exam Flashcards
- Landscape Structure and Function:
The structure, such as patch arrangement, affects functions like species movement and resource flow across the landscape
- Change and Structure
Environmental changes like fire can alter the structure by creating or removing habitat patches
- Island Biogeography Theory
Colonization and extinction rates drive species diversity on islands; larger islands and those closer to the mainland support more species.
- Historical Perspective in Landscape Ecology
Understanding past changes helps explain current landscape patterns and ecological conditions
- Natural vs. Disturbance Patches
: Natural patches are stable areas (e.g., wetlands), while disturbance patches are created by events like fire or logging
- Incidence Function for Interior Species
Interior species are more likely to be found in larger patches due to lower edge effects and increased habitat stability
- Species-Area Relationship
The relationship typically follows a logarithmic curve, explained by habitat diversity, target size for colonization, and extinction reduction
- Time-lag Effect and Extinction Debt
Landscape changes may lead to future extinctions (extinction debt) as species decline over time in degraded habitats
- Linear Features (Roads):
Roads serve as movement corridors, barriers, and sources of mortality; they can spread invasive species as a “source” function
- Boundary Shape and Filter Function
Irregular boundaries allow for more edge interactions, affecting species movement and resource availability
- Edge Effects:
o Detrimental: Increased predation risk for forest-interior species.
o Positive: More sunlight benefits edge-dwelling species
- Riparian Zones and biodiversity
Riparian zones are rich due to water availability, diverse microhabitats, and connectivity across landscapes.
- Landscape Context of a Patch
The surrounding matrix (e.g., urban vs. natural land) influences the biota within the patch by affecting species movement and resources
- Emergent Properties in Land Mosaics
: Properties like biodiversity emerge from the overall patch structure, not from individual patches alone
- Structural vs. Functional Connectivity
o Structural: Physical connections between habitats.
o Functional: Actual species movement between habitats.
- Stepping Stones
Small patches that help species move between larger habitat areas, improving connectivity.
- Corridors:
Facilitate species movement; pros include increased biodiversity, cons include possible spread of invasive species
- Fine-scale Landscape Function (Tongway & Ludwig)
Reserve patches capture resources, aiding sustainability in semi-arid landscapes.
- Deterministic vs. Stochastic Processes
o Deterministic: Predictable processes like natural selection.
o Stochastic: Random events like extreme weather
- Metapopulation Models
o Island-Mainland: Small, isolated populations with occasional recolonization.
o Patchy Population: More connected, with movement between patches
- Landscape Structure and Function
The structure, such as patch arrangement, affects functions like species movement and resource flow across the landscape
- Change and Structure
Environmental changes like fire can alter the structure by creating or removing habitat patches