Landscapes - Landscape Ecology

Question 1

Describe ecological functions at the landscape level

Answer 1

Ex. Hydrology - the movement of water throughout a landscape

Question 2

How do landscapes change over time?

Answer 2

Landscapes are nested and in constant flux, so patterns of various scales affect each other

Question 3

What are some of the tools used in landscape ecology?

Answer 3

Arial photography, remote sensing, and GIS

Question 4

Landscape

Answer 4

The spatial arrangement of habitats at different scales

Question 5

Landscape ecology

Answer 5

The field of study that considers the spatial arrangement of habitats at different scales and examines how they influence all levels of ecology - from individuals to ecosystems

Question 6

How do the shape of landscapes affect organisms’ processes?

Answer 6

Edge effects - some organisms require definite habitats, others need transition habitats, can also effect the spread of diseases

Movement between landscapes is affected by shape and connectivity

Question 7

Landscape structure

Answer 7

Spatial elements generated by factors (e.g., geology, geomorphology, disturbance)

Question 8

Landscape elements

Answer 8

Spatially interrelated components of vegetation & other physical features (e.g., streams)

Question 9

Patch

Answer 9

A relatively homogeneous area that differs from its surroundings

Question 10

Transition types

Answer 10

Edges: abrupt
Ecotones: gradual

Question 11

Corridor

Answer 11

Linear feature that differs from habitats on either side - connects patches

Question 12

Network

Answer 12

Interconnected patches

Question 13

Mosaic

Answer 13

Integrated complex of patches, corridors, and networks

Question 14

Ecological functions: Hydrology

Answer 14

How vegetation, drainage, and runoff affects the movement of water through a landscape