Dissertation Research: Allochthonous inputs as invasion mechanism of C. nucifera

论文研究：异地输入作为C. nucifera的入侵机制

• 批准号: 0808320
• 负责人: Rodolfo Dirzo
• 金额: $ 1.2万
• 依托单位: Stanford University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-06-01 至 2010-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0808320&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Dissertation; Research; Allochthonous; inputs; invasion

Biological invasions are one of our most pressing conservation challenges. These invasions are currently considered to be one of the major drivers of global biodiversity loss, among other ills. This research examines the mechanisms and effects of one unusual invasion: the introduction of the coconut palm throughout the Pacific. Specifically, this work looks at the negative association between the relative abundances of this palm and of seabirds. Seabirds will not use the coconut palm as habitat; therefore palm-invaded islands become depleted in the nutrients these birds usually bring from the ocean to the land. Because the tree species native to these islands are adapted to the higher nutrient conditions usually created by the birds, they can no longer compete and regenerate in these new, more nutrient deprived conditions. The seabird decline thus ultimately results in an invasion spiral of coconut palms. This research also examines other potential feedbacks in this invasion, such as increases to predation on native species seeds or seedlings in invaded forests. This work has important applications to conservation science and management. On a global scale, by increasing knowledge of the breadth of invasion mechanisms, this work will provide insight into the best way to manage invasive species and prevent their future spread. Regionally, it will provide tangible recommendations about how this widely used crop should be managed in the Pacific. Finally, by demonstrating the role seabirds play in maintaining native species, it will expand our knowledge about the importance of seabirds and their conservation.

生物入侵是我们最紧迫的保护挑战之一。 这些入侵目前被认为是全球生物多样性丧失的主要驱动因素之一。 这项研究探讨了一种不寻常的入侵的机制和影响：在整个太平洋引入椰子树。 具体来说，这项工作着眼于这种棕榈和海鸟的相对丰度之间的负相关。 海鸟不会使用椰子树作为栖息地;因此，棕榈入侵的岛屿会耗尽这些鸟类通常从海洋带到陆地的营养物质。由于这些岛屿上的原生树种适应了鸟类通常创造的更高的营养条件，它们不再能在这些新的、更缺乏营养的条件下竞争和再生。因此，海鸟的减少最终导致了椰子树的螺旋式入侵。 这项研究还探讨了这种入侵的其他潜在反馈，如增加对入侵森林中的本地物种种子或幼苗的捕食。 这项工作对保护科学和管理有重要的应用。 在全球范围内，通过增加对入侵机制广度的了解，这项工作将提供对管理入侵物种和防止其未来传播的最佳方法的见解。在区域一级，它将就如何在太平洋管理这种广泛使用的作物提出具体建议。 最后，通过展示海鸟在维持本地物种方面的作用，它将扩大我们对海鸟及其保护的重要性的认识。