Research Abstract:
Our research group addresses critical questions regarding the role of interspecific interactions on the population dynamics of rare and exotic plant species. Specifically, we ask: What factors are most critical to a plant's population growth? What makes some species particularly invasive, and others rare? Can patterns of density dependence and dispersal be used to predict optimal management of exotic species? Does inbreeding depression retard a plant’s ability to compete for light and resources? How will global climate change alter plant-animal interactions? How can we use the power of empirical observations, experiments, and mathematical modeling to identify the key life stages for conservation or control?
Selected Publications:
Schutzenhofer MR and Knight TM. Population-level effects of augmented herbivory on Lespedeza cuneata: Implications for biological control. Ecological Appl 2007 17:965-971.
Steets JA, Knight TM and Ashman T-L. The interactive effects of herbivory and mixed mating for the population dynamics of Impatiens capensis. American Naturalist 2007 170:113-127.
Knight TM, Chase JM, Hillebrand H and Holt RD. Mutualisms dampen trophic cascades. Ecology Letters 2006 9:1173-1178.
Knight TM, McCoy MW, Chase JM, McCoy KA, and Holt RD. Trophic cascades across ecosystems. Nature 2005 437:880-883.
Knight TM. The effects of herbivory and pollen limitation on a declining population of Trillium grandiflorum. Ecological Appl 2004 14:915-928.
Last Updated: 09/10/2007 |