Thomas J. Stohlgren
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195172331
- eISBN:
- 9780199790395
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195172331.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
In arid environments, the patterns of native and non-native plant diversity may be affected by cryptobiotic crusts. This chapter is a detailed case study designed to: (1) quantify patterns of native ...
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In arid environments, the patterns of native and non-native plant diversity may be affected by cryptobiotic crusts. This chapter is a detailed case study designed to: (1) quantify patterns of native and non-native plant species, cryptobiotic crust habitats, rare/unique habitats, and soil characteristics at landscape scales; and (2) determine which habitats in the southeast portion of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Utah, were more invaded by exotic plant species. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the interactions between various components of vascular plant diversity, with non-vascular plants (crusts) in complex arid soil environments.Less
In arid environments, the patterns of native and non-native plant diversity may be affected by cryptobiotic crusts. This chapter is a detailed case study designed to: (1) quantify patterns of native and non-native plant species, cryptobiotic crust habitats, rare/unique habitats, and soil characteristics at landscape scales; and (2) determine which habitats in the southeast portion of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Utah, were more invaded by exotic plant species. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the interactions between various components of vascular plant diversity, with non-vascular plants (crusts) in complex arid soil environments.
Malcolm Ausden
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198568728
- eISBN:
- 9780191717529
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568728.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter discusses some general techniques and considerations common to managing most habitats. These include principles of managing for different groups, landscape factors, and disturbances; ...
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This chapter discusses some general techniques and considerations common to managing most habitats. These include principles of managing for different groups, landscape factors, and disturbances; different approaches to grazing, and methods of controlling unwanted plant species. Eradication of rats and cats on islands is also covered, since this affects a number of different habitats, and can be of critical importance in conserving some island endemics and important seabird colonies. The chapter also includes a discussion of the likely effects of climate change on species and habitats, and potential ways to mitigate and compensate for its damaging effects.Less
This chapter discusses some general techniques and considerations common to managing most habitats. These include principles of managing for different groups, landscape factors, and disturbances; different approaches to grazing, and methods of controlling unwanted plant species. Eradication of rats and cats on islands is also covered, since this affects a number of different habitats, and can be of critical importance in conserving some island endemics and important seabird colonies. The chapter also includes a discussion of the likely effects of climate change on species and habitats, and potential ways to mitigate and compensate for its damaging effects.
Thomas J. Stohlgren
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195172331
- eISBN:
- 9780199790395
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195172331.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
This chapter reviews why standard methods for plant diversity studies have been slow to develop. It provides specific examples why plant diversity studies are inherently difficult due to issues of ...
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This chapter reviews why standard methods for plant diversity studies have been slow to develop. It provides specific examples why plant diversity studies are inherently difficult due to issues of taxonomy, phonology, and species rarity. In addition, it shows that designing plant diversity studies also is hampered by plant-to-plant neighborhood scale variability, landscape-to-regional scale variability, and long-term changes in plant diversity brought about by immigration, particularly plant species invasions from other countries.Less
This chapter reviews why standard methods for plant diversity studies have been slow to develop. It provides specific examples why plant diversity studies are inherently difficult due to issues of taxonomy, phonology, and species rarity. In addition, it shows that designing plant diversity studies also is hampered by plant-to-plant neighborhood scale variability, landscape-to-regional scale variability, and long-term changes in plant diversity brought about by immigration, particularly plant species invasions from other countries.
Pat Willmer
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691128610
- eISBN:
- 9781400838943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691128610.003.0029
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter focuses on the global pollination crisis. For nearly three decades now there has been evidence of declines in pollinators worldwide, and the problems were explicitly recognized in the ...
