Species mobility and frequency dynamics in a Swiss limestone grassland

Studer-Ehrensberger, Katharina; Newbery, David McClintock (2007). Species mobility and frequency dynamics in a Swiss limestone grassland. Acta Phytogeographica Suecica(88), pp. 55-72. Uppsala: Almquist & Wiksell

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Community dynamics in a calcareous grassland (Mesobrometum) in Egerkingen (Jura mountains, Switzerland) were investigated for 53 non-woody species in 25 1-m2 plots over 6 years. 50 0.0 1-m2 subplots per plot were recorded. The derived variables were spatial frequency, temporal frequency, frequency fluctuation, turnover, and cumulative frequency (each species), and cumulative species richness (all species). Spectra for 53 species of all variables were different for the two investigated spatial scales (0.0 1 m2, 1 m2). The comparison with other investigations of similar grass lands showed that the behaviour of some species is specific for this type of vegetation in general (e.g. Achillea millefolium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Bromus erectus ), but most species behaved in a stand-specific way, i.e. they may play another (similar or completely different) role in another grassland stand. Six spatio-temporal patterns were defined across species. To understand community dynamics, not only the dynamics of mobility but also of frequency fluctuations and spatial distribution of the species are fundamental. In addition, the understanding of temporal behaviour of all species present should be included. Averages always hide important information of vegetation dynamics, as was shown by the present investigation.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Department of Biology > Institute of Plant Sciences (IPS)
08 Faculty of Science > Department of Biology > Institute of Plant Sciences (IPS) > Vegetation Ecology [discontinued]

UniBE Contributor:

Studer, Katharina, Newbery, David McClintock

Subjects:

500 Science > 580 Plants (Botany)

ISSN:

0084-5914

Publisher:

Almquist & Wiksell

Language:

English

Submitter:

Peter Alfred von Ballmoos-Haas

Date Deposited:

04 Oct 2013 15:09

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:21

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Contingency; Frequency spectrum; Mesobrometum; Mobility behaviour; Mobility spectrum; Niche limitation; Species list; Species richness; Variance deficit; Vegetation dynamics.

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.30437

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/30437 (FactScience: 194447)

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