Danger lurks underground for oak seedlings
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 14:35
in Biology & Nature
Scientists trying to understand why oaks are starting to disappear from North American forests may need to look just below the surface to find some answers. Purdue University researcher Robert Swihart found that pine voles, small rodents that live underground, prefer oak roots to those of other commonly growing seedlings. The study identifies the rodents as a possible factor leading to high oak mortality rates that are threatening the resource base of the hardwood industry...