Consequences of Plant Growth on Serpentine Soil, Essay Example

Over time, all life that has been perched on the continental crust has evolved. This evolution has occurred on the earth’s crust where rocks of relatively low density but rich in phosphorus, calcium, silica and potassium. The chemical makeup of these rocks fundamentally determine numerous aspects of growth for the plant. This is predominantly owing to the fact that as one moves away from the surface of the earth towards its core, rocks become serpentized as a result of the altering effect of the contact with water.

The article tackles the evolutionary and ecological consequences of plant growth on serpentine soil. This topic is of particular interest with increasing reports about the alarming rate of top soil erosion. The author has managed to highlight how serpentine rocks are formed as a result of hydration of two minerals, proxene and olivine. These are usually found in a kind of ultramafic rock called peridotites.

The authors take an interesting approach towards analysing the implications of plant growth on serpentized rocks. Their research integrates elements of geology, chemistry and biology. The authors specifically highlights how microorganisms adapt to extreme environmental conditions such as the changing activity of water, fluctuation in temperature and extreme acidity or alkalinity. These effects, according to the authors, can be analysed over meaningful geological timescales. The article also highlights the manner in which investigation into how microbial life adapts to extreme settings is crucial in determining the survival criteria for these biological organisms. This is key in helping to identify potential habitable zones within the solar system.

Authors also depict how every species that exists is able to use a subset of the available habitats to ensure survival and diversity. However, it has been found that species with narrow ranges and have special adaptation are of particular interest owing to their unique biological properties. This is the basis of habitat specialization in which certain plants are found to be endemic to a given soil type. It is important to note that this coincides with Kruckerberg’s claims of endemism being the epitome of specialised edaphic habitats.

Plant speciation is one of the effects of plant growth within serpentine regions. These regions record considerably high levels of endemism. The authors highlight how the relative surrounding area both directly and indirectly affects the speciation of a given plant. The evolutionary ancestries of serpentine species is of particular interest to the authors. This is owing to the fact that aspects such as physiological morphological and taxonomic diversity have been extensively exhausted through research.

The authors tackle the importance of intraspecific variation within a species. Important elements such as evolution by natural selection and adaptation have been found to be directly affected by intraspecific variation. This also affects the general survival and adaptability of given plant species relative to the environments. The authors acknowledge the important of molecular biological techniques to help understand the evolutionary and ecological implications of plant growth within serpentine regions.

In conclusion, the authors have taken a unique approach towards highlighting the implications of plant growth within serpentine regions. This is important in determining plant adaptability to their environment affecting productivity and diversity. Plant speciation is directly affected by the properties of the soil within which it grows. Site quality is directly linked to the competitive displacement rates where there is relatively low productivity and the competitive environment does not rely of disturbance to ensure regulation of diversity.