REU: Dynamics and Evolution of Clonal Plant Populations

这项研究的目的是确定基本的 控制结构和调节克隆大小的过程 植物种群 迄今为止， 生态学家一致认为任何植物种群 监管. 西兰德博士开发了一种方法， 基于观测的数学模型田间试验 个体克隆性能（即大小，生长速率， 复制等）克隆竞争。 这些模型将 提供克隆种群组成的具体预测， 波动，可以现场测试。 本方案已 用于准确预测波动和物种 一年生植物种群的组成。 拟定的研究将 为克隆种群提供了同样的信息。 研究的实验阶段将集中在克隆 种群的白色三叶草提出的领域与多年生植物 黑麦草 这些物种共同构成了 在整个温带地区发现的农业饲料群落 世界的地带。 因此，该系统具有相当大的经济效益。 重要性 白色三叶草无性系间和无性系间的竞争 将检查三叶草和黑麦草。 此外，研究将 研究环境变化的影响（时间和 空间）对三叶草种群波动的影响。 这项研究将 提供了前所未有的结构理解， 植物种群的组成。 它可以预测 遗传多样性变异对种群的影响， 环境变化和草地管理制度。 因此 这项研究对农业系统有重要应用， 以及提供生态和人口的基本知识 白色三叶草生物学。

The purpose of this study is to determine the fundamental processes that control structure and regulate the size of clonal plant populations. To date there has been surprisingly little agreement among ecologists as to how any plant population is regulated. Dr. Silander has developed an approach that combines field experiments with mathematical models, based on observations of individual clone performance (i.e. size, growth rates, reproduction, etc.) and clone competition. These models will provide specific predictions of clone population composition and fluctuation which can be field tested. This protocol has been used to accurately predict the fluctuations and species composition of annual plant populations. The proposed study will provide the same for clonal populations. The experimental phase of the study will focus on clonal populations of white clover raised in the field with perennial ryegrass. Together these species form one of the dominant types of agricultural forage communities found throughout the temperate zone of the world. This system is thus of considerable economic importance. Competition among white clover clones and between clover and ryegrass will be examined. Furthermore the study will examine the effects of environmental variation (temporal and spatial) on clover population fluctuations. The study will provide an unprecedented understanding of the structure and composition of plant populations. It will allow prediction of the population consequences of variation in genetic diversity, environmental variation and grassland management regimes. Thus the study has significant application for agricultural systems as well as providing basic knowledge of the ecology and population biology of white clover.