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This chapter focuses on the global pollination crisis. For nearly three decades now there has been evidence of declines in pollinators worldwide, and the problems were explicitly recognized in the United Nations Sao Paulo declaration (1998–1999). However, the ecosystem-level effects of this pollinator decline remain unclear. Therefore long-term data collections are needed to track the changes and to understand their underlying causes with a view to finding sustainable solutions. This chapter examines the needs for assessment of pollinator declines, along with some of the key threats to pollinators and to pollination services including: habitat degradation and destruction; habitat fragmentation; intensive agriculture; increasing prevalence of fires in areas where human impacts are substantial; introduced animal species and pollinators; invasive plant species and changing floras; diseases and other natural threats to key pollinators; and climate change.Less
This chapter focuses on the global pollination crisis. For nearly three decades now there has been evidence of declines in pollinators worldwide, and the problems were explicitly recognized in the United Nations Sao Paulo declaration (1998–1999). However, the ecosystem-level effects of this pollinator decline remain unclear. Therefore long-term data collections are needed to track the changes and to understand their underlying causes with a view to finding sustainable solutions. This chapter examines the needs for assessment of pollinator declines, along with some of the key threats to pollinators and to pollination services including: habitat degradation and destruction; habitat fragmentation; intensive agriculture; increasing prevalence of fires in areas where human impacts are substantial; introduced animal species and pollinators; invasive plant species and changing floras; diseases and other natural threats to key pollinators; and climate change.
Eric Post
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691182353
- eISBN:
- 9780691185491
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691182353.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter explores patterns of phenological dynamics in tropical systems, where the availability of time is comparatively unconstrained by abiotic conditions. Although abiotic conditions are ...
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This chapter explores patterns of phenological dynamics in tropical systems, where the availability of time is comparatively unconstrained by abiotic conditions. Although abiotic conditions are conducive to growth and reproduction throughout the year in the tropics, many tropical species exhibit pronounced phenological dynamics that shape and are influenced by their interactions in time with other species. Hence, even though ecological time is abundant in tropical systems, species can still be seen to segregate their phenological activity in time. This is evident in the leaf flushing, flowering, and fruiting activity of many tropical plant species that, while capable of expression of such life history events throughout the year, tend to engage in peaks in such activity that lend structure to the phenological community.Less
This chapter explores patterns of phenological dynamics in tropical systems, where the availability of time is comparatively unconstrained by abiotic conditions. Although abiotic conditions are conducive to growth and reproduction throughout the year in the tropics, many tropical species exhibit pronounced phenological dynamics that shape and are influenced by their interactions in time with other species. Hence, even though ecological time is abundant in tropical systems, species can still be seen to segregate their phenological activity in time. This is evident in the leaf flushing, flowering, and fruiting activity of many tropical plant species that, while capable of expression of such life history events throughout the year, tend to engage in peaks in such activity that lend structure to the phenological community.
Brenda J. Grewell, John C. Callaway, and Wayne R. Ferren, Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520249554
- eISBN:
- 9780520933361
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520249554.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
This chapter discusses vegetation of the estuarine wetlands of California's coast, focusing on vegetated wetlands dominated by vascular plants. It begins by discussing important ecosystem functions ...
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This chapter discusses vegetation of the estuarine wetlands of California's coast, focusing on vegetated wetlands dominated by vascular plants. It begins by discussing important ecosystem functions of wetland, and then describes abiotic and biotic factors affecting vegetation in California's estuarine wetlands, and the distribution of its estuarine wetland systems. The chapter also discusses global climate change effects, rare and endangered wetland plants, and the increased number of invasive plant species, and concludes with efforts focused on the restoration of wetlands in California, considering areas for future research.Less
This chapter discusses vegetation of the estuarine wetlands of California's coast, focusing on vegetated wetlands dominated by vascular plants. It begins by discussing important ecosystem functions of wetland, and then describes abiotic and biotic factors affecting vegetation in California's estuarine wetlands, and the distribution of its estuarine wetland systems. The chapter also discusses global climate change effects, rare and endangered wetland plants, and the increased number of invasive plant species, and concludes with efforts focused on the restoration of wetlands in California, considering areas for future research.
Jeffrey D. Corbin, Carla M. D’Antonio, and Susan J. Bainbridge
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520240247
- eISBN:
- 9780520930636
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520240247.003.0011
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter evaluates the efficiency of experimental techniques in reducing invasive plant species in California grassland ecosystems. It discusses native plant restoration approaches, focusing on ...
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This chapter evaluates the efficiency of experimental techniques in reducing invasive plant species in California grassland ecosystems. It discusses native plant restoration approaches, focusing on techniques to tip the competitive balance toward native species and away from exotic species. These techniques include the reduction of soil nitrogen availability, livestock grazing, prescribed burning, herbicide application, and biological control.Less
This chapter evaluates the efficiency of experimental techniques in reducing invasive plant species in California grassland ecosystems. It discusses native plant restoration approaches, focusing on techniques to tip the competitive balance toward native species and away from exotic species. These techniques include the reduction of soil nitrogen availability, livestock grazing, prescribed burning, herbicide application, and biological control.
