Ungulates as drivers of tree population dynamics at module and genet levels

摘要

Forest ungulates affect woody plant species in many ways, e.g. by removing shoots and leaves, stripping bark, fraying, trampling, defecation and urination. High densities of ungulates can have a profound impact on plant populations, forest structure and ecosystem processes. We focus here on plant responses at two levels of population organisation in woody plants: modules and genets. Modules are defined as leaves and winter shoots, and genets as the original zygotes. Our main concern is with boreal and temperate deciduous forests, but examples from other systems are included where appropriate.