Population re-establishment and spatial dynamics of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum), a foundation species in restored alpine ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Many ecosystems are defined and shaped by one or a few common, foundation species. Even though such species hold a key role in the restoration of these ecosystems, the demographic processes involved in their re-establishment have rarely been studied. Foundation species' population dynamics, re-establishment history, and the abiotic and biotic factors that affect individual establishment at restored sites can be studied by addressing population spatial patterns and age structure. Such an approach to studying population dynamics is particularly relevant for long-lived species with low mortality, such as shrubs in alpine areas. We studied a population of the foundation species Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum at an alpine spoil heap site and found evidence of population re-es

SUBMITTER: Sulavik J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11392828 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature