Strauss measured the effects of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) selection of smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) shoots on plant growth, and compared the results to a similar study that utilized simulated grazing techniques. Deer selectively browsed larger shoots that were clumped on single ramets, which produced larger, wider shoots that were more likely to produce seed than unbrowsed plants. Natural browsing increased plant fitness by a factor of 3.1, while simulated grazing only increased plant fitness by a factor of 2.4. These results indicate that simulated grazing, although useful in some experiments, does not accurately reflect the effects of natural herbivory on smooth sumac plants.
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