Genetic Diversity and Communities
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Changes in the population genetic structure of dominant species can affect both community properties and ecosystem function. To better understand this process, we study how the genetic diversity of Andropogon gerardii affects plant community diversity, ecosystem productivity and invasion resistance in both observational and manipulative studies.
We have recently been working on an experiment manipulating genetic diversity of A. gerardii (monoculture or polyculture of several genotypes), presence of mycorrhizal fungi and soil moisture to understand how these biotic and abiotic drivers affect production. We are also assessing whether competitive interactions among genotypes in the polycultures changed in the different environmental conditions. This study will shed light on whether environmental conditions change the effects of intra-specific diversity on communities and ecosystems.
Related Research and Collaborators: Melinda Smith, Konza Prairie
We have recently been working on an experiment manipulating genetic diversity of A. gerardii (monoculture or polyculture of several genotypes), presence of mycorrhizal fungi and soil moisture to understand how these biotic and abiotic drivers affect production. We are also assessing whether competitive interactions among genotypes in the polycultures changed in the different environmental conditions. This study will shed light on whether environmental conditions change the effects of intra-specific diversity on communities and ecosystems.
Related Research and Collaborators: Melinda Smith, Konza Prairie
Relevant Publications
- Avolio, M, Chang, CC, Weis, JJ, and Smith, MD. 2015. The effect of genotype richness and genomic dissimilarity of Andropogon gerardii on invasion resistance and productivity. Plant Ecology & Diversity 8: 61-71.
- Avolio, M and Smith, MD. 2013. Correlations between genetic and species diversity: effects of resource quantity and heterogeneity. Journal of Vegetation Science 24: 1185-1194.
- Avolio, M, Beaulieu, J, Lo, E, Smith, MD. 2012. Measuring genetic diversity in ecological studies. Plant Ecology 213:1105-1115.
- Avolio, M, Chang, C, and Smith MD. 2011. Assessing the fine-scale genotypic structure of Andropogon gerardii in the tallgrass prairie. American Midland Naturalist 165: 211-224.
