Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Ecotones'

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2009.<br>Title from electronic title page (viewed Jun. 26, 2009). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in the Department of Biology." Discipline: Biology; Department/School: Biology.

Con questa tesi di dottorato si è applicato un approccio multi-scala per l'analisi delle dinamiche spazio-temporali di specie arboree negli ecotoni di treeline di origine antropica nell'Europa meridionale, nel contesto dei cambiamenti di uso del suolo e climatici in atto. In primo luogo, abbiamo analizzato la posizione e la composizione specifica delle treeline negli Appennini, cercando di definire su più scale spaziali in che modo il cambiamento climatico, la topografia e l'impatto dell'uomo avessero influito ed influissero sui cambiamenti della copertura del suolo, sulla quota della treeline e sulla composizione delle specie arboree dominanti. In secondo luogo, abbiamo studiato le recenti dinamiche di innalzamento della treeline antropogena, che sono una caratteristica comune nei paesaggi montani in tutta Europa e in particolare nelle aree ad alta quota del bacino mediterraneo. Abbiamo analizzato questo processo in quattro siti negli Appennini centrali (Italia), i quali hanno in comune la presenza di popolamenti di pino nero europeo (Pinus nigra Arn.). Il passo successivo è stato quello di valutare il verificarsi di dinamismi simili in altre treeline che ospitano diverse specie di pino autoctono. Abbiamo confrontato il processo di ricolonizzazione di quattro diverse specie (Pinus heldreichii, Pinus peuce, Pinus sylvestris e Pinus uncinata) in nove ecotoni di treeline antropogene. L'ultimo capitolo della tesi è un approfondimento su una nuova applicazione di telerilevamento (Laser scanner ALS), che permette la definizione di altezza e posizione delle singole piante; questa tecnologia risulterebbe applicabile anche in ambienti di limite del bosco, riducendo costi e tempo di rilievo, affiancata alle tecniche tradizionali di campo.<br>This research is aimed to apply a multi-scale approach to the analysis of the spatial-temporal dynamics of forest tree species at anthropogenic treeline ecotones in Southern Europe, within the context of land-use and climate changes. Firstly, we explored the position and species composition of the treelines in the Apennines. We searched how climate, topography and human impact affected land cover changes, elevation of treelines and dominant tree species composition at multiple spatial scales. Secondly, we investigated the recent dynamics of human-shaped treelines, which are a common feature in mountain landscapes across Europe and particularly in secularly managed Mediterranean high-elevation areas. We explored this process in four anthropogenic treeline ecotone sites in the Central Apennines (Italy) populated by European black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.). The following step was to assess the occurrence of similar dynamic processes in other human-shaped treelines hosting native pine species. We compared the recolonization process of four different pine species (Pinus heldreichii, Pinus peuce, Pinus sylvestris and Pinus uncinata) at nine anthropogenic treeline ecotones. The last chapter of the thesis is a new technology application for the detection of tree heights and of treeline position and dynamics at landscape scale. Airborne laser scanning-based (ALS) and traditional field-based survey methods for tree heights estimation in forest stand are assessed by using one hundred felled trees as reference dataset.

Alpine treeline ecotones (ATE) are the transition zones between contiguous subalpine forest and open alpine tundra. Because of their transitional natures formed by different ecosystems in high mountain areas, there are a variety of acute interactions between different species, between vegetations and environmental factors, and between ecological pattern and process. These interactions, or feedbacks, are often nonlinear in nature and make alpine treeline ecotones sensitive to environmental change, especially climate change. Feedbacks or nonlinear interactions between pattern and process create a variety of distinctive yet sometime surprising alpine treeline patterns. These nonlinear interactions between pattern and process and their resultant various patterns are defined as spatial complexity. In this study, the research framework of complexity theory was adopted. Dynamical simulations of alpine treeline ecotone is used as basic research method, and local nonlinear interactions, or more specifically, positive feedbacks are considered the key mechanism driving alpine treeline dynamics. A cellular simulation was created with tree/no-tree states that change as a function of probabilities of tree establishment and mortality which are functions of the neighborhood and an underlying gradient; the former changes in space and time endogenously; the latter can change in space and time exogenously. Three research projects were conducted for this dissertation that explore the endogenous and exogenous aspects of alpine treeline dynamics. First, the endogenous dynamics of alpine treeline ecotones was examined, which indicates that local positive feedbacks originated from interactions between trees can create fractal spatial dynamics in space and time. Second, the impacts of geomorphologic factors that impose an exogenous spatial structure on alpine treeline dynamics, was examined, which shows that there is a geomorphic limit to the endogenous fractal alpine treeline dynamics. Third, the impacts of climate change that imposes an exogenous temporal structure on alpine treeline dynamics was examined, which suggests that the self-organization nature of alpine treeline dynamics will not be significantly affected by external climate change and the use of alpine treeline ecotones as potential indicator of climate change is called into question. Results of this study suggest further research using complexity theory is needed to improve our understanding of alpine treeline dynamics and their interactions with exogenous environmental factors.

