Have the mysterious fairy circles of Namibia been solved?

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In summary, allelopathy, the process by which one plant inhibits the growth of another, has been a widely studied topic. One famous example is the case of Salvia leucophylla in desert shrubs, where it was believed that volatile terpenes emitted by the shrubs caused bare zones around them. However, further studies have shown that the bare zones were actually caused by rodents and birds, and not allelopathy. Another example is diffuse knapweed, which can inhibit the growth of grasses.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allelopathy

One of the most famous cases of purported allelopathy is in desert shrubs. Salvia leucophylla was one of the most widely known early examples because it was on the cover of the journal Science in 1964[2] Bare zones around the shrubs were hypothesized to be caused by volatile terpenes emitted by the shrubs. However, like many allelopathy studies, it was based on artificial lab experiments and unwarranted extrapolations to natural ecosystems. In 1970, Science published a study where caging the shrubs to exclude rodents and birds allowed grass to grow in the bare zones.[3] A detailed history of this interesting story can be found in Halsey 2004.[4]
 
  • #3
Diffuse knapweed is absolute death on grasses --- just try letting it go for a while in a lawn.
 

Related to Have the mysterious fairy circles of Namibia been solved?

What are fairy circles of Namibia?

Fairy circles of Namibia are circular patches of bare ground found in the grasslands of Namibia, a country in southwestern Africa. They are typically 2-15 meters in diameter and are surrounded by a ring of taller grass.

What causes fairy circles?

The exact cause of fairy circles is still debated among scientists. Some theories suggest that termites, plants, or water scarcity play a role in their formation. However, recent research suggests that they are most likely caused by a combination of factors, including competition for resources and self-organizing vegetation patterns.

Are fairy circles only found in Namibia?

No, fairy circles have also been found in other countries such as South Africa, Angola, and Australia. However, the largest and most well-known concentration of fairy circles is in Namibia.

Do fairy circles serve any purpose?

While the exact purpose of fairy circles is still unknown, they are thought to play a role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. The barren patches provide shelter for smaller plants and animals, and the ring of taller grass helps to retain moisture in the soil, allowing for the survival of larger plants.

Can fairy circles be seen from space?

Yes, fairy circles can be seen from space. In fact, they were first discovered by satellite images in the 1970s. They are also visible from airplanes and can be seen on Google Earth.

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