Richard F. Miller, Steven T. Knick, David A. Pyke, Cara W. Meinke, Steven E. Hanser, Michael J. Wisdom, and Ann L. Hild
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520267114
- eISBN:
- 9780520948686
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520267114.003.0011
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology
The distribution of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) within the Sage-Grouse Conservation Area (SGCA), the historical distribution of Greater Sage-Grouse buffered by fifty kilometers, stretches from British ...
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The distribution of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) within the Sage-Grouse Conservation Area (SGCA), the historical distribution of Greater Sage-Grouse buffered by fifty kilometers, stretches from British Columbia and Saskatchewan in the north, to northern Arizona and New Mexico in the south, and from the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains to western South Dakota. The dominant sagebrush (sub)species as well as the composition and proportion of shrubs, grasses, and forbs varies across different ecological sites as a function of precipitation, temperature, soils, topographic position, elevation, and disturbance history. Invasive plant species, wildfires, and weather and climate change are major influences on sagebrush habitats and present significant challenges to their long-term conservation. A large proportion of existing sagebrush communities are at moderate to high risk of invasion by cheatgrass. Juniper and pinyon woodlands have expanded into sagebrush habitats at higher elevations creating an elevational squeeze on the sagebrush ecosystem from both extremes.Less
The distribution of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) within the Sage-Grouse Conservation Area (SGCA), the historical distribution of Greater Sage-Grouse buffered by fifty kilometers, stretches from British Columbia and Saskatchewan in the north, to northern Arizona and New Mexico in the south, and from the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains to western South Dakota. The dominant sagebrush (sub)species as well as the composition and proportion of shrubs, grasses, and forbs varies across different ecological sites as a function of precipitation, temperature, soils, topographic position, elevation, and disturbance history. Invasive plant species, wildfires, and weather and climate change are major influences on sagebrush habitats and present significant challenges to their long-term conservation. A large proportion of existing sagebrush communities are at moderate to high risk of invasion by cheatgrass. Juniper and pinyon woodlands have expanded into sagebrush habitats at higher elevations creating an elevational squeeze on the sagebrush ecosystem from both extremes.
J.C. Ellis, P.J. Bellingham, E.K. Cameron, D.A. Croll, G.S. Kolb, C. Kueffer, G.H. Mittelhauser, S. Schmidt, E. Vidal, and D.A. Wait
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199735693
- eISBN:
- 9780190267803
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199735693.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter discusses the various effects of seabirds in plant communities inhabiting seabird islands. It conducts cross-system comparisons using datasets of seven systems that include seabird and ...
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This chapter discusses the various effects of seabirds in plant communities inhabiting seabird islands. It conducts cross-system comparisons using datasets of seven systems that include seabird and non-seabird islands. It looks into the association of seabirds with particular patterns of plant species composition and richness, including invasions by non-native plants. It highlights specific possible changes such as how elevated nitrogen inputs that result from subsidies brought to land by seabirds might reduce plant species richness, the physical disturbance of seabirds to plants, and the likely occurrence of seabirds promoting particular plant families, genera, or species.Less
This chapter discusses the various effects of seabirds in plant communities inhabiting seabird islands. It conducts cross-system comparisons using datasets of seven systems that include seabird and non-seabird islands. It looks into the association of seabirds with particular patterns of plant species composition and richness, including invasions by non-native plants. It highlights specific possible changes such as how elevated nitrogen inputs that result from subsidies brought to land by seabirds might reduce plant species richness, the physical disturbance of seabirds to plants, and the likely occurrence of seabirds promoting particular plant families, genera, or species.
Hugh D. Safford and Chris R. Mallek
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520268357
- eISBN:
- 9780520948457
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520268357.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
Given the great differences in productivity between serpentine and nonserpentine habitats, coupled with the heightened presence of endemics and species of conservation concern in the former, it would ...
