DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/Z32H-GZ29
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Integrative Life Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Julie Zinnert
Abstract
Vegetation is crucial to coastal ecosystems experiencing climate change and storm-induced disturbance. Plant species interact with the physical environment and are considered “ecosystem engineers.” Sand dunes and barrier islands are at the forefront of climate change impacts as they are barriers that protect landward habitat and communities. Nature based solutions are utilized to protect infrastructure on developed coastlines. Understanding how dominant plant species interact with and alter the physical environment enhances our understanding of the mechanisms of change and consequences to the system. The goal of this research was to quantify physiological and functional trait differences in dominant species found in dunes and swales along the US mid-Atlantic coast to inform species distributions, interactions with the biotic and physical environment, and responses to temperature warming. A mixture of field studies, a field experiment, and growth chamber studies were used to disentangle the morphological and physiological differences between dominant species and how each is affected by or shapes the surrounding environment. Results here find significant species differences in dune morphology, root trait morphology, and physiological limitations. Dune vegetation is changing with a warming climate, which will change the erosion resistance of the dune systems. The final research chapter documents how expanding shrubs alter the species composition along the shrub edge relative to former grassland communities. This research documents how changes in species composition observed in coastal grasslands and dune systems are due to the physiological and functional traits of dominant species. Species impact the physical landscape by altering dune shape/size, modifying microclimate, and affecting resource availability (i.e., water, light, nutrients). Differences in how species and their traits affect the landscape may shift in response to climate warming. Our findings can inform models of dune and barrier island evolution to predict future response of these systems to climate change.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
7-15-2025
Included in
Integrative Biology Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Other Physiology Commons, Plant Biology Commons