Patch dynamics in grazed arid ecosystems

dc.contributor.advisorChairperson, Graduate Committee: Lisa J. Rewen
dc.contributor.authorBao, Sarinaen
dc.coverage.spatialArid regionsen
dc.date.accessioned2015-05-21T14:41:05Z
dc.date.available2015-05-21T14:41:05Z
dc.date.issued2014en
dc.description.abstractSpatially heterogeneous, or patchy, vegetation patterns are widely distributed in arid and semiarid ecosystems and their water-redistributing role is of great ecological interests. Studies have shown effects of rain and wind, vegetation interactions, and disturbances on patch pattern formation and dynamics. In the absence of a synthesis, I have undertaken a review to systematically understand effects of these interacting factors in patch pattern formation and dynamics for two types of spotted and banded patterns. These two patterns are widely distributed and have distinctive, yet complementary features that encompass most of the patch pattern characteristics. I found that: 1) wind is as important as rain in patch pattern formation; 2) shrubs have a facilitation effect on the surrounding vegetation via several mechanisms, and 3) grazing disturbances that include foraging, excretion, and trampling have different effects on vegetation dynamics depending on the patch type and amount of annual precipitation (e.g. wet or dry years).en
dc.identifier.urihttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/8770en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherMontana State University - Bozeman, College of Agricultureen
dc.rights.holderCopyright 2014 by Sarina Baoen
dc.subject.lcshPlantsen
dc.subject.lcshPattern formation (Biology)en
dc.subject.lcshGrazingen
dc.titlePatch dynamics in grazed arid ecosystemsen
dc.typeProfessional Paperen
mus.relation.departmentLand Resources & Environmental Sciences.en_US
thesis.catalog.ckey2719491en
thesis.degree.committeemembersMembers, Graduate Committee: Cliff Montagne; Theodore Weaver; Craig Carr.en
thesis.degree.departmentLand Resources & Environmental Sciences.en
thesis.degree.genreProfessional Paperen
thesis.degree.nameMSen
thesis.format.extentfirstpage1en
thesis.format.extentlastpage66en

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