Dissertation Research: Allochthonous inputs as invasion mechanism of C. nucifera

论文研究：异地输入作为C. nucifera的入侵机制

• 批准号: 0808320
• 负责人: Rodolfo Dirzo
• 金额: $ 1.2万
• 依托单位: Stanford University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-06-01 至 2010-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0808320&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Dissertation; Research; Allochthonous; inputs; invasion

Biological invasions are one of our most pressing conservation challenges. These invasions are currently considered to be one of the major drivers of global biodiversity loss, among other ills. This research examines the mechanisms and effects of one unusual invasion: the introduction of the coconut palm throughout the Pacific. Specifically, this work looks at the negative association between the relative abundances of this palm and of seabirds. Seabirds will not use the coconut palm as habitat; therefore palm-invaded islands become depleted in the nutrients these birds usually bring from the ocean to the land. Because the tree species native to these islands are adapted to the higher nutrient conditions usually created by the birds, they can no longer compete and regenerate in these new, more nutrient deprived conditions. The seabird decline thus ultimately results in an invasion spiral of coconut palms. This research also examines other potential feedbacks in this invasion, such as increases to predation on native species seeds or seedlings in invaded forests. This work has important applications to conservation science and management. On a global scale, by increasing knowledge of the breadth of invasion mechanisms, this work will provide insight into the best way to manage invasive species and prevent their future spread. Regionally, it will provide tangible recommendations about how this widely used crop should be managed in the Pacific. Finally, by demonstrating the role seabirds play in maintaining native species, it will expand our knowledge about the importance of seabirds and their conservation.

生物入侵是我们最紧迫的保护挑战之一。 这些入侵目前被认为是全球生物多样性损失的主要驱动因素之一。 这项研究研究了一种不寻常的入侵的机制和影响：整个太平洋地区的椰子棕榈引入。 具体而言，这项工作着眼于这种棕榈和海鸟的相对丰度之间的负相关。 海鸟不会将椰子棕榈作为栖息地。因此，这些鸟通常从海洋带到陆地的养分中耗尽了棕榈岛的岛屿。由于这些岛屿原产的树种适应了通常由鸟类产生的较高的营养条件，因此它们无法在这些新的，更营养的贫困状况中竞争和再生。因此，海鸟的下降最终导致椰子棕榈的入侵螺旋。 这项研究还检查了这种入侵中的其他潜在反馈，例如增加对入侵森林中本地种子或幼苗的捕食。 这项工作在保护科学和管理方面具有重要的应用。 在全球范围内，通过增加对入侵机制的广度知识，这项工作将为管理入侵物种的最佳方式提供洞察力，并防止其未来的传播。在区域上，它将提供有关如何在太平洋中管理这种广泛使用的作物的切实建议。 最后，通过展示海鸟在维持本地物种中的作用，它将扩大我们对海鸟及其保护的重要性的了解。