Organism
Black Walnut
TL;DR
Exemplifies chemical niche construction through allelopathy.
Exemplifies chemical niche construction through allelopathy. Black walnut trees produce juglone, a toxin that inhibits germination and growth of many plant species. This constructs a niche (juglone-rich soil under walnut canopy) where walnut seedlings (which tolerate juglone) have reduced competition. The environmental engineering favors the constructor's offspring over competitors.
Notable Traits of Black Walnut
- Juglone production
- Allelopathic competition
- Chemical niche construction