How does topography affect species diversity?

How does topography affect species diversity?

Increasing topographic complexity (e.g. variation in slope inclination and aspect) increases habitat diversity, niche space available for niche partitioning and speciation and thus enables species coexistence (Hortal et al. Therefore, topographic complexity likely results in increased species richness (Hortal et al.

How does topography affect animal life?

Large areas with similar properties typically host more species than small ones. And their biodiversity can be increased further if many similar habitats are connected. In mountainous terrain, other factors come into play, such as temperature, biological productivity, and exposition.

How does topography affect the ecosystem?

Topography affects abiotic conditions which can influence the structure, function and dynamics of ecological communities. In all plots, canopy height increased with topographic wetness but the effect was much stronger in dry compared to wet forest plots.

How does topography affect living?

Topography is often used as a surrogate of habitats for plant species, which is correlated with environmental conditions such as soil moisture (Daws et al. 2007) and light availability (Svenning 2001) that may directly influence the demography (i.e. survive, growth and recruitment) of plants.

What is the relationship between topography and the establishment of a community?

Even within a relatively small area, variations in topography can create variations in temperature, moisture, and exposure to sun and wind. These differences create conditions that support different natural communities .

What is topography in ecology?

Topography is the study of the forms and features of land surfaces. Topography is a field of geoscience and planetary science and is concerned with local detail in general, including not only relief, but also natural and artificial features, and even local history and culture.

In what ways can topographic changes damage the environment?

The effects of topography on the climate of any given region are powerful. Mountain ranges create barriers that alter wind and precipitation patterns. Topographical features such as narrow canyons channel and amplify winds. Mountains and plateaus are exposed to the cooler temperatures of higher altitudes.

How does topography affect soil formation?

Topography has a strong influence on soil development. Soils on the side of hills tend to be shallow, due to erosional losses. Soils on the tops of hills tend to be deep, but lighter in color, due to downward leaching losses. Soils in the valleys tend to be deeper, darker, and contain more horizons.

How does topography influence vegetation?

Elevation exerted the strongest influence on vegetation, followed by slope and wetness. Topography generally affected all vegetation measures and exhibited the strongest local relationships with the main species-compositional gradient, the main functional gradient and the plant’s average soil moisture preference.

How does topography affect vegetation?

It is commonly observed that topography strongly affects the state and distribution of vegetation. This topographic effect is normally considered to operate through the regulation of the incoming solar radiation and lateral redistribution of water and elements.

How important is the topography of a site affects the production?

Field Topography – Poorly drained fields or those with low areas can become water logged during periods of excessive rain. Such conditions can enhance the incidence of diseases, reduce plant vigor and yield, and, under excessive conditions, cause plant death.