Hybridization among dominant tree species correlates positively with understory plant diversity.

摘要: PREMISE OF THE STUDY Elucidating the factors that determine abundance and distribution of species remains a central goal ecology. It is well recognized genetic differences among individual can affect interactions dependent taxa, but ecological effects on taxa same trophic level remain much less understood. Our was to test hypothesis between related overstory tree their hybrids influence understory plant community in wild settings. METHODS We conducted vegetation surveys riparian with dominated by Populus fremontii, P. angustifolia, natural (referred as cross types) along Weber River north Utah, USA. Understory diversity composition, edaphic properties, were compared under trees. KEY RESULTS Diversity metrics differ three different types such greater richness, diversity, cover plants exist either parental (30-54%, 40-48%, 35-74% greater, respectively). The composition also varied type, whereby additional cluster hybrids, not species. CONCLUSIONS Genetic dictated hybridization play role structuring associated communities-where hybridized correlates species-rich understory-and thus have cascading members level. underlying mechanism requires further investigation.