This seems like a very broad and general kind of question, but with the
reference to diagrams two thoughts occur. Coastal systems offer very visible
gradients over short distances, such as the zonation of grasses like
Spartina in salt marshes and benthic fauna along the seaside. As for
elevation, if you look at a mountain from a distance you can see very easily
the limits of trees and fields. The advantage of these is that they are
easily photographed if you (WT) are looking for graphic domonstrations.
Bill Silvert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wayne Tyson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:22 AM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Environmental gradients
While elevation is certainly one gradient (and latitude is another), I was
thinking more of those that might make up those kinds of gradients.
Temperature, pH, and humidity, for example, are just some of the more
precisely quantifiable gradients that might be part of a measurable
diagram of species, ecotype, or other category of life-form that would, if
sufficiently well-done, be a predictor of both life-form and habitat.
Ricklefs, for example, suggested such a diagram, if I recall correctly, in
his 2nd edition of "Ecology." I was hoping to be brought up to date on
what might have been done with this concept since that publication.
Perhaps your research involves such measures, or if others might know of
publications which have further refined the concept since those days . . .
WT
jan kerata wrote:
Wayne, here's a reference for work being done in Northern AZ, I hope this
is what you were looking for. Our Director, Neil Cobb, can answer any
questions.
Jan
http://www.mpcer.nau.edu/gradient/
Wayne Tyson wrote:
What's the latest word on environmental gradients? Diagrams?
Applications?
