Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/01144
Have silica bodies in grasses evolved as a defence against herbivores?
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor S Hartley, University of Sussex, Biology and Environmental Science
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor R Ennos, University of Hull, Biological Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Sussex, Biology and Environmental Science
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Conservation Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Community Ecology
- Abstract:
- It has been suggested that silica-induced abrasiveness in grasses evolved as a defence against herbivores but conclusive evidence is lacking because previous studies have not manipulated silica levels experimentally, nor measured abrasion, the mechanism by which silica is thought to act, directly. We have developed a new technique for measuring abrasion so we are now in a position to test the defensive role of silica directly for the first time. Using our new test apparatus, we will compare the abrasion characteristics of grass species known to differ in their palatabilities and we will also test which other chemical and mechanical factors affect their acceptability to generalist herbivores. We will then use grasses we have manipulated to contain different amounts of silica to determine if herbivores are deterred by high silica levels and avoid more abrasive grasses.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/A/S/2001/01144
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £178,516
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £95,668 | £3,807 | £17,200 | £7,091 | £54,750 |
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