Drivers of plant population growth

Based on comparisons of population growth rates for 208 terrestrial plant species at different levels of environmental factors from 207 published studies, researchers report that abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors have effects of similar magnitude on plant performance for both herbaceous and woody plants and across latitudinal zones and biomes, suggesting that all 3 factor types need to be considered when predicting future changes in biodiversity.

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Article #19-18363: “Biotic and anthropogenic forces rival climatic/abiotic factors in determining global plant population growth and fitness,” by William F. Morris, Johan Ehrlén, Johan P. Dahlgren, Alexander K. Loomis, and Allison M. Louthan.

MEDIA CONTACT: William F. Morris, Duke University, Durham, NC; tel: 919-525-4585; e-mail:

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