Local Ecological Patterns Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the difference between the terms abundance, richness, and diversity when we talk about species?
Abundance = losts of individuals of animals
Richness = Lots of species
Diversity= Lots of animals and of species
What is the Shannon Evenness Index?
The Shannon Eveness Index indicates how many animals (individuals) of each species are present in an area and how they are distributed compared to the others. In this case, it indicates the eveness or uneveness of their presence (or dominance).
In the context of spatial science, what does patterns and process mean?
Patterns are the GENERAL STRUCTURE that can be analyzed. Processes indicate how this structure functions.
What does the Theory of Island Biogeography mean?
The theory of biogeography by McArthur indicates how many species can be found in a collective of islands. It is dependant on the Area DIMENSION and on the DISTANCE from the Mainland.
How does the quantity of species vary if the island is very DISTANT or CLOSE to the mainland?
If the island is CLOSE to the Mainland it has MORE species. If the island is FARTHER away from the Mainland it has LESS species because it will be more difficult to migrate.
How do we look at a Mosaic of a Landscape?
We can account for metrics such as:
1) Thematic content
2) Resolution (12km x 12km) > How close I can get and how is it rappresented 1:5000
3) Spatial grain (contextual minimal unit)
Explain the Walter’s Law
Walter’s Law talks about ecological consistency. This means that plants of one species might grow in different locations with SIMILAR atmospheric/climate conditions. But also, that SIMILAR SPECIES might be found in SIMILAR CONTEXTS even not being related.
What is the implication of Walter’s Law on plants if there is a change in the climate?
If there is a change on the climate, the plants will migrate or start growing in another location that is more suitable to the original climate state. This is an important indicator of climate change.
What are TROPHIC INTERACTIONS?
Tropic Interactions describe the energy and nutrient flow across different species and how they are dominant/submissive to each other. Tropic Interactions also define which species might co-exist or cancel each other.
What is Loess?
Loess are extremely fertile small particles (sediment with minerals) that the wind distributes across the planet.
When we talk about Ecological Patterns and their structure/patterns, what is the difference between composition and configuration?
Composition = how many different pixels something is made of.
Configuration = how these pixels are positioned.
Why is there spatial heterogeneity? What is its function?
Spatial Heterogeneity has specific functions such as 1) Regulatory 2) Habitat 3) Provisioning 4) Cultural functions
What is Alpha-Diversity, Beta-Diversity and Gamma-Diversity?
Alpha-Diversity = indicates div. within a territory
Beta-Diversity = between two territories
Gamma-Diversity= within a region or landscape
What is the difference between Allopatric and Sympatric speciation in ecology?
Allopatric speciation refers to the insurgence of another species due to a climate or geological change (ex. terremoto)
Sympatric speciation is an evolution type born for the necessity to compete for resources.
When do we talk about Habitat connectivity or functional connectivity?
We talk about habitat connectivity or functional connectivity when referring to areas that need to be improved to consent the correct communication within one same species.
