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 ECOLOGY : FIELD TRIP TO CORREZE

Lake-Woodland Transition

Transects

  • Measure changes in space
  • Along a line
  • Systematic sampling (not random)
  • Permits the identification of zones
  • Distribution of species associated with different environmental conditions
  • Can be used to take a "photograph" of a change in vegetation through time

Ecological succession

Development of a community from no vegetation to climax community
(Primary succession no soil to start with, secondary succession starts with soil)

Sequence

Example

Animal community changes too. (Cross ref. pitfall traps)

Characteristics

  • Each community prepares the way for the next. Stages cannot be skipped.
  • Highest productivity in the early stages.
  • Highest biomass in the climax.
  • Highest diversity in climax or just before.
  • Most complex food webs in climax.
  • Minerals mostly held in the biomass of the climax community.
  • Soil stabilised (less erosion) in the climax.

 

© Paul Billiet 2004