Group 5: Janet Kim, Genevieve Rogan, Austin Marrs
BBQ2b: Back to the Future
BREAKING NEWS(10/11/15): In recent studies scientists have noticed an increase in the
abundance of species in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This population growth is due to the fact
that a new species of tree scientists are calling “Shook” has emerged in the Blue Ridge
Mountains. The Shook Tree produces a specific type of nut that animals seem to prefer over
more ordinary types of nuts, such as acorns. The “Shook” Tree provides such dense foliage
that the squirrels and birds are flocking to use the tree as a new habitat. The squirrel population
at James Madison University has blown up over 150% due to the “Shook” Tree’s arrival. In
addition to feeding the squirrels and birds, the nut produced by the Shook Tree produces when
decomposing, provides nutrients into the soil that has helped with the overall growth and health
of the vegetation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
BREAKING NEWS (10/25/15): Scientists are researching the benefits of the “Shook” Tree. Soil
testing has been completed, and the special nuts that the “Shook” tree was producing are
evidently beneficial to wildlife. The squirrel and deer populations have been rapidly increasing
since the last story broke, and it now appears that the “Shook” Tree could be multiplying in great
numbers. Soil testing has concluded that the tops of the special nuts decomposed and went
into the soil. This would normally raise concern for the health of the soil, but it is evidently
extremely beneficial to it. The “Shook” Trees are now in a steady increase, and the ecosystem
is doing better than ever.
The “Shook” Tree is an example of the concept of keystone species. A keystone species is an
organism that plays a crucial role to an ecosystem. A keystone species can be other than a
predator. Originally, the “Shook” Tree was absolutely a keystone species. Scientists examined
the deer population before and after the “Shook” Tree’s arrival, and the results were staggering.
Both the deer and Squirrel populations over doubled, due to the great habitat and food source
the tree provides. The population before the tree’s arrival was the control group, as that was
when the population was at equilibrium. In response to the deer and squirrel populations
increasing, both the coyote and fox populations went up. Due to the new nutrients in the
ground, almost all vegetation types had major growth as well, providing another food source for
the deer.
Similarly to the Pacific Salmon, the nut produced by the Shook Tree while decaying provides
nutrients to its environment. While salmon decays it provides nutrients to periphyton,
macroinvertebrates as well as vegetation. The Shook Tree nut adds nutrients to the soil allowing
for healthier vegetation growth which in turn helps herbivore species.
1. Helfield, J. M., & Naiman, R. J. (2006). Keystone Interactions: Salmon and Bear in Riparian
Forests of Alaska. Ecosystems, (2). 167.
2. National Geographic. (2015). Encyclopedic Entry: Keystone Species.