by comparing species physiology in a greenhouse.

Methods for e234

Datasets


Dataset IDTitleRange of Years (# years with data)
aate234Gas exchange, dieback, leaf water potential and chlorophyll content during a greenhouse drought experiment2007-2007 (1 year)
aape234Phospholipid fatty acids (PFLA) on decomposed litter2008-2008 (1 year)
aase234Photoprotective leaf pigments and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements during a greenhouse drought experiment2007-2007 (1 year)