Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Wille, Luc T.
Abstract
This study examines the demographic status of two co-occurring plant populations, Cornus florida and Lindera benzoin, with a stage matrix population projection model, and the potential for a competitive advantage in endozoochorous seed dispersal for L. benzoin in the quantity of seeds dispersed, the quality of seed dispersal, or a combination of the two. A plant pathology analysis indicates that the C. florida population has been impacted by the fungal pathogen Discula destructiva . The population model predicts a decline in the C. florida population and an increase in the L. benzoin population. Seed removal experiments revealed that significantly more seeds of L. benzoin were removed by insects, presumably ants. This could represent an important advantage for L. benzoin in the quality of seed dispersal. However, L. benzoin is likely also benefiting by the increase in colonization opportunities that are provided as individuals of C. florida succumb to D. destructiva.
Extent
111 p.
Recommended Citation
Vejdani, Vivianne, "role of seed dispersal in mediating competition between two temperate understory plant populations, Cornus florida and Lindera benzoin, in a Pennsylvania state park" (2006). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009. 1151.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_5/1151
Identifier
FADT13398
Comments
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2006.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2006.