| Abstract: | Question: How does seed dispersal reduce fen isolation and contribute to biodiversity? Location: European and North American fens. Methods: This paper reviews the literature on seed dispersal to fens. Results: Landscape fragmentation may reduce dispersal opportunities thereby isolating fens and reducing genetic exchange. Species in fragmented wetlands may have lower reproductive success, which can lead to biodiversity loss. While fens may have always been relatively isolated from each other, they have become increasingly fragmented in modern times within agricultural and urban landscapes in both Europe and North America. Dispersal by water, animals and wind has been hampered by changes related to development in landscapes surrounding fens. Because the seeds of certain species are long-lived in the seed bank, frequent episodes of dispersal are not always necessary to maintain the biodiversity of fens. However, of particular concern to restoration is that some dominant species, such as the tussock sedge Carex stricta, may not disperse readily between fens. Conclusions: Knowledge of seed dispersal can be used to maintain and restore the biodiversity of fens in fragmented landscapes. Given that development has fragmented landscapes and that this situation is not likely to change, the dispersal of seeds might be enhanced by moving hay or cattle from fens to damaged sites, or by reestablishing lost hydrological connections. ?? IAVS; Opulus Press. |
| Genre: | Conference Paper |
| ProdID: | 70028989 |
| Citation Author: | Middleton, B.; Van Diggelen, R.; Jensen, K. |
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| Citation End Page: | 284 |
| Citation Issue: | 2 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Applied Vegetation Science |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 6 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Seed dispersal in fens; 2006; Conference Paper; Applied Vegetation Science; Middleton, B.; Van Diggelen, R.; Jensen, K. |
| Citation Start Page: | 279 |
| Citation Volume: | 9 |
| Citation Year: | 2006 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Seed dispersal in fens; 2006; Conference Paper; Applied Vegetation Science; Middleton, B.; Van Diggelen, R.; Jensen, K. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1658/1402-2001(2006)9[279:SDIF]2.0.CO;2 |
| Date Other: | Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00 -0600 |
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