Factors of variation in the number of adventive species in herbaceous communities of the Western Caucasus

Variation in the saturation of herbaceous communities with adventive species in the Western Caucasus is primarily driven by the number of such species in larger areas, their species-holding capacity, and community completeness. This finding emerged from a study that analyzed field data using ordinary and multivariate regression techniques. Researchers examined 0.5-m² plots to assess adventive species saturation while considering factors like herbaceous layer coverage, species richness, and the counts of adventive and indigenous species in larger 15-m² plots. The results highlight how local-scale community dynamics are influenced by broader ecological patterns, offering insights into the structure and resilience of herbaceous communities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Akatov, V. V., Akatova, T. V., & Eskina, T. G. (2010). Factors of variation in the number of adventive species in herbaceous communities of the Western Caucasus. Russian Journal of Ecology, 41(5), 386–392. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1067413610050048