Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Thesis_Zakroff.pdf (1.68 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

To what extent do non-native shrubs support higher trophic levels?

Zakroff, Ari
http://orcid.org/0009-0002-4059-7844
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685024445007769

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, Biological Sciences.
Invasive species threaten ecosystems and economies. Globally, biological invasions are estimated to have cost over $2.1 trillion since 1970. In Eastern North American woodlands, invasive plants are rapidly displacing natives. This is concerning, because invasive plants may not support the diverse and abundant arthropod communities essential to ecosystem function. Despite the conceptual understanding of invasive shrubs’ potential to transform forest communities, scant research has focused on the effect of invasive plants on higher trophic levels here in Ohio. To address this gap, I examined the diversity and abundance of arthropod communities, caterpillar performance, and caterpillar predation on two invasive shrubs, Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and border privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium), relative to native counterparts. Lo. maackii supported a depauperate community; however, Li. obtusifolium hosted a surprisingly robust community. Nevertheless, both invasives proved poor hosts for caterpillars and were less preferred by foraging insectivores.
John O. Stireman, III, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Don Cipollini, Jr., Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Volker Bahn, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
141 p.
Biology; Ecology; Entomology; Environmental Science; Plant Sciences; Zoology
biological invasions; invasive plants; plant-insect interactions; caterpillars; arthropods; multi-trophic interactions; enemy free space; Lonicera maackii; Ligustrum obtusifolium; Viburnum prunifolium; Fraxinus

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Zakroff, A. (2023). To what extent do non-native shrubs support higher trophic levels? [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685024445007769

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Zakroff, Ari. To what extent do non-native shrubs support higher trophic levels? 2023. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685024445007769.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Zakroff, Ari. "To what extent do non-native shrubs support higher trophic levels?" Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1685024445007769

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1685024445007769
167
© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.