Part of the intorduction: The task of writing a reliable and convincing paper on this topic is a very uneasy one because it is threefold: one has to know at least a bit about the agricultural sector, biology (or more precisely ecology), and about the sometimes beneficial but often distorting consequences of human activities. And all that has to be judged from the perspective of an economist who is aware of the steadily increasing uncertainties which are closely connected with post-modem sciences. Especially with regard to global, but also regional environmental issues, neither the conventional applied sciences nor the traditional professional consultancy deliver promising results. Today scientists have to tackle problems which are created by political necessities overwhelmingly caused by short-term human behavior, due in part to a serious lack of information on the longterm behavioral consequences. In these issues, typically, information stacks are high, scientific facts uncertain, individual as well as collective values disputed, and political decisions very urgent. "In general, the post-normal situation is one where the traditional opposition of 'hard'facts and 'soft' values is inverted. Here we find decisions that are 'hard' in every sense, for which the scientific inputs are irremediably 'soft'" (FUNTOWICZ/RAVETZ, 1991, p. 138).

In contrast to documented increases in woody plant dominance of former savannas and grasslands of North America, oak (Quercus L.) savannas that form lower treelines in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico have been relatively stable over the past millennium. This research identified potential biotic and abiotic constraints on seedling recruitment of Quercus emoryi Torr. (Emory oak) within the context of potential shifts in lower treeline. Field surveys were used to describe seedling distribution at and below lower treeline, and to determine the potential for acorn dispersal from lower treeline into adjacent grassland. Field and greenhouse experiments designed to determine constraints on seedling establishment included reciprocal soil transfers, nutrient amendment studies, provision of artificial shade, and manipulation of seasonal precipitation inputs. Results indicate that rates of Q. emoryi recruitment within grasslands below treeline are relatively low, and are constrained by low rates of seed dispersal coupled with a low probability of seedling emergence. Seedling recruitment rates were directly correlated with quantity of summer precipitation, but were independent of winter precipitation. Results of this and complementary research suggest that lower treeline in southern Arizona is stabilized by self-enhancing feedback mechanisms of overstory shade, seed dispersal, and seedling establishment coupled with strong abiotic constraints beyond the current ecotone. The observed shift in treeline in the last millennium was less likely the result of slow, spatial progression of autogenic safe sites than the result of episodic and infrequent allogenic processes that simulated, or negated the importance of, conspecific, biogenic safe sites. Increases in summer precipitation are one such process that would facilitate (historic or potential future) downslope shifts in lower treeline. This interpretation is consistent with observations that downslope shifts in lower treeline which occurred 700-1700 ybp coincided with a period of particularly high summer precipitation in the region (i.e., the "Medieval Warm" period, 645-1295 ybp).

We reconstructed historical fire regimes of montane forest-grassland ecotones in the ~40,000 ha Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico. We used a targeted approach to sample ancient fire-scarred trees along the ecotone, and compared variations in historical fire occurrence within and among valles in the grassland-forest. The resulting tree-ring record extends from 1240-2008 C.E., comprised of 2,443 fire scars from 330 trees representing 238 fire years during the period of analysis, 1601-1902 C.E. Our results confirm pre-1900 historical occurrence of high-frequency, low-severity surface fires over multiple centuries in the ecotone. Mean fire intervals for all fires were 5.5-22.5 years (~6-123 ha) at individual sites, 2.7-10 years (~67-4955 ha) in individual valles, and 1.6 years (~10 386 ha) across the landscape. Synchronous fires burned extensively and occurred at ~10 year intervals during years with significantly low PDSI. Results will be useful in planning forest/grassland restoration actions and reinstituting fire regimes.