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Given the great differences in productivity between serpentine and nonserpentine habitats, coupled with the heightened presence of endemics and species of conservation concern in the former, it would seem that ecologists interested in studying the factors regulating diversity would gravitate to field and laboratory comparisons across this natural productivity gradient. However, such comparative studies remain rare, even in places where serpentine soils are a common part of the landscape. This chapter reviews ecological studies of disturbance in serpentine vegetation, focusing on general patterns in the responses of plant species diversity to large ungulate herbivory, fire, and soil disturbance.Less
Given the great differences in productivity between serpentine and nonserpentine habitats, coupled with the heightened presence of endemics and species of conservation concern in the former, it would seem that ecologists interested in studying the factors regulating diversity would gravitate to field and laboratory comparisons across this natural productivity gradient. However, such comparative studies remain rare, even in places where serpentine soils are a common part of the landscape. This chapter reviews ecological studies of disturbance in serpentine vegetation, focusing on general patterns in the responses of plant species diversity to large ungulate herbivory, fire, and soil disturbance.
Neil Sugihara (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520246058
- eISBN:
- 9780520932272
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520246058.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
Fires are both an integral natural process in the California landscape and growing threat to its urban and suburban developments as they encroach on wildlands. This book synthesizes knowledge of the ...
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Fires are both an integral natural process in the California landscape and growing threat to its urban and suburban developments as they encroach on wildlands. This book synthesizes knowledge of the science, ecology, and management of fire in California. Part I introduces the basics of fire ecology. It includes an historical overview of fire, vegetation, and climate in California; overviews of fire as a physical and ecological process; and reviews the interactions between fire and the physical, plant, and animal components of the environment. Part II explores the history and ecology of fire in each of California’s nine bioregions. Part III examines fire management in California, including both Native American and post-European settlement; discusses current issues related to fire policy and management, including air quality, watershed management, invasive plant species, native species, and fuel management; and considers the future of fire management.Less
Fires are both an integral natural process in the California landscape and growing threat to its urban and suburban developments as they encroach on wildlands. This book synthesizes knowledge of the science, ecology, and management of fire in California. Part I introduces the basics of fire ecology. It includes an historical overview of fire, vegetation, and climate in California; overviews of fire as a physical and ecological process; and reviews the interactions between fire and the physical, plant, and animal components of the environment. Part II explores the history and ecology of fire in each of California’s nine bioregions. Part III examines fire management in California, including both Native American and post-European settlement; discusses current issues related to fire policy and management, including air quality, watershed management, invasive plant species, native species, and fuel management; and considers the future of fire management.
Ilkka Hanski
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780226406305
- eISBN:
- 9780226406589
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226406589.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter discusses the dynamics of species invasion and its impact on biodiversity based on research at San Sebastian de la Gomera on Canary Islands, where the author of this book first arrived ...
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This chapter discusses the dynamics of species invasion and its impact on biodiversity based on research at San Sebastian de la Gomera on Canary Islands, where the author of this book first arrived on December 28, 1976. Species that colonize islands are often ecological generalists that flourish in early successional, disturbed habitats. Over time, these species adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions and become more specialized, which may ultimately increase their risk of extinction from islands, while new generalists arrive to compensate for extinctions. The chapter talks about an endemic species, Calliphora splendens and the vulnerability of the Azores to invasion by alien plant species. It cites the IUCN list of 100 of the worst invasive species in the world that includes the domestic cat and the cane toad. Finally, the chapter discusses assisted migration and how it has contributed to the decline in biodiversity.Less
This chapter discusses the dynamics of species invasion and its impact on biodiversity based on research at San Sebastian de la Gomera on Canary Islands, where the author of this book first arrived on December 28, 1976. Species that colonize islands are often ecological generalists that flourish in early successional, disturbed habitats. Over time, these species adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions and become more specialized, which may ultimately increase their risk of extinction from islands, while new generalists arrive to compensate for extinctions. The chapter talks about an endemic species, Calliphora splendens and the vulnerability of the Azores to invasion by alien plant species. It cites the IUCN list of 100 of the worst invasive species in the world that includes the domestic cat and the cane toad. Finally, the chapter discusses assisted migration and how it has contributed to the decline in biodiversity.
Martin Cody
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520247291
- eISBN:
- 9780520932722
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520247291.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
This study, the result of nearly a quarter-century of research, examines the island biogeography of plants on continental islands in Barkley Sound, British Columbia. The book summarizes the ...
