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ENV510 Landscape Ecology and GIS
Definitions
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| Structure
& pattern | Function
& process | Change
& dynamics | Management
implications
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it is | Principles
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What is landscape
ecology?
Think!
Before we tell
you what landscape ecology is, think for yourself about what it might be.
To
date there is no all-encompassing standard definition of landscape ecology.
Some of the many descriptions of landscape ecology are listed below.
- 'Landscape
ecology is a interdisciplinary subject between geography, biology and human
geography' (Vink,
1983).
- 'Landscape
ecology explores how a heterogeneous combination of ecosystems eg woods, meadows,
marshes, corridors and villages - is structured, functions and changes' (Forman
and Godron, 1986).
- Landscape
ecology focuses on the way processes interact and provides a set of underlying
principles for understanding the human impact on the environment (Haines-Young
et al., 1993).
- Landscape
ecology deals with the spatial arrangement of features (Noss,
1983).
- Landscape
ecology is concerned with the dynamics of spatial heterogeneity and can help
maintain biodiversity through its understanding of the structure and function
of landscapes and how they are influenced by human activity over time (Bridgewater,
1993).
- Landscape
ecology provides an understanding in landscape patterns and processes which
is needed for effective land use planning and management and to ensure conservation.
- Landscape
ecology is important because there is a need to look at the complexity within
landscapes and not single isolated elements.
- Landscape
ecology aims to solve real world environmental problems and aid in conservation.
Think!
How
do these descriptions fit with your earlier ideas about landscape ecology?
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