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

Banksia属：与养分获取相关的生理生态性状能否解释物种分布和稀有性？我们的目的是调查如果一个重要方面的营养获取的一个专门的机制，由不同种类的Banksia属（变形科）占其分布和稀缺性。这方面是由它们的“类蛋白”根产生的渗出物的模式。不同种类的变形科植物产生不同的分泌物，其模式的变化反映了它们在特定土壤类型上的生长能力。我们的研究将为确定物种分布的过程提供关键信息，从而为制定更好的珍稀和濒危物种管理制度提供依据。

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