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The Role of Animals in Maintaining Forest Herb Diversity in Southeast Ohio

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2015, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Plant Biology (Arts and Sciences).
Animal species have the ability to move the seeds of forest herbs long distances and into suitable sites for seedling success. Four forest herbs (Hydrastis canadensis, Podophyllum peltatum, Maianthemum racemosum and Arisaema triphyllum) were monitored in southeast Ohio from June to October in 2008 and 2009. Animal vector visits were monitored using Buckeye Cam scouting cameras. Eighteen habitat variables were also measured to determine if forest herb species require specific habitat types, and if these habitat types affect animal visits. Birds removed red fruits and fruit visible from above more than dangling fruit and did not eat large fruit. Large mammals (i.e. Odocoileus virginianus and Procyon lotor) removed large yellow fruit and did not take any small, red fruit. Sciurus caronlinensis, was photographed 101 times and only removed fruit once. Hylocichla mustelina removed fruit most frequently compared to all other animal species. No non-native animals were recorded removing fruit. Three plant species exhibited a preference in micro-habitat specificity, although these results were not profound.
Glenn Matlack (Advisor)
Philip Cantino (Committee Member)
Brian McCarthy (Committee Member)
Steve Reilly (Committee Member)
81 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Philhower-Gillen, J. R. (2015). The Role of Animals in Maintaining Forest Herb Diversity in Southeast Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1415100392

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Philhower-Gillen, Jennifer. The Role of Animals in Maintaining Forest Herb Diversity in Southeast Ohio . 2015. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1415100392.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Philhower-Gillen, Jennifer. "The Role of Animals in Maintaining Forest Herb Diversity in Southeast Ohio ." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1415100392

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)