ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3178-0674
Current Organisation
Open University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-10-2023
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 28-08-2019
Abstract: Photosynthesis is a key biological process. However, we know little about whether plants change their photosynthetic strategy when introduced to a new range. We located the most likely source population for the South African beach daisy Arctotheca populifolia introduced to Australia in the 1930s, and ran a common-garden experiment measuring 10 physiological and morphological leaf traits associated with photosynthesis. Based on predictions from theory, and higher rainfall in the introduced range, we hypothesized that introduced plants would have a (i) higher photosynthetic rate, (ii) lower water-use efficiency (WUE) and (iii) higher nitrogen-use efficiency. However, we found that introduced A. populifolia had a lower photosynthetic rate, higher WUE and lower nitrogen-use efficiency than did plants from Arniston, South Africa. Subsequent site visits suggested that plants in Arniston may be able to access moisture on a rocky shelf, while introduced plants grow on sandy beaches where water can quickly dissipate. Our unexpected findings highlight that: (1) it is important to compare introduced species to their source population for an accurate assessment of evolutionary change (2) rainfall is not always a suitable proxy for water availability and (3) introduced species often undergo evolutionary changes, but without detailed ecological information we may not be able to accurately predict the direction of these changes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-10-2007
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/BT14343
Abstract: Our experiment tested which of five treatments kept Christmas trees (Pinus radiata) healthy for longest. The five different treatments were submerging the cut ends of pine branches in water (control), freshly boiled water (to potentially dissolve sap in cut stems), energy drink (to provide sugars), beer (to provide sugars and kill germs) or spraying the needles with hairspray (to reduce water loss). We measured how much light energy was converted to chemical energy by the needles, thus recording their health. The treatment that maintained the highest level of photosynthetic health was the hairspray, with an average of 90% of original needle health after 27 days. Branches in freshly boiled water and control treatments both retained ~68% of their original photosynthetic health. Branches in both beer and energy-drink treatments declined to about a third of their original needle health. In conclusion, we recommend spraying cut Pinus radiata Christmas trees with hairspray.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-09-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-01-2015
DOI: 10.1111/PCE.12468
Abstract: Leaf photosynthetic CO2 responses can provide insight into how major nutrients, such as phosphorus (P), constrain leaf CO2 assimilation rates (Anet). However, triose-phosphate limitations are rarely employed in the classic photosynthesis model and it is uncertain as to what extent these limitations occur in field situations. In contrast to predictions from biochemical theory of photosynthesis, we found consistent evidence in the field of lower Anet in high [CO2] and low [O2 ] than at ambient [O2 ]. For 10 species of trees and shrubs across a range of soil P availability in Australia, none of them showed a positive response of Anet at saturating [CO2] (i.e. Amax) to 2 kPa O2. Three species showed >20% reductions in Amax in low [O2], a phenomenon potentially explained by orthophosphate (Pi) savings during photorespiration. These species, with largest photosynthetic capacity and Pi > 2 mmol P m(-2), rely the most on additional Pi made available from photorespiration rather than species growing in P-impoverished soils. The results suggest that rarely used adjustments to a biochemical photosynthesis model are useful for predicting Amax and give insight into the biochemical limitations of photosynthesis rates at a range of leaf P concentrations. Phosphate limitations to photosynthetic capacity are likely more common in the field than previously considered.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-08-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-07-2017
DOI: 10.1111/GCB.13778
Abstract: Elevated atmospheric CO
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 04-03-2021
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU21-16003
Abstract: & & Estimates of silicon (Si) pools and fluxes in erse extant ecosystems have been published, including for grasslands, and deciduous and evergreen forests.& These illustrate ersity in dominant pools of biogenic Si in soils versus living biomass, reflecting the vegetation type and variation in Si accumulation of plant groups. This presentation will explore potential to estimate Si pools and fluxes for a selection of past environments, based on the species recorded in fossil records teamed with Si accumulation data from extant relatives. Where possible, changes over time will also be considered incluing impacts of vegetation on weathering and other envrionmental feedbacks.& &
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/OIK.07847
Abstract: We currently face significant, anthropogenic, global environmental challenges and the role of ecologists in mitigating these challenges is arguably more important than ever. Consequently there is an urgent need to recruit and train future generations of ecologists, both those whose main area is ecology, but also those involved in the geological, biological and environmental sciences. Here we present the results of a horizon scanning exercise that identified current and future challenges facing the teaching of ecology, through surveys of teachers, students and employers of ecologists. Key challenges identified were grouped in terms of the perspectives of three groups: students, for ex le the increasing disconnect between people and nature teachers, for ex le the challenges associated with teaching the quantitative skills that are inherent to the study of ecology and society, for ex le poor societal perceptions of the field of ecology. In addition to the challenges identified, we propose a number of solutions developed at a workshop by a team of ecology teaching experts, with supporting evidence of their potential to address many of the problems raised. These proposed solutions include developing living labs, teaching students to be ecological entrepreneurs and influencers, embedding skills‐based learning and coding in the curriculum, an increased role for learned societies in teaching and learning, and using new technology to enhance fieldwork studies including virtual reality, artificial intelligence and real‐time spoken language translation. Our findings are focused towards UK higher education, but they should be informative for students and teachers of a wide range of educational levels, policy makers and professional ecologists worldwide.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2008
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 22-09-2015
Abstract: In spring 2014, thousands of green algal balls were washed up at Dee Why Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Reports of algal balls are uncommon in marine systems, and mass strandings on beaches are even more rare, sparking both public and scientific interest. We identified the algal masses as Chaetomorpha linum by using light microscopy and DNA sequencing. We characterize the size and composition of the balls from Dee Why Beach and compare them to previous records of marine algal balls. We describe the environmental conditions that could explain their appearance, given the ecophysiology of C. linum .
