Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
5-2024
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Gerardo Arceo-Gómez
Committee Members
Thomas C. Jones, Richard Carter
Abstract
Urbanization is an intensive form of habitat disturbance associated with detrimental effects on biodiversity. However, few studies have investigated its effects on the number, identity and structure of species interactions while considering seasonal fluctuations in communities. Avian seed dispersal is a vital ecosystem service, and the interplay of urbanization and seasonality may impact seed dispersal in ways not predicted by either factor alone. In this study, we evaluate the effects of urbanization and season on avian seed dispersal networks in the southern Appalachians. We found that the number and richness of interactions was unaffected, but the identity of interacting bird species differed based on landscape type. We also found that species strength was impacted by urbanization and season, but other network metrics were unaffected. These results suggest that species identity should be considered when making comparisons of seed dispersal networks, as it may reveal differences between networks with implications for dispersal quality and future plant communities.
Document Type
Thesis - embargo
Recommended Citation
Horton, Jody, "Seeds in the City: Impacts of Urbanization on Avian Seed Dispersal Networks in the Southern Appalachians" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4396. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4396
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.