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This study, the result of nearly a quarter-century of research, examines the island biogeography of plants on continental islands in Barkley Sound, British Columbia. The book summarizes the diversity, dynamics, and distribution of the approximately three hundred species of plants on more than two hundred islands. The author uses his extensive data set to test various aspects of island biogeographic theory. His analysis, constrained by taxon and region, elucidates and enhances the understanding of the biogeographic patterns and dynamics. The author provides an overview of the basic theory, concepts, and analytical tools of island biogeography. Also discussed are island relaxation to lower equilibrium species numbers post-isolation, plant distributions variously limited by island area, isolation and climatic differences, adaptation to local abiotic and biotic environments within islands, and the evolution of different island phenotypes. The book concludes with a valuable consideration of equilibrium concepts and of the interplay of coexistence and competition.Less
This study, the result of nearly a quarter-century of research, examines the island biogeography of plants on continental islands in Barkley Sound, British Columbia. The book summarizes the diversity, dynamics, and distribution of the approximately three hundred species of plants on more than two hundred islands. The author uses his extensive data set to test various aspects of island biogeographic theory. His analysis, constrained by taxon and region, elucidates and enhances the understanding of the biogeographic patterns and dynamics. The author provides an overview of the basic theory, concepts, and analytical tools of island biogeography. Also discussed are island relaxation to lower equilibrium species numbers post-isolation, plant distributions variously limited by island area, isolation and climatic differences, adaptation to local abiotic and biotic environments within islands, and the evolution of different island phenotypes. The book concludes with a valuable consideration of equilibrium concepts and of the interplay of coexistence and competition.
Stephen B. Brush
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300100495
- eISBN:
- 9780300130140
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300100495.003.0002
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
This chapter describes some of the ways in which crop diversity has been used to address larger issues about human and agricultural evolution. Recognition and management of crop varieties are part of ...
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This chapter describes some of the ways in which crop diversity has been used to address larger issues about human and agricultural evolution. Recognition and management of crop varieties are part of a single continuum of using and caring for plant species and plant communities, a continuum that is most apparent in the amazing diversity of crops. This diversity is renewed yearly during seed selection, a human routine that has guided crop evolution. The chapter discusses how engagement with crop diversity is ubiquitous in agricultural societies because farmers everywhere are aware of the potential of new crops or crop varieties to solve problems. It also reveals how many different societies have organized the search for new crop varieties, and how this search has eventually led to scientific crop improvement programs based on conscious selection, crosses among different varieties, and genetic manipulation.Less
This chapter describes some of the ways in which crop diversity has been used to address larger issues about human and agricultural evolution. Recognition and management of crop varieties are part of a single continuum of using and caring for plant species and plant communities, a continuum that is most apparent in the amazing diversity of crops. This diversity is renewed yearly during seed selection, a human routine that has guided crop evolution. The chapter discusses how engagement with crop diversity is ubiquitous in agricultural societies because farmers everywhere are aware of the potential of new crops or crop varieties to solve problems. It also reveals how many different societies have organized the search for new crop varieties, and how this search has eventually led to scientific crop improvement programs based on conscious selection, crosses among different varieties, and genetic manipulation.
Thomas P. Rooney and Donald M. Waller
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226871714
- eISBN:
- 9780226871745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226871745.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter examines changes in Wisconsin's forests. It reports that most forests in northern Wisconsin have lost native plant species; that weedy, nonnative plants have begun to invade; and that ...
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This chapter examines changes in Wisconsin's forests. It reports that most forests in northern Wisconsin have lost native plant species; that weedy, nonnative plants have begun to invade; and that these processes contribute to a pattern of “biotic homogenization” wherein sites are coming to resemble each other in composition. While several factors affect these trends, the loss of mature forest habitats combined with overabundant deer clearly contribute.Less
This chapter examines changes in Wisconsin's forests. It reports that most forests in northern Wisconsin have lost native plant species; that weedy, nonnative plants have begun to invade; and that these processes contribute to a pattern of “biotic homogenization” wherein sites are coming to resemble each other in composition. While several factors affect these trends, the loss of mature forest habitats combined with overabundant deer clearly contribute.
