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Three plant species restricted to serpentine outcrops in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA, coexist with weedy congeners on these outcrops. The contrasting strategies by which each of the two types persists on the outcrops were examined by comparing growth rate, competitive ability, seedling mortality, mineral uptake, phenology, and leaf structure. In general, weeds had higher potential growth rate, more mesic leaf structures, lower seedling mortality on normal soil, lower Ca uptake, and earlier and/or more abundant seed production. Both types showed poor competitive ability when grown with ryegrass. Some, but not all, serpentine populations of weeds differed from nonserpentine populations in traits that may be adaptive to the serpentine habitat. The growth patterns of weeds are suited not only to the temporally open conditions of disturbed areas, but also to physically severe sites where the greatest stresses are seasonal. When moisture and nutrients are most abundant, weeds grow faster than serpentine—restricted plants and allocate biomass to structures allowing rapid growth and early reproduction. During periods when moisture and nutrient supply are low, growth of serpentine—restricted plants is favored over weeds. Within a particular range of moisture and nutrient availability, both types can coexist.

Non‐accidental injury (NAI) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Fractures are the second most common findings of NAI, after cutaneous lesions such as bruises and contusions. Imaging in NAI remains a controversial issue with little agreement concerning how, when and what imaging modalities should be used in the investigation of suspected cases. This review addresses the radiological investigations and findings of NAI, and the differential diagnoses of these findings. Adherence to the international guidelines for skeletal survey imaging is recommended. This ensures the content and quality of the radiographic series are of an optimal standard to improve the detection of occult fractures, and ensuring the accurate reporting of images. The involvement of a paediatric radiologist is important, if not essential in the diagnosis of NAI. In the evaluation of suspected cases, the role of the radiologist includes the detection of radiological findings suggestive of NAI, and the differentiation of these findings from normal variants and underlying pathologies. The diagnosis of NAI relies not only on radiological imaging, but also a combination of clinical and social findings. It is mandatory that all physicians work in close collaboration to improve diagnostic accuracy, as failure to diagnose NAI carries significant risk for morbidity.

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