Control of Tree Invasion of Oldfields by Cryptic Keystone Species

9306330奥斯特菲尔德树对开阔地带的入侵对森林更新、生物多样性的产生和野生动物栖息地的形成至关重要。以往的研究表明，在森林发展过程中，啮齿动物对树木种子和幼苗的消耗对树木入侵的速度和物种组成有深远的影响。由于啮齿动物种群动态、入侵地生境特征、种子和苗木的密度和组成、苗木的大小和生长速度以及与林缘的距离不同，现有的关于Odfield演替、关键物种和草食动物-植物相互作用的理论不能为预测啮齿动物的影响提供依据。这项研究将使用实验、比较和建模的方法，对小型哺乳动物对森林更新的影响产生预测性的理解。来自现场观察和实验的结果将被用作基于个体的预测模拟模型的参数，该模型基于个体，用于研究老农田中树木入侵的动态。这项研究的结果将为美国东部老田演替过程中影响森林更新模式的机制提供有价值的信息。这些成果有望应用于森林生物多样性的生态恢复、电力线走廊的维护和森林生态系统的管理。***

9306330 Ostfeld Tree invasion of open fields is critical to processes of forest regeneration, generation of biodiversity, and wildlife habitat. Previous research provided evidence that consumption of tree seeds and seedlings by rodents has a profound effect on the rate and species composition of tree invasion during forest development. Current theories concerning oldfield succession, keystone species , and herbivore-plant interactions are unable to provide a foundation for predicting effects of rodents given variation in: (1) rodent population dynamics, (2) habitat characteristics of invasion sites, (3) density and composition of seeds and seedlings, (4) size and growth rate of seedlings, and (5) distance from the forest edge. This research will use experimental, comparative, and modelling approaches to generate a predictive understanding of the effects of small mammals on forest regeneration. Results from field observations and experiments will be used as parameters for an individual-based predictive simulation model of the dynamics of tree invasion in old fields. %%% Results from this research will provide valuable information on the mechanisms affecting patterns of forest regeneration during oldfield succession in the eastern United States. These results are expected to apply to ecological restoration of forest biodiversity, maintenance of powerline corridors, and the management of forest ecosystems. ***