Jeffrey D. Corbin, Carla M. D’antonio, Andrew R. Dyer, and Mark R. Stromberg
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520252202
- eISBN:
- 9780520933972
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520252202.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
Grassland ecosystems cover 10 percent of California's land area, and this habitat type is home to many endangered animals and plants in the state. This chapter presents a state-of-the-art synthesis ...
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Grassland ecosystems cover 10 percent of California's land area, and this habitat type is home to many endangered animals and plants in the state. This chapter presents a state-of-the-art synthesis by scientists studying California grasslands on the status of our knowledge of the history, ecology, and management of grasslands. It begins with an overview that presents the nomenclature, systematics, and classifications of the important plant species and communities, and also discusses the role of climatic and soil conditions in the distribution of grasslands, including population and community ecology. The book concludes with management and conservation efforts, and the use of restoration science to combat exotic species and restore native biodiversity.Less
Grassland ecosystems cover 10 percent of California's land area, and this habitat type is home to many endangered animals and plants in the state. This chapter presents a state-of-the-art synthesis by scientists studying California grasslands on the status of our knowledge of the history, ecology, and management of grasslands. It begins with an overview that presents the nomenclature, systematics, and classifications of the important plant species and communities, and also discusses the role of climatic and soil conditions in the distribution of grasslands, including population and community ecology. The book concludes with management and conservation efforts, and the use of restoration science to combat exotic species and restore native biodiversity.
Douglas H. Johnson, Matthew J. Holloran, John W. Connelly, Steven E. Hanser, Courtney L. Amundson, and Steven T. Knick
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520267114
- eISBN:
- 9780520948686
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520267114.003.0018
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology
The Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), endemic to western North America, is of great conservation interest. Its populations are tracked by spring counts of males at lek sites. This ...
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The Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), endemic to western North America, is of great conservation interest. Its populations are tracked by spring counts of males at lek sites. This study explored the relations between trends of Greater Sage-Grouse lek counts from 1997 to 2007 and a variety of natural and anthropogenic features. The results show that trends were correlated with several habitat features, but not always similarly throughout the range. Lek trends were positively associated with proportion of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cover, within five and eighteen kilometers. Lek trends had negative associations with the coverage of agriculture and exotic plant species. Trends also tended to be lower for leks where a greater proportion of their surrounding landscape had been burned. Lek trends were reduced where communication towers were nearby, whereas no effect of power lines was detected. Active oil or natural gas wells and highways, but not secondary roads, were associated with lower trends. These findings are important for identifying features that could threaten Greater Sage-Grouse populations.Less
The Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), endemic to western North America, is of great conservation interest. Its populations are tracked by spring counts of males at lek sites. This study explored the relations between trends of Greater Sage-Grouse lek counts from 1997 to 2007 and a variety of natural and anthropogenic features. The results show that trends were correlated with several habitat features, but not always similarly throughout the range. Lek trends were positively associated with proportion of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cover, within five and eighteen kilometers. Lek trends had negative associations with the coverage of agriculture and exotic plant species. Trends also tended to be lower for leks where a greater proportion of their surrounding landscape had been burned. Lek trends were reduced where communication towers were nearby, whereas no effect of power lines was detected. Active oil or natural gas wells and highways, but not secondary roads, were associated with lower trends. These findings are important for identifying features that could threaten Greater Sage-Grouse populations.
Jim Meeker and Gary Fewless
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226871714
- eISBN:
- 9780226871745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226871745.003.0014
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Some of Wisconsin's most majestic wetlands occur along the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior. This chapter describes these systems, noting that their diversity often hinges on regular disturbance ...
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Some of Wisconsin's most majestic wetlands occur along the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior. This chapter describes these systems, noting that their diversity often hinges on regular disturbance events including shifts in water depth. It notes the difficulty of separating changes in these wetlands that represent these natural cycles and “pulse stability” from those due to long-term directional changes. Habitat destruction has already eliminated half the wetlands in Wisconsin, and alterations in land use and hydrology continue to degrade many of those that persist. Wetlands are also experiencing unprecedented waves of invasion from exotic plant species like reed canary grass and purple loosestrife threatening native wetland species and wetlands along both lakeshores.Less
Some of Wisconsin's most majestic wetlands occur along the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior. This chapter describes these systems, noting that their diversity often hinges on regular disturbance events including shifts in water depth. It notes the difficulty of separating changes in these wetlands that represent these natural cycles and “pulse stability” from those due to long-term directional changes. Habitat destruction has already eliminated half the wetlands in Wisconsin, and alterations in land use and hydrology continue to degrade many of those that persist. Wetlands are also experiencing unprecedented waves of invasion from exotic plant species like reed canary grass and purple loosestrife threatening native wetland species and wetlands along both lakeshores.