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 23-03-2020
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU2020-15907
Abstract: & & All plants contain some silicon (Si), but some species take it up passively through the transpiration stream while others additionally actively accumulate Si by producing transporters. Here, we review the literature, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to investigate the importance of transpiration for Si uptake across erse plant groups with different accumulation capacities. & We will use variation among species in terms of& hylogeny, habitat (e.g. aquatic vs. terrestrial), and environmental conditions (e.g. water or nutrient stress) to tease apart the roles of transporters and transpiration in controlling rates of Si accumulation, and make use of published manipulative experiments to explore how Si availability impacts the importance of these two uptake mechanisms.& &
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-11-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12678
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-04-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-09-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2011
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1071/RJ10001
Abstract: Carrichtera annua (L.) DC. (Brassicaceae) or Ward’s Weed, a major weed of semi-arid rangelands of southern Australia, has been collected widely since its introduction early in the 20th century. Collated records were used to suggest a single site of accidental introduction in South Australia, evidence of a lag phase of ~30 years (probably due to edaphic restrictions) before rapid spread, involving infrequent long-distance human-aided dispersal across southern Australia and a relatively stable range since the 1960s. Climate and soil analyses suggest that abiotic factors limit the distribution of C. annua, with the species being restricted to areas with winter-dominated rainfall and calcareous soils. Documentation of the history of a successful invasion, including the spread and probable limits of the current distribution of a species, is important for managing invasions. This study also highlights that a single, accidental introduction can result in a long-lasting, widespread problematic weed.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/RJ12027
Abstract: Carrichtera annua (L.) DC. (Brassicaceae) is a widespread weed of the southern rangelands of Australia and there is currently no effective control strategy for this weed outside agricultural systems. Field and glasshouse experiments were used to target various stages of the life cycle of C. annua that, from initial field observations and a review of the literature, appeared to be important or were poorly understood in Australia. Seed production was found to be prodigious with up to 30 000 seed m–2 recorded in the field and extensive collection of dry-dispersed seed by ants was documented, similar to that in the native range of C. annua. Two seedbanks, an aerial pod seedbank and a soil seedbank, are key features contributing to the success of this invasive species as the seedbanks are subject to, and protected from, contrasting pressures. The aerial seedbank, usually the larger of the two, protects seed from collection by ants but is susceptible to vertebrate grazing and fire, while the soil seedbank is depleted by ants and seed decay although the adhesive nature of wetted seeds helps stabilise this seedbank. The population can be replenished by either seedbank in one generation, hence both seedbanks need to be targeted to allow successful control. Inhibition of germination by high temperatures in unfavourable conditions and the potential to reach maturation and fruit production very quickly also contribute to the high seed production of this species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2009
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.TREE.2022.11.002
Abstract: Despite seminal papers that stress the significance of silicon (Si) in plant biology and ecology, most studies focus on manipulations of Si supply and mitigation of stresses. The ecological significance of Si varies with different levels of biological organization, and remains hard to capture. We show that the costs of Si accumulation are greater than is currently acknowledged, and discuss potential links between Si and fitness components (growth, survival, reproduction), environment, and ecosystem functioning. We suggest that Si is more important in trait-based ecology than is currently recognized. Si potentially plays a significant role in many aspects of plant ecology, but knowledge gaps prevent us from understanding its possible contribution to the success of some clades and the expansion of specific biomes.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Julia Cooke.