Claim · model-written summary
In Beringia, small herbivores were related to plant abundance.
Not reportedMaterialGeneCompoundOrgan / stageSecond interactorSecond interactor roleTreatmentComparatorDirectionValueQualifier
Verbatim
e0“The distribution of plant species and functional traits in alpine and arctic environments are determined by abiotic conditions, but also by biotic interactions”
e6“In Beringia, small and large herbivores differed in the relation to plant community composition, since large herbivores were related to species richness and small herbivores were related to plant abundance”
Title
Herbivory and plant biodiversity in an arctic environment
Åsa Lindgren; Johan Ehrlén; Roger Bergström; et al. 2005
Other claims from this paper (14)
- Intervention effect Reindeer grazing in southern Lapland had limited effects on plant community composition and seedling germination.
- Association Reindeer presence influenced plant functional traits, particularly in the subalpine birch forest.
- Intervention effect Tall herbs had lower SLA when reindeer were present.
- Intervention effect Tall herbs were lower when reindeer were present.
- Association Small herbs showed an opposite pattern to tall herbs in plant functional traits when reindeer were present.
- Mechanism The contrasting effects on the two herb groups are probably explained by competitive release for small herbs when reindeer suppress tall herbs.
- Association Rodents had the largest relative impact on plant community composition in southern Lapland.
- Association On predator-free islands, rodents heavily affected dwarf shrubs.
- Intervention effect With no predators present, vole densities increased.
- Association With no predators present, voles almost depleted some dwarf shrub species.
- Mechanism Small mammals in arctic and alpine tundra are probably controlled by predators (top-down).
- Intervention effect Defoliation of a sedge decreased its nutritional quality.
- Association In Beringia, large herbivores were related to plant species richness.
- Association Plant functional traits in Beringia were related only to large herbivores and standing crop of vascular plants.