Consequences of a biological invasion reveal the importance of mutualism for plant communities
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2001 |
| Authors: | C. E. Christian |
| Journal: | Nature (London) |
| Volume: | 413 |
| Pagination: | 635-639 |
| Date Published: | Oct 11, 2001 |
| Abstract: | *[I report the community-level consequences of a biological invasion that disrupts important seed-dispersal mutualisms. I show that invasion of South African shrublands by the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, leads to a shift in composition of the plant community, owing to a disproportionate reduction in the densities of large-seeded plants. This study suggests that the preservation of mutualistic interactions may be essential for maintaining natural communities.] |
| Alternate Journal: | Nature |
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