Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Management Flashcards
Landscape ecology
the science of studying and improving relationships between ecological processes in the environment and ecosystem
GIS
Geographic information systems
What does GIS provide?
allow storage, analysis, and display of spacial data
an be put together to show patterns and answer specific questions
GAP
Gap Analysis Program
What does GAP do
identify species of concern that are not adequately represented on existing conservation lands
GPS
Global positioning systems
What is GPS
allows ecologists to document precise locations of species and other variables
Landscape
an area in which at least one element is spatially heterogenous, often includes multiple ecosystems
mosaic
composite of heterogenous elements
Landscape structure
Physical configuration of landscape elements
What is landscape structure characterized by?
Size of patches
whether patches are aggregated or dispersed
complexity of patch shape
degree of fragmentation
What does habitat loss and fragmentation decrease?
habitat area, isolates populations, and alters conditions at habitat edge
edge effects
biotic and abiotic changes associated with this boundary
Abiotic edge effects
higher temperatures and diurnal extremes, higher wind speeds, and more light penetration
Biotic edge effects
higher rates of decomposition, more wind thrown trees and woody debris, and differential tree seedling survival
