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ENV510 Landscape Ecology and GIS
Definitions
& descriptions | Structure
& pattern | Function
& process | Change
& dynamics | Management
implications
Processes
| Elements | Transformation
| Fragmentation
| Ecosystem
| Equilibrium
| Dynamics
| Source
sink |
Metapopulations
| Relationships | Other
Fragmentation
can cause a once continuously distributed population to become a metapopulation.
When habitat becomes fragmented and/or species are poor dispersers colonisation
rates can decline so that habitat patches become devoid of certain species.
Habitats can remain unoccupied by these species for several generations.
The number
of species converted to metapopulations increases with fragmentation of habitat
into small patches.
Whilst
some degree of extinctions and recolonisations are common, fragmentation of
habitat can cause metapopulation dynamics to become more pronounced. This means
that in these fragmented landscapes extinction and recolonisation are important
elements of survival.
Problems
arise in the stability of the metapopulation if movement between subpopulations
is restricted. Corridors (connectivity) are important for allowing movement
across a habitat, which is less suitable.
The extinction
rate will also depend on habitat quality and area of patch. High quality patches
are better for survival as are larger patches. Smaller patches will have a higher
extinction probability.
These interrelationships and flows across the landscape are quite complex. Much work still needs to be done on linking patterns in the landscape to population dynamics if we are to understand the relationships more proficiently.
Think!
Do either Kellerberrin or New England have a problem with metapopulations or the spatial arrangements of habitat patches?
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