Ecosystem Responses and Adaption
Patterns of forest species and structural diversity
Patterns of forest species and structural diversity describe the spatial and temporal variation in species composition and forest architecture. These patterns are shaped by ecological processes such as succession, disturbance, and environmental gradients. Understanding them is essential for assessing ecosystem resilience and informing biodiversity conservation.
Processes of forest succession, disturbance, and recovery
Processes of forest succession, disturbance, and recovery refer to the natural dynamics through which forests change over time. Disturbances such as storms, fires, or human activities reset ecosystem structure, initiating successional pathways that lead to gradual recovery and re-establishment of forest communities. These processes are fundamental to understanding forest resilience, biodiversity maintenance, and long-term ecosystem function.
Conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems
Conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems involve protecting intact forests and recovering degraded ones to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Conservation efforts aim to prevent habitat loss and fragmentation, while restoration focuses on rebuilding ecological structure and processes through methods such as reforestation and natural succession. They are essential for maintaining forest resilience in the face of climate and human pressures.
