Landscape Dynamics Flashcards
What is the primary matrix in landscape dynamics?
Embedded patches of physical landscape
Physical features include geology, soils, and topography mixed with climate, leading to a collection of communities.
What are edges or ecotones?
Boundaries between patches
They can include species from different communities and species unique to the edge zone.
What types of boundaries exist in landscape dynamics?
Types include:
* Abrupt, narrow edge with no ecotone development
* Narrow ecotone developed by community advancement
* Wide ecotone with invasion from both communities
* Ideal ecotone development supporting edge species
How does clearing a forested area affect boundary structure?
It allows light penetration, increasing air temperature and evaporation
This leads to changes in species composition and increased competition for light.
How does solar radiation affect edges between a field and a forest?
North-facing edges receive almost no direct sunlight, while south-facing edges receive both direct sunlight and reflection
This affects the temperature and light conditions at the forest edge.
What are corridors in landscape ecology?
Links between similar patches
Corridors can be natural or human-made, such as roads.
What is habitat fragmentation?
Human clearing of small areas leading to cumulative fragmentation
This can isolate larger forest tracts as surrounding land is cleared.
What happens to species pools as fragmentation proceeds?
Loss of critical patch size to support high species diversity
Area-insensitive species require large foraging areas, while edge species thrive in fragmented habitats.
What is the difference between edge species and interior species?
Edge species require edge habitat, while interior species require large interior areas far from edges
Interior species are often the first to disappear as fragmentation occurs.
What are disturbances in landscape ecology?
Natural and human-caused events, such as:
* Natural: fire, wind, ice, flood, drought
* Human-caused: logging, mining, clearing
What is the island effect in biogeography?
Size and distance of islands affect the number of species they support
Islands generally have fewer species than comparable mainland areas.
What are some examples of ‘islands’ in ecology?
Examples include:
* Oceanic islands
* Lake islands
* Isolated alpine lakes
* Mountain tops
* Deep-sea hydrothermal vents
What factors contribute to ‘island-ness’?
Factors include:
* Habitat diversity
* Dispersal limitations
* Geological age
* Extinctions due to competition
What does the theory of island biogeography suggest about immigration and extinction rates?
Immigration rate declines with increasing species richness, and extinction rate increases
The balance defines the equilibrium number of species on the island.
What is the importance of understanding landscape ecology in conservation biology?
It relates to management practices, focusing on preserve size and proximity to other preserves.
Fill in the blank: The acquisition and protection of _______ maintains a natural corridor between wildlife areas.
Pinhook Swamp