Habitat variation is considered as an expression of biodiversity at landscape level in addition to genetic variation and species variation. Thus, effective methods for measuring habitat pattern at landscape level can be used to evaluate the status of biological conservation. However, the commonly used model (i.e. patch-corridor-matrix) for spatial pattern analysis has deficiencies. This model assumes discrete structures within the landscape without explicit consideration of “transitional zones” or “gradients” between patches. The transitional zones, often called “ecotones”, are dynamic and have a profound influence on adjacent ecosystems. Besides, this model takes landscape as a flat surface without consideration of the third spatial dimension (elevation). This will underestimate the patches’ size and perimeter as well as distances between patches especially in mountainous regions. Thus, the mosaic model needs to be adapted for more realistic and more precise representation of habitat pattern regarding to biodiversity assessment. Another part of information that has often been ignored is “small biotopes” inside patches (e.g. hedgerows, tree rows, copse, and scattered trees), which leads to within-patch heterogeneity being underestimated. The present work originates from the integration of the third spatial dimension in land-cover classification and landscape structure analysis. From the aspect of data processing, an integrated approach of Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and Pixel-Based Image Analysis (PBIA) is developed and applied on multi-source data set (RapidEye images and Lidar data). At first, a general OBIA procedure is developed according to spectral object features based on RapidEye images for producing land-cover maps. Then, based on the classified maps, pixel-based algorithms are designed for detection of the small biotopes and ecotones using a Normalized Digital Surface Model (NDSM) which is derived from Lidar data. For describing habitat pattern under three-dimensional condition, several 3D-metrics (measuring e.g. landscape diversity, fragmentation/connectivity, and contrast) are proposed with spatial consideration of the ecological functions of small biotopes and ecotones. The proposed methodology is applied in two real-world examples in Germany and China. The results are twofold. First, it shows that the integrated approach of object-based and pixel-based image processing is effective for land-cover classification on different spatial scales. The overall classification accuracies of the main land-cover maps are 92 % in the German test site and 87 % in the Chinese test site. The developed Red Edge Vegetation Index (REVI) which is calculated from RapidEye images has been proved more efficient than the traditionally used Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI) for vegetation classification, especially for the extraction of the forest mask. Using NDSM data, the third dimension is helpful for the identification of small biotopes and height gradient on forest boundary. The pixel-based algorithm so-called “buffering and shrinking” is developed for the detection of tree rows and ecotones on forest/field boundary. As a result the accuracy of detecting small biotopes is 80 % and four different types of ecotones are detected in the test site. Second, applications of 3D-metrics in two varied test sites show the frequently-used landscape diversity indices (i.e. Shannon’s diversity (SHDI) and Simpson’s diversity (SIDI)) are not sufficient for describing the habitats diversity, as they quantify only the habitats composition without consideration on habitats spatial distribution. The modified 3D-version of Effective Mesh Size (MESH) that takes ecotones into account leads to a realistic quantification of habitat fragmentation. In addition, two elevation-based contrast indices (i.e. Area-Weighted Edge Contrast (AWEC) and Total Edge Contrast Index (TECI)) are used as supplement to fragmentation metrics. Both ecotones and small biotopes are incorporated into the contrast metrics to take into account their edge effect in habitat pattern. This can be considered as a further step after fragmentation analysis with additional consideration of the edge permeability in the landscape structure analysis. Furthermore, a vector-based algorithm called “multi-buffer” approach is suggested for analyzing ecological networks based on land-cover maps. It considers