Disturbance, life history, and optimal management for biodiversity

Ambio
By:

Links

Abstract

Both frequency and intensity of disturbances in many ecosystems have been greatly enhanced by increasing human activities. As a consequence, the short-lived plant species including many exotics might have been dramatically increased in term of both richness and abundance on our planet while many long-lived species might have been lost. Such conclusions can be drawn from broadly observed successional cycles in both theoretical and empirical studies. This article discusses two major issues that have been largely overlooked in current ecosystem management policies and conservation efforts, i.e., life history constraints and future global warming trends. It also addresses the importance of these two factors in balancing disturbance frequency and intensity for optimal biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem management.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Disturbance, life history, and optimal management for biodiversity
Series title Ambio
DOI 10.1579/0044-7447-32.6.428
Volume 32
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher BioOne
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 3 p.
First page 428
Last page 430
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details