Herbivore Fronts Shape Saltmarsh Plant Traits and Performance.

ABSTRACT: Herbivore fronts can alter plant traits (chemical and/or morphological features) and performance via grazing. Yet, herbivore-driven trait alterations are rarely considered when assessing how these fronts shape ecosystems, despite the critical role that plant performance plays in ecosystem functioning. We evaluated herbivore fronts created by the purple marsh crab, Sesarma reticulatum , as it consumes the cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora , in Virginian salt marshes. Sesarma fronts form at the head of tidal creeks and move inland, creating a denuded mudflat between the tall-form Spartina low marsh (trailing edge) and the short-form Spartina high marsh (leading edge). We quantified Sesarma front migration rate, tested if Sesarma herbivory alter

SUBMITTER: Wittyngham SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12022777 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature