Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides reproduce via rhizomes cre

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) reproduce via rhizomes, creating immense colonies that may include thousands of trees. One colony in Utah, nicknamed Pando, consists of a grove of ~47,000 trunks. Despite their massive size, scientists worry that these stands are vulnerable – why?

A: Because they are genetically uniform, they are desirable to logging companies.

B: Because they are essentially clones, their low genetic variability makes the population vulnerable to plant diseases.

C: Insect pest species can burrow from rhizome to rhizome.

D: The underground connections between stems may facilitate forest fire.

Solution

The answer is C

Populus tremuloides is affected by insects pest species can burrow from rhizome to rhizome.

In case of Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), a clone is initiated by the establishment of a seedling (the ortet); suckers (ramets) arise from the root system of the ortet. Death of ramets and decay of root connections may result in formation of several independent root systems within the same clone. Aspen is susceptible to a large number of diseases.Broad phenotypic variability among clones is important to the ecology and management of this species.

Aspen is especially susceptible to gnawing or stripping of its bark by several species of mammals, such as mice, elk, rabbits, deer and porcupines. Aspen buds are an important winter food source for wildlife. Quaking aspen appears to be host to several insect and other invertebrate pests. Some are quite damaging and may kill otherwise healthy stands of aspen. Others feed on weakened or dying trees and still others have incidental impacts. Insect species that feed on aspen include several defoliator insects, borers, leaf miners, sawflies, leafhoppers, and aphids.