CM L1 Flashcards
How is spatial variation within biomes
Spatially, biomes are not uniform in their composition or productivity
What causes spatial variation within biomes
- Topography (mountain, river valleys, plains)
- Soil type (nutrient content, drainage, depth)
- Exposure (proximity to dominant rain belts)
What are temporal changes
A type of change that will occur over a certain period of time that allows or affects stability of an ecosystem
Describe temporal changes in an ecosystem
They are in a constant state of flux due to micro-scale changes and macro-scale changes.
Micro-scale changes
- local extent
- duration short term, annual/seasonal cycle or longer
Macro-scale changes
- regional extent
- geological scale processes measured over > 10^5 or 10^6 years
Describe disturbance frequency
It is consistent over time. It is inversely proportional to magnitude. Small disturbances are more frequent than large disturbances
What determines the relative competitive strength (r/k) of plants?
Their ability to exploit their environment
What do organisms with high K have?
Very strong competitive ability. They usually dominate habitats eg oak.
What do organisms with high r have?
High rapid intrinsic reproductive rate eg dandelion
What is facilitation
Whwre dominance of one species provide ideal circumstances for other species to become newly established, including species whose competitive advantages are now ideally suited to the habitat
What dominates the first stage of succession?
Species with optimal dispersal/ colonization (r) traits
What dominates the later stages of succession?
Species with optimal competitive (K) traits.
What is ‘seres’
Idealized phases used by ecologists to make the process of succession.
Ecosystem composition
F (Biome + Disturbance regime)
