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Disturbances by human trampling alter the performance, sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in a clonal woodland herb

Rusterholz, H.-P. and Kissling, M. and Baur, Bruno. (2009) Disturbances by human trampling alter the performance, sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in a clonal woodland herb. Perspectives in plant ecology, evolution and systematics, Vol. 11, H. 1 , S. 17–29.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5252548

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Abstract

Disturbances play a major role in structuring the community composition in a variety of ecosystems. The potential impact of disturbances on sexual reproduction and genetic diversity of plants has so far received little attention. We examined the effects of disturbance by human trampling on the performance, sexual reproduction and clonal diversity in the woodland herb Anemone nemorosa in six sites disturbed by intensive recreational activities and in six undisturbed sites in suburban forests in Switzerland. Disturbance by human trampling decreased shoot height of A. nemorosa and altered the size-dependent flowering probability function. Furthermore, in disturbed sites an increased percentage of aborted seeds was found, resulting in a reduced sexual reproductive potential of A. nemorosa populations. Both clonal and genetic diversity of A. nemorosa were reduced in disturbed sites. Our study shows for the first time that disturbance by human trampling can decrease the genetic diversity in a clonal woodland plant. This suggests that genetic aspects of woodland plants should be considered in restoring degenerated forest sites.
Faculties and Departments:05 Faculty of Science > Departement Umweltwissenschaften > Ehemalige Einheiten Umweltwissenschaften > Naturschutzbiologie (Baur)
UniBasel Contributors:Baur, Bruno and Rusterholz, Hans-Peter
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Urban & Fischer
ISSN:1433-8319
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
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Last Modified:22 Mar 2012 14:28
Deposited On:22 Mar 2012 14:03

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