small biotopes as stepping stones to establish connections between patches. Then, corresponding metrics (e.g. Effective Connected Mesh Size (ECMS)) are proposed based on the ecological networks. The network analysis shows the response of habitat connectivity to different dispersal distances in a simple way. Those connections through stepping stones act as ecological indicators of the “health” of the system, indicating the interpatch communications among habitats. In summary, it can be stated that habitat diversity is an essential level of biodiversity and methods for quantifying habitat pattern need to be improved and adapted to meet the demands for landscape monitoring and biodiversity conservation. The approaches presented in this work serve as possible methodical solution for fine-scale landscape structure analysis and function as “stepping stones” for further methodical developments to gain more insights into the habitat pattern<br>Die Lebensraumvielfalt ist neben der genetischen Vielfalt und der Artenvielfalt eine wesentliche Ebene der Biodiversität. Da diese Ebenen miteinander verknüpft sind, können Methoden zur Messung der Muster von Lebensräumen auf Landschaftsebene erfolgreich angewandt werden, um den Zustand der Biodiversität zu bewerten. Das zur räumlichen Musteranalyse auf Landschaftsebene häufig verwendete Patch-Korridor-Matrix-Modell weist allerdings einige Defizite auf. Dieses Modell geht von diskreten Strukturen in der Landschaft aus, ohne explizite Berücksichtigung von „Übergangszonen“ oder „Gradienten“ zwischen den einzelnen Landschaftselementen („Patches“). Diese Übergangszonen, welche auch als „Ökotone“ bezeichnet werden, sind dynamisch und haben einen starken Einfluss auf benachbarte Ökosysteme. Außerdem wird die Landschaft in diesem Modell als ebene Fläche ohne Berücksichtigung der dritten räumlichen Dimension (Höhe) betrachtet. Das führt dazu, dass die Flächengrößen und Umfänge der Patches sowie Distanzen zwischen den Patches besonders in reliefreichen Regionen unterschätzt werden. Daher muss das Patch-Korridor-Matrix-Modell für eine realistische und präzise Darstellung der Lebensraummuster für die Bewertung der biologischen Vielfalt angepasst werden. Ein weiterer Teil der Informationen, die häufig in Untersuchungen ignoriert werden, sind „Kleinbiotope“ innerhalb größerer Patches (z. B. Feldhecken, Baumreihen, Feldgehölze oder Einzelbäume). Dadurch wird die Heterogenität innerhalb von Patches unterschätzt. Die vorliegende Arbeit basiert auf der Integration der dritten räumlichen Dimension in die Landbedeckungsklassifikation und die Landschaftsstrukturanalyse. Mit Methoden der räumlichen Datenverarbeitung wurde ein integrierter Ansatz von objektbasierter Bildanalyse (OBIA) und pixelbasierter Bildanalyse (PBIA) entwickelt und auf einen Datensatz aus verschiedenen Quellen (RapidEye-Satellitenbilder und Lidar-Daten) angewendet. Dazu wird zunächst ein OBIA-Verfahren für die Ableitung von Hauptlandbedeckungsklassen entsprechend spektraler Objekteigenschaften basierend auf RapidEye-Bilddaten angewandt. Anschließend wurde basierend auf den klassifizierten Karten, ein pixelbasierter Algorithmus für die Erkennung von kleinen Biotopen und Ökotonen mit Hilfe eines normalisierten digitalen Oberflächenmodells (NDSM), welches das aus LIDAR-Daten abgeleitet wurde, entwickelt. Zur Beschreibung der dreidimensionalen Charakteristika der Lebensraummuster unter der räumlichen Betrachtung der ökologischen Funktionen von kleinen Biotopen und Ökotonen, werden mehrere 3D-Maße (z. B. Maße zur landschaftlichen Vielfalt, zur Fragmentierung bzw. Konnektivität und zum Kontrast) vorgeschlagen. Die vorgeschlagene Methodik wird an zwei realen Beispielen in Deutschland und China angewandt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen zweierlei. Erstens zeigt es sich, dass der integrierte Ansatz der objektbasierten und pixelbasierten Bildverarbeitung effektiv für die Landbedeckungsklassifikation auf unterschiedlichen räumlichen Skalen ist. Die Klassifikationsgüte insgesamt für die Hauptlandbedeckungstypen beträgt 92 % im deutschen und 87 % im chinesischen Testgebiet. Der eigens entwickelte Red Edge-Vegetationsindex (REVI), der sich aus RapidEye-Bilddaten berechnen lässt, erwies sich für die Vegetationsklassifizierung als effizienter verglichen mit dem traditionell verwendeten Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI), insbesondere für die Gewinnung der Waldmaske. Im