1365-2745/asset/olbannerleft.gif?v=1&s=29cbb4972850c9448a20adb437173ddbd4c06476)
1365-2745/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=7ca00ff0d18e5e3df1364d77d8bf8fdb8cd2cf1a)
Fluctuating resources in plant communities: a general theory of invasibility
Article first published online: 24 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2745.2000.00473.x
1365-2745/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=d9abfc75e3b02c69722895ea71f2d2081b840b02 "Journal of Ecology")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Davis, M. A., Grime, J. P. and Thompson, K. (2000), Fluctuating resources in plant communities: a general theory of invasibility. Journal of Ecology, 88: 528–534. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2745.2000.00473.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 DEC 2001
- Article first published online: 24 DEC 2001
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- plant invasions;
- invasibility;
- resource availability;
- fluctuating resources;
- disturbance;
- exotic species
Summary
1 The invasion of habitats by non-native plant and animal species is a global phenomenon with potentially grave consequences for ecological, economic, and social systems. Unfortunately, to date, the study of invasions has been primarily anecdotal and resistant to generalization.
2 Here, we use insights from experiments and from long-term monitoring studies of vegetation to propose a new theory in which fluctuation in resource availability is identified as the key factor controlling invasibility, the susceptibility of an environment to invasion by non-resident species. The theory is mechanistic and quantitative in nature leading to a variety of testable predictions.
3 We conclude that the elusive nature of the invasion process arises from the fact that it depends upon conditions of resource enrichment or release that have a variety of causes but which occur only intermittently and, to result in invasion, must coincide with availability of invading propagules.