John Hartigan Jr.
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780816685301
- eISBN:
- 9781452958750
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816685301.003.0011
- Subject:
- Sociology, Race and Ethnicity
Conveys the threats facing taxonomy today, while making the case for its fundamental importance for addressing issues of biodiversity.
Conveys the threats facing taxonomy today, while making the case for its fundamental importance for addressing issues of biodiversity.
Robin Findlay Hendry
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- November 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190494599
- eISBN:
- 9780197559666
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190494599.003.0019
- Subject:
- Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry
Chemical substances such as gold and water provide paradigm examples of natural kinds: They are so central to philosophical discussions on the topic that they often provide the grounds for quite ...
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Chemical substances such as gold and water provide paradigm examples of natural kinds: They are so central to philosophical discussions on the topic that they often provide the grounds for quite general philosophical claims—in particular that natural kinds must be hierarchical, discrete, and independent of interests. In this chapter I will argue that chemistry in fact undermines such claims. In what follows I will (i) introduce the main kinds of chemical kinds, namely chemical substances and microstructural species; (ii) critically examine some general criteria for being a natural kind in the light of how they apply to chemical kinds; and finally (iii) present two broad theories of how chemical substances are individuated. The primary purpose of this article is to bring scientific detail and sophistication to a topic—natural kinds—which has a long but not always honorable history in philosophy, but chemists can also learn something from these discussions. Chemistry is in the business of making general claims about substances, a fact which is embodied in the periodic table, as well as in the systems of nomenclature and classification published by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). At several points in the history of their subject, chemists appear to have faced choices about which general categories should appear in these systems. Understanding why these choices were made, and the alternatives rejected, gives us an insight into whether chemistry might have developed differently. This is central to understanding why chemistry looks the way it does today. So, what are the chemical kinds? Chemists study the structure and behavior of substances such as gold, water and benzene, and also of microscopic species such as gold atoms, and water and benzene molecules. They group together higher kinds of substances: groups of elements such as the halogens and alkali metals, broader groups of elements such as the metals, and classes of compounds that share either an elemental component (e.g., chlorides), a microstructural feature (e.g., carboxylic acids), or merely a pattern of chemical reactivity (e.g., acids).
Less
Chemical substances such as gold and water provide paradigm examples of natural kinds: They are so central to philosophical discussions on the topic that they often provide the grounds for quite general philosophical claims—in particular that natural kinds must be hierarchical, discrete, and independent of interests. In this chapter I will argue that chemistry in fact undermines such claims. In what follows I will (i) introduce the main kinds of chemical kinds, namely chemical substances and microstructural species; (ii) critically examine some general criteria for being a natural kind in the light of how they apply to chemical kinds; and finally (iii) present two broad theories of how chemical substances are individuated. The primary purpose of this article is to bring scientific detail and sophistication to a topic—natural kinds—which has a long but not always honorable history in philosophy, but chemists can also learn something from these discussions. Chemistry is in the business of making general claims about substances, a fact which is embodied in the periodic table, as well as in the systems of nomenclature and classification published by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). At several points in the history of their subject, chemists appear to have faced choices about which general categories should appear in these systems. Understanding why these choices were made, and the alternatives rejected, gives us an insight into whether chemistry might have developed differently. This is central to understanding why chemistry looks the way it does today. So, what are the chemical kinds? Chemists study the structure and behavior of substances such as gold, water and benzene, and also of microscopic species such as gold atoms, and water and benzene molecules. They group together higher kinds of substances: groups of elements such as the halogens and alkali metals, broader groups of elements such as the metals, and classes of compounds that share either an elemental component (e.g., chlorides), a microstructural feature (e.g., carboxylic acids), or merely a pattern of chemical reactivity (e.g., acids).