Rahmen der Verwendung von NDSM-Daten erwies sich die dritte Dimension als hilfreich für die Identifizierung von kleinen Biotopen und dem Höhengradienten, beispielsweise an der Wald/Feld-Grenze. Für den Nachweis von Baumreihen und Ökotonen an der Wald/Feld-Grenze wurde der sogenannte pixelbasierte Algorithmus „Pufferung und Schrumpfung“ entwickelt. Im Ergebnis konnten kleine Biotope mit einer Genauigkeit von 80 % und vier verschiedene Ökotontypen im Testgebiet detektiert werden. Zweitens zeigen die Ergebnisse der Anwendung der 3D-Maße in den zwei unterschiedlichen Testgebieten, dass die häufig genutzten Landschaftsstrukturmaße Shannon-Diversität (SHDI) und Simpson-Diversität (SIDI) nicht ausreichend für die Beschreibung der Lebensraumvielfalt sind. Sie quantifizieren lediglich die Zusammensetzung der Lebensräume, ohne Berücksichtigung der räumlichen Verteilung und Anordnung. Eine modifizierte 3D-Version der Effektiven Maschenweite (MESH), welche die Ökotone integriert, führt zu einer realistischen Quantifizierung der Fragmentierung von Lebensräumen. Darüber hinaus wurden zwei höhenbasierte Kontrastindizes, der flächengewichtete Kantenkontrast (AWEC) und der Gesamt-Kantenkontrast Index (TECI), als Ergänzung der Fragmentierungsmaße entwickelt. Sowohl Ökotone als auch Kleinbiotope wurden in den Berechnungen der Kontrastmaße integriert, um deren Randeffekte im Lebensraummuster zu berücksichtigen. Damit kann als ein weiterer Schritt nach der Fragmentierungsanalyse die Randdurchlässigkeit zusätzlich in die Landschaftsstrukturanalyse einbezogen werden. Außerdem wird ein vektorbasierter Algorithmus namens „Multi-Puffer“-Ansatz für die Analyse von ökologischen Netzwerken auf Basis von Landbedeckungskarten vorgeschlagen. Er berücksichtigt Kleinbiotope als Trittsteine, um Verbindungen zwischen Patches herzustellen. Weiterhin werden entsprechende Maße, z. B. die Effective Connected Mesh Size (ECMS), für die Analyse der ökologischen Netzwerke vorgeschlagen. Diese zeigen die Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher angenommener Ausbreitungsdistanzen von Organismen bei der Ableitung von Biotopverbundnetzen in einfacher Weise. Diese Verbindungen zwischen Lebensräumen über Trittsteine hinweg dienen als ökologische Indikatoren für den „gesunden Zustand“ des Systems und zeigen die gegenseitigen Verbindungen zwischen den Lebensräumen. Zusammenfassend kann gesagt werden, dass die Vielfalt der Lebensräume eine wesentliche Ebene der Biodiversität ist. Die Methoden zur Quantifizierung der Lebensraummuster müssen verbessert und angepasst werden, um den Anforderungen an ein Landschaftsmonitoring und die Erhaltung der biologischen Vielfalt gerecht zu werden. Die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellten Ansätze dienen als mögliche methodische Lösung für eine feinteilige Landschaftsstrukturanalyse und fungieren als ein „Trittsteine” auf dem Weg zu weiteren methodischen Entwicklungen für einen tieferen Einblick in die Muster von Lebensräumen

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.<br>The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on September 25, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis examines the nature and stability of the ecotone between frost flat heathland (FFH) vegetation, and surrounding forest, in the Central North Island of New Zealand. FFH vegetation is found throughout the Central North Island, in locations where surrounding topography causes cold air to pool on clear, still nights. This increases frost severity and -due to the low frost tolerance of most woody New Zealand plant species - frosts are severe enough to prevent the establishment of most plant species which are common in the surrounding forest vegetation. The majority of work was carried out at four study sites. Rangitaiki is a large (c.2600 ha) remnant of FFH vegetation on a flat, pumice filled, basin. The other three study sites (Tahau, Waione and Pouakani) are much smaller (c.56 ha, c.35 ha, and c.61 ha respectively) basins where cold air is dammed by downstream river gorges. Vegetation change was examined along permanent transects established perpendicular to the FFH/ forest ecotone. Vegetation changed (over l0 - 20m) from a monoculture of Dracophyllum subulatum heathland (= FFH) to more diverse forest or scrub vegetation (= forest). A DCA ordination of the transect data showed that vegetation associations on either side of the ecotone diverged over