Extinction of a common native species by hybridization with an invasive congener

In this article, we summarize previous and ongoing work examining the population and genetical consequences of the introduction of smooth cordgrass, a tidal marsh grass native to the Atlantic, into the range of California cordgrass in San Francisco Bay, CA, in the 1970s. The two species hybridized....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Weed technology 2004-01, Vol.18, p.1288-1291
Main Authors: Ayres, D.R, Zaremba, K, Strong, D.R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic habitats
Ecological competition
Ecological engineering
ecological invasion
Estuaries
Genetic hybridization
Hybridity
indigenous species
interspecific hybridization
invasive species
Marine ecosystems
Plants
Pollen
Salt marshes
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina foliosa
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Summary:In this article, we summarize previous and ongoing work examining the population and genetical consequences of the introduction of smooth cordgrass, a tidal marsh grass native to the Atlantic, into the range of California cordgrass in San Francisco Bay, CA, in the 1970s. The two species hybridized. A subset of hybrid genotypes outcompetes the native species, overgrows its niche space, produces much seed, and sires the majority of seed on native flowers. The result is the loss of existing native cordgrass plants and the usurpation of cordgrass regeneration sites by copious hybrid seed. These processes could lead to the extinction of the native species.
ISSN:0890-037X
1550-2740
DOI:10.1614/0890-037X(2004)018[1288:EOACNS]2.0.CO;2