The genus Banksia: can ecophysiological traits associated with nutrient acquisition explain species distribution and rarity?

我们的目的是调查，如果一个专门的机制，营养收购的一个重要方面，由不同种类的属Banksia（Proteaceae）占其分布和稀有性。这方面是分泌物的模式，是由他们的'类蛋白'根。不同种类的变形菌产生不同的分泌物，据设想，模式的变化反映了它们在某些土壤类型上生长的能力。我们的研究将提供决定物种分布的过程的关键信息，为稀有和濒危物种确定更好的管理制度。

We aim to investigate if an important aspect of a specialised mechanism of nutrient acquisition by different species of the genus Banksia (Proteaceae) accounts for their distribution and rarity. This aspect is the pattern of exudates that are produced by their 'proteoid' roots. Different species of the Proteaceae produce different exudates and it is envisaged that variation in pattern reflects their capacity to grow on certain soil types. Our studies will provide key information on processes that determine species distribution, with consequences for defining better management regimes for rare and endangered species.