time. That is, there was a more rapid change in the species composition of vegetation across the FFH/ forest ecotone in older sites. While seed rain density is low in FFH vegetation, it is sufficient, particularly around emergent focal trees, to allow forest to invade FFH. Frost severity increased dramatically across the ecotone in all seasons, at all sites, and the extreme ground frost minimums recorded suggest that it is low temperatures which exclude most forest species from FFH vegetation. Microclimate variation was high at all study sites, and locations with favourable microclimates in FFH vegetation were more likely to support (ephemeral) populations of forest tree seedlings. The most important determinants of variation in microclimate were overhead cover of vegetation and microtopography. The survivorship of 2,270 planted Leptospermum scoparium seedlings - a frost tolerant pioneer species which is important in forest vegetation at all study sites - was examined on transects perpendicular to the ecotone at three study sites. The most important determinant of seedling survivorship was distance from the ecotone, although the distance at which seedling survivorship dropped to zero was site and transect specific. Changes in seedling weight and height growth rate over the study period showed that many seedlings which survived the study period, would not have survived in the long term. There were no significant changes in soil profiles dug along transects perpendicular to the ecotone at all study sites. This suggests that edaphic factors are not the cause of the current ecotone position. The size-age structure of L. scoparium and D. subulatum stems in FFH and forest vegetation was examined using basal disks (n=627) collected on tansects perpendicular to the ecotone. These data suggest that the current ecotone position was set soon after the large scale disturbances which initiated vegetation associations at the four study sites. A short section of the site perimeter at the Waione study site has not been disturbed as recently as the other sites, and age structure data suggests that the ecotone at this location has been stable for at least 100 years. Transect position has no influence on the diameter growth rates of L. scoparium stems, which suggests that it is frost mortality, rather than a growth rate limitation due to lower temperatures, which is preventing this species colonising FFH vegetation. Stem age data also suggested that the scattered L. scoparium shrubs which manage to colonise FFH vegetation are killed by severe irregular climatic events, the most recent of which occurred in the summer of 1972/73. The same events probably also affected the species composition in forests surrounding the FFH study sites. Historical meteorological data suggests the most likely cause of the 1972/73 climatic disturbance was a severe summer drought, combined with a series of moderately severe summer frosts. A severe winter frost in 1978 had no observable effect on indigenous vegetation at the four study sites. The restricted distribution of two key cold tolerant indigenous woody species - due to increased fire frequency - has almost certainly resulted in a longer term dominance of some sites by FFH vegetation. Phyllocladus alpinus (not present at any of the study sites) and Halocarpus bidwilli (very restricted distribution at one study site only) have cold tolerances and life history characteristics that allow them to invade FFH. The preceeding results suggest that the composition and structure of both FFH, and surrounding forest vegetation, is a direct result of the unique abiotic environment and vegetation history of each site. Protecting vegetation covering the widest possible range of variation in edaphic and environmental conditions should therefore ensure greatest variation in different plant communities, and genotypes of different plant species, is conserved. The ecotone transitions studied in this thesis are clearly identifiable, and appear to represent the true distributional limits of most indigenous woody forest species. FFH/ forest ecotones may therefore be useful as sites for monitoring the future effects of climate change on plant communities. The varied responses of vegetation at the four study sites to the 1972/73 climatic event suggests that monitoring transects should be established at as many different sites as possible, and at different locations within each study site.

