FOR201H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Pioneer Species, Krakatoa, Ecology
Document Summary
Chapter 11 - the ever changing forest, disturbance and dynamics: Forest dynamics: describe the interaction of physical and biological forces that determine ongoing changes in forest structure, composition, and function. Forests are subject to continuous change, driven by interactions. The two principle elements of forest dynamics are disturbance and succession. Tropical rainforests are highly dynamic and impacted by disturbances at every scale. High species diversity of tropical forests is associated with long-term stability. Allows for niche diversification and low extinction rates. Definitions of disturbance: emphasize a reduction in population density and/or a rapid release of resources for organisms to exploit. Span a range of scales of severity, spatial extent, frequency, and duration. Reflect differences in climate, biogeography, and local factors such as tree growth and turnover, soil structure and fertility, species composition, and human interventions. Senescence: is the process of deterioration with age. Gaps are a natural part of the growth cycle in tree-dominated forests.
