Habitat partitioning and competitive displacement in cattails (Typha): experimental field studies

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Am. Nat.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/283841· OSTI ID:6228801

Grace, J B; Wetzel, R G

A conspicuous feature of many plant communities that is often considered evidence of competitive displacement is the segregation of species along a habitat gradient. The extent of competitive displacement is examined in a recently established association of cattails (Typha latifolia L. and T. angustifolia L.). To accomplish this, potential and realized distributions of these two species were compared along a gradient of water depth in a small pond. These two species together comprised more than 95% of the plant biomass along the gradient and as such constituted a natural two-species association. Comparisons between potential and realized distributions permit a direct estimate of the reductions in abundance of each species by the presence of the other species and the reduction in potential niche overlap along the habitat gradient. In addition, the study of competitive interactions between T. latifolia and T. angustifolia provides us with an opportunity to evaluate the classification of these two species as respectively r-selected and K-selected (McNaughton 1975).

• Research Organization: Michigan State Univ., Hickory Corners
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-S-02-1599
• OSTI ID: 6228801
• Journal Information: Am. Nat.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Nat.; (United States) Vol. 118:4; ISSN AMNTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CATTAILS
COMPETITION
DATA
DISTRIBUTION
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HABITAT
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANTS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION