Effects of experimental warming on plant traits of subalpine wildflower species of Gothic, CO

Abstract

Over the next century the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other contributing greenhouse gases is predicted to generate an average increase in temperature 1-6˚C (Saavedra et al., 2003; Cleland et al., 2012). The proposed warming climate suggests a common myth of global warming that raising temperatures and CO2 enrichment will make a greener world. This research has contributed to data on reproductive traits and physiological changes linked to these qualities of various plant species. It was hypothesized that warmed plots may allocate more energy and resources for more competition among other plants within a warmer area. Using warming frames (these frames prevent radiative heat loss therefore allowing them to be slightly warmer) and plots previously set up by David Inouye (Inouye 2008), research was conducted to answer the hypothesis looking at species Erigeron flagellaris, Arenaria congesta, and Potentilla gracilis. Results shows the variables did not differ between treatments for both Erigeron flagellaris and Arenaria congesta. Height, seed set, and chlorophyll content were all greater in warmed plots for Potentilla gracilis. This all suggests a change in plant communities in the near future, species-specific variations, as well as some species (P. gracilis) allocating more energy to growth and reproduction in warmed temperatures and less to pollinator attraction.

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