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We investigate the role of interspecific interactions on the viability of
plant populations. In particular, we focus on rare plant species, and
quantify the relative roles of pollination, herbivory, seed predation and
competition on their long term persistence. We consider how inbreeding
and inbreeding depression may affect interspecific interactions. We are
also interested in how global-scale changes, such as increases in the
amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and increases in Nitrogen deposition in
the soil, influence interactions between plants and their pollinators. We
also focus on the role of allelopathy, pollination and seed dispersal on
the population dynamics of invasive plant species. Our study sites are
throughout North America, including the Tyson Research Center in St.
Louis, Missouri, Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California, and
the Cedar Creek Biological Station in Minnesota.
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A Tettigonid grasshopper on a wild-petunia at the Ordway/Swisher Preserve near Gainesville Florida.
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