Examining the Verity of the Empty Niche Hypothesis Using Local Wetlands as Models
Location
CSU 238
Start Date
16-4-2013 3:25 PM
End Date
16-4-2013 4:45 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Bradley Cook
Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Invasive species are a major concern for many ecologists, park managers, and restoration scientists. The empty niche hypothesis proposes that introduced plant species become invasive because they can exploit unused resources, or empty niches, in a community. This study looks for empty niches by using historical descriptions of local wetlands to make models based on native species and their resource use. If there are any gaps in resource use that a commonly invasive species, Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), Typha angustifolia (narrow-leaf cattail) or Typha x glauca (hybrid cattail), would fit into, then that wetland will be considered to have an empty niche. Wetlands with an empty niche should have the invasive species currently present; this will be examined in field studies, along with the degree to which the invader is in the niche indicated by the model.
Examining the Verity of the Empty Niche Hypothesis Using Local Wetlands as Models
CSU 238
Invasive species are a major concern for many ecologists, park managers, and restoration scientists. The empty niche hypothesis proposes that introduced plant species become invasive because they can exploit unused resources, or empty niches, in a community. This study looks for empty niches by using historical descriptions of local wetlands to make models based on native species and their resource use. If there are any gaps in resource use that a commonly invasive species, Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), Typha angustifolia (narrow-leaf cattail) or Typha x glauca (hybrid cattail), would fit into, then that wetland will be considered to have an empty niche. Wetlands with an empty niche should have the invasive species currently present; this will be examined in field studies, along with the degree to which the invader is in the niche indicated by the model.
Recommended Citation
Stephens, Nicholas. "Examining the Verity of the Empty Niche Hypothesis Using Local Wetlands as Models." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/oral-session-17/5
