Widely distributed riparian and wetland species as model organisms for functional trait ecology research

Riparian and wetland ecosystems present opportunities to study populations across strong spatial gradients (e.g. disturbance regimes or salinities). In addition, many of these systems are degraded and dominated by non-native organisms that we believe provide opportunities to explore fundamental questions, including those related to selection, biogeography, coevolution and physiological trade-offs. Two such taxa are Phragmites and Tamarix whose wide ecological distribution and rapid growth facilitate experimental and observational studies. Using these taxa as model organisms, we will exam how both species could provide insight to fundamental ecological questions regarding environmental selection across gradients and interpopulation dynamics