The Influence of Metacommunity Connectivity and Invasive Species on Diversity and Ecosystem Properties: Invasion, Predation by Native Species, and Genetic Diversity of Propagules

Invasive species are recognized for exerting strong negative impacts on native biota and ecosystems. Because of this, billions of dollars are spent toward invasion prevention and control efforts annually. Once invaders have become established in a novel environment, however, eradication efforts are often not only extremely costly, but also wholly impractical. Thus, preventing the initial establishment of invaders is generally deemed the most effective means of invasion control. To do this successfully we must have a thorough understanding of the factors contributing to invader establishment and impact in novel environments. Ecological studies aiming to elucidate such properties traditionally focused on processes occurring at either the local (i.e., predation, competition) or regional (i.e., dispersal) scale. Metacommunity ecology, however, provides a framework through which to examine these factors across spatial scales, contributing to a more holistic understanding of properties influencing invasion success. This dissertation employs metacommunity theory to examine the contribution of connectivity, predation by functionally distinct native predators, and genetic diversity of founding populations of invaders on invasion success in both real and experimental metacommunities using freshwater plankton as a study system. The observational portion of this work (Chapter 2) examined zooplankton and phytoplankton community and ecosystem responses to zebra mussel invasion in 18 reservoirs spanning two natural metacommunities with differing levels of hydrologic and overland connectivity in Texas. Though such an observational approach provides unique insights into invader impacts, it also limits our ability to tease apart the myriad potential influences on communities of interest. Because of this, two experimental studies were also employed. In the first (Chapter 3), the role of functionally distinct native predators (notonectids and gyrinids) on plankton communities and ecosystem properties before and after invasion was investigated. In the second (Chapter 4), the role of genetic diversity of founding populations of invaders on their success and impacts was examined. Together, the results of these studies provide novel insights into factors contributing to invader establishment and impact and lend to a broader understanding of the drivers of successful biological invasions in freshwater systems.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Lovejoy, Riley Tunnell

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lozier, Jeffrey D

Contributors dc:contributor

• Atkinson, Carla L
• Benstead, Jonathan P
• Huryn, Alexander D
• Wilson, Alan E

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

http://purl.lib.ua.edu/187889
u0015_0000001_0004711
Lovejoy_alatus_0004D_15150

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/10524