Some of the
early explorations in landscape ecology focused on the consequences of patch
composition and patch configuration in the landscape. Exploration of patch dynamics continue to be
an active framework in many areas of ecology, as evidenced by the work
presented here. Students in the 2003
Rutgers University Landscape Ecology class chose to focus on how the concept of
patches has and is continuing to aid our understanding of ecological
systems. We begin with a review of how
theoretical neutral models can be used to study patch dynamics. We follow with an examination of the role of
corridors in changing landscapes and how the idea of corridors has changed
through time. Patches are scale specific
and what is a patch for one organism is a landscape
for another. With this in mind, we next
consider the challenges of identifying patches that are relevant for insect
conservation. Staying with the
conservation and restoration theme, we present a review of the interaction
between dispersal and patch dynamics with one paper concentrating on seed
dispersal and a second on amphibian conservation. We complete the conservation theme with a
review of the difficulties of managing a key predator in a changing
landscape. Moving to the realm of
invasion ecology, we present the concept of how patch dynamics can be utilized
to better understand the threat posed by invading species. Finally, we present a review of metapopulations concepts and place them within the context
of a patchy, heterogeneous landscape.
Dynamics of wildlife corridors as a result of land use
changes - Amy Karpati
The
Challenges of Defining Patches & Patch Dynamics in Insect Conservation
Biology - Lauren
Spearman
Patch Dynamics and Seed Dispersal: Implications for
Restoration and Conservation - Shannon Galbraith
The Complex Interactions of Amphibians with a Patchy
Environment - Jonathon
Schramm
Utilizing Patch Dynamics to Characterize Biological
Invasions
- Kristen A. Ross
Metapopulations and Patch Dynamics: Animal dispersal in heterogeneous
landscapes- Tanya Rohrbach
Comments regarding this page and it’s information content may be directed to chatfld@crssa.rutgers.edu