Thesis (MScConsEcol (Conservation Ecology and Entomology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Riparian ecosystems of the Mediterranean south-western Cape region are projected to experience significant decreases in streamflow due to climate change and increased demands for water associated with human demographic trends and increasing living standards. Aggravating this problem are woody invasive alien plants, such as Acacia mearnsii, whose impacts, including those on catchment water yields, have justified extensive eradication programmes such as Working for Water (WfW). WfW has been highly successful in managing invasive alien species in some areas, while at the same time enhancing the quality of life of poor South Africans. Unfortunately, the managers of these eradication initiatives often experience a lack of information on the species- and site-specific ecological properties that may aid in prioritising sites more prone to invasion, essentially inhibiting accurate management output. Knowledge, such as that associated with the possible future distribution of invasive species in a changing environment, may help to optimise eradication initiatives. I therefore determined whether woody plants portray different physiological (vulnerability to cavitation) and wood anatomical traits (wood density, vessel resistance to implosion, vessel lumen and wall diameters) across three prominent riparian zones in the south-western Cape that each differ in streamflow quantity – to gain a mechanistic understanding of how woody species, especially invasive species, adapt their hydraulic strategy across this proxy for water availability. Using factorial ANOVA’s, to distinguish any differences in plant physiological and wood anatomical responses to water availability within and between species, showed Acacia mearnsii having consistently higher drought-tolerance (lower P50 values and denser wood) compared to native species under reduced water availability. These results supported the significant variation in drought-tolerance strategies that exist within and between taxonomically different species across different environments. Water availability thus has a strong selective effect on functional traits of species; however, minimum water potentials were more useful in describing in situ hydrological conditions than streamflow. Additionally, a non-causal relationship between wood anatomical traits and drought-induced cavitation was observed. Therefore, using only wood anatomical measurements to assess drought-tolerance of species might not be accurate across all species. This mechanistic approach to assess the invasive potential of species under projected drier conditions has great practical value. It can be used to improve species selection for restoration initiatives, and is of great value for future use in prioritizing eradication programmes.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Rivieroewer ekosisteme in die Mediterreense Suidwes-Kaap streek kan groot afnames in stroomvloei verwag, wat meestal toegeskryf kan word aan klimaatsverandering en die verhoogde aanvraag na water geassosieerd met stygende populasiegrootte. Uitheemse indringerplante soos Acacia mearnsii vererger hierdie probleem. Laasgenoemde spesies plaas groot druk op opvanggebiede se water opbrengs, en vorm grootliks die rede waarom uitroeiing programme soos Werk vir Water (WfW) gestig is. WfW het al groot suksesse behaal in die bestuur van uitheemse indringerplante, en terselfdertyd die lewenskwaliteit van arm Suid-Afrikaners verhoog. Ongelukkig sukkel hierdie indringer uitroeiing inisiatiewe telkens met ongenoegsame bewyse wat kan help om leiding te verskaf by die prioritisering van areas meer geneig tot indringing. Die gevolg is dat onvoldoende bestuurs besluite gemaak kan word. Gevolglik sal kennis geassosieerd met die moontlike toekomstige verspreiding van hierdie indringerplant in ʼn veranderlike omgewing help om uitroeiing programme meer akkuraat te stel en gevolglik waardevol wees t.o.v. prioritisering van kwesbare areas. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die kwesbaarheid van sleutel inheemse houtagtige rivier spesies en veral die dreigende indringerplant Acacia mearnsii, te bestudeer in terme van verlaagde stroomvloei soos voorspel vir die Wes-Kaap fynbos ekosisteem. Deur te bepaal of houtagtige plante verskillende fisiologiese (kwesbaarheid teen xileem blokkasie) en anatomiese (hout digtheid, vat weerstandbiedendheid teen inmekaarkolking, vat holte en wand deursnee) hidrologiese eienskappe tentoonstel gemeet tussen drie prominente rivieroewer sones in die suidwes Kaap wat variëer in stroomvloei kwantiteit, verskaf ʼn meganistiese begrip van hoe spesies, veral die indringerplante, hul hidrologiese strategieë ten opsigte van droogtes kan aanpas. Faktoriële ANOVAS’s tussen spesies en liggings het getoon dat beide plant fisiologiese en hout anatomiese data beduidend variëer tussen taksonomies verskillende spesies. Veral Acacia mearnsii het deurgaans laer P50 waardes asook hoër houtdigtheid getoon, ‘n teken van hierdie spesies se verhoogde droogte toleransie in vergelyking met die inheemse spesies. Wat beduidend is is dat spesies-spesifieke lewensstrategieë ten opsigte van droogte toleransie in hierdie rivieroewer sones voorkom. Resultate het bevestig dat water beskikbaarheid ʼn groot rol speel in die seleksie van funksionele karaktereienskappe in plante, maar, dat minimum water potensiaal meer akkuraat was om in situ hidrologiese toestande te beskryf as wat stroomvloei kon. Die verhouding tussen plant fisiologiese en hout anatomiese karaktereienskappe was indirek as gevolg van spesies-spesifieke lewensstrategieë. Gevolglik sal die allenige gebruik van hout anatomiese eienskappe om droogte toleransie in plante te assesseer onakkuraat wees omdat daar ʼn swak verhouding tussen hout anatomie en droogte-geïnduseerde xileem blokkasie bestaan. ʼn Meganistiese benadering om die indringing potensiaal van spesies onder voorspelde droër kondisies te assesseer, asook om spesies seleksie vir restourasie doeleindes op te skerp, is prakties uitvoerbaar, en van groot waarde vir toekomstige gebruik in uitroeiing en restourasie inisiatiewe.

