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VARIATION IN VEGETATION AND SPECIES DIVERSITY ALONG A LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENT
Author(s) -
Van Der Maarel E.,
Leertouwer J.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
acta botanica neerlandica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.871
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1438-8677
pISSN - 0044-5983
DOI - 10.1111/j.1438-8677.1967.tb00052.x
Subject(s) - transect , quadrat , ordination , environmental gradient , ecology , range (aeronautics) , niche , gradient analysis , vegetation (pathology) , diversity index , floristics , species diversity , geography , environmental science , biology , species richness , habitat , materials science , composite material , medicine , pathology
SUMMARY Quantitative data are presented of a study of a combined height‐pH gradient in a primary dune slack at Schiermonnikoog. A transect of 10 × 4 m was floristically and ecologically analysed per sq m. Species number was taken as a measure of species diversity and was found to be related to range of pH and height: highest diversities occurred in the middle range of the gradient. This confirms a general rule described by Odum. Species‐area relation in the transect fits into the Preston model, the slope index being slightly under the theoretical equilibrium value 0,27. Ordination and classification of quadrats on a basis of information index I showed continuous variation of vegetation, which was mainly governed by pH variation. The twofold differentiation of the interrelated height and pH is termed ecological amplification and discussed. The relation between floristic fall and gradient range and between floristic difference of vegetations and their distance along a gradient are discussed. The diversity pattern found is interpreted in terms of niche differentiation governed by spatial and temporal variation of the environment. The possible relation between niche differentiation and gradient structure of the environment is discussed.