Elevated Ozone Levels May Lead to Strengthened Invasiv Species in Urban Forests
Elton EE. 2008. Elevated Ozone Levels May Lead to Strengthened Invasiv Species in Urban Forests. Urban Habitats
Without notable advances in the protection of forests against the stresses caused by air pollution and the advance of invasive species, it is likely that dramatic diebacks and species shifts will occur in urban ecosystems (Mann. Bradle)'. and Hughes 1998; Fo-'!"lerl2LClU 999; Walther et al. 2002; Woodward, Lomas, and Kelly' 2004; Carreiro and Tril2ler 2005; Webb, Gaston, Hannah, and Woodward 2006). Yet very few scientists have concentrated on both air pollution and nonnative species and how they combine to weaken forest ecosystems. In an effort to delve deeper into this issue, the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Virginia has undertaken an ongoing study of the effects of ground-level ozone (03) on mid-Atlantic urban forests. Their preliminary data suggest that some important native species (e.g., Acer rubrum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Celtis occidentalis, Quercus rubra) are less equipped to defend against oxidation reactions generated from elevated ozone levels than common invasive species (e.g., Ailanthus altissima, Morus alba, Paulownia tomentosa).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Elton, Eric
- Units
- GATE
- Keywords
- Climate Change, Invasive Species, Ozone