This thesis addresses questions within the research fields of invasion biology and spatial ecology, with a focus on species distribution patterns, biogeographical regions and ecological transition zones, or ecotones. More specifically, species distribution patterns in alien plants at large spatial scales using atlas data, and invertebrate patterns making use of field data collected at a smaller scale (total extent ca. 30 km). First I show that alien plants form largescale geographically differentiated species assemblages in southern Africa (i.e. South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Botswana). I demonstrated this by mapping and describing several alien phytogeographic regions at a quarter-degree spatial resolution, and further suggest possible environmental and human-caused determinants of each of these regions. Second, at the same spatial resolution (for South Africa and Lesotho combined, and each of the plant biomes), I show that relatively higher levels of alien plant species richness occur at or near to ecotones, compared to areas that are spatially further away from these ecotones and that typically represent the core habitat of the ecoregions examined. This finding remained valid after taking into account the underlying positive relationships between alien plant richness and energy availability. I also suggest that it is the relatively higher environmental heterogeneity at ecotones (represented here by spatial variation in altitude, rainfall and geology) that promote high alien plant richness. Third, at a smaller spatial scale I report several examples of change in beetle and spider species composition across a savannagrassland ecotone in the west of South Africa’s Free State Province, with the ecotone itself supporting comparatively lower levels of species richness and abundance. This contrasts with a popular assumption that ecotones are characterised by high species richness. Data gained from long-term intensive sampling is preferable for ecological studies, but not always available or practical to acquire; however with the three studies in this thesis I show that data from existing species atlases and feasible short-term surveys can be successfully applied to answer a variety of ecological questions.<br>Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012.<br>Zoology and Entomology<br>Unrestricted

Ecotones are gradients of change between expanses of similar species composition. These regions often mark co-occurring range limits for several species, and thus are ideal for elucidating ecological and biogeographical phenomena. The forest to tundra transition (FTT) is one of the world's most prominent ecotones, but remains poorly studied especially with regard to vertebrate species occurrence. Vertebrate diversity, ecological structure and resource selection were characterized across the Yukon FTT using diversity metrics, ordination, hierarchical clustering, and resource modeling. The FTT represents an abrupt drop in vertebrate species richness within the more gradual, continental scale diversity gradient. Despite the patchiness and complexity in vegetative structure over this ecotone, the terrestrial vertebrate community is divisible into boreal, taiga, and tundra compartments. Most species conform to resource associations reported closer to the core of their range, generating remarkably consistent habitat and species associations despite a complex patchwork of contrasting habitat types.

The Army National Guard Bureau has implemented a cooperative project with Utah State University to help with the use, display, and evaluation of environmental data for maintaining land condition. Camp Grayling, Michigan, is comprised of deciduous and evergreen forest types. Use of remote sensing for classification has been limited in this region due to the difficulty of species-level classification using single-date remote-sensing techniques . Also, remote sensing has traditionally focused on mapping homogenous zones rather than vegetation boundaries, while one of the concerns for land managers is the nature of vegetation edges (ecotones). This study analyzed each season and band from multiseasonal satellite imagery for their contribution to separating vegetation type and density classes. Then spectral reflectance values for each vegetation and density class were used in discriminant models that define vegetation cover types and densities. These models were then tested against points within 200 m of vegetation boundaries to determine the performance of the models at edges of vegetation types . The reflectance values for vegetation types on Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat MultiSpectral Sensor (MSS), and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery were used. Single-band separability decreased with decreasing resolution of the remote sensing data, and the number of spectral bands that could separate means of vegetation and density cover classes was much greater than expected . Winter bands provided more separability than expected for density classes . A VHRR data were shown to provide very little separation and were not included in the discriminant analysis. In the evaluation of the discriminant models, both resubstitution and crossvalidation tests showed that TM and MSS were nearly equal