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Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS

© Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved.1

Chapter 15

INTRODUCTION

• Composition of communities

• Structure of communities

• Definition of ecosystem

• Dynamics of communities

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Chapter 15

DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITIES

• Functional relationships between community members

• Using structure to define communities

• Structural terms of Australian plant communities

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Chapter 15

FUNCTION IN COMMUNITIES - 1

• Energy flow– Capture of solar energy (photosynthesis)– Transfer of energy

• Food chains• Food webs

• Productivity

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Chapter 15

FUNCTION IN COMMUNITIES - 2

• Material flow

• Capture of important nutrients

• Material cycles

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Chapter 15

DYNAMICS OF COMMUNITIES

• Serial changes

• Longer-term changes

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Chapter 15

MEASURING LAND COVER CHANGE

• Aerial photographs

• Remotely sensed images

• Ground truthing

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Chapter 15

MEASURING HUMAN IMPACT ON VEGETATION

• Long-term monitoring systems

• Sediment-based approach

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Chapter 15

MANAGING NATIVE VEGETATION

• Reasons for conservation efforts

• Conflicts with the variety of land-use demands

• National Parks and Reserve systems

• Australia’s national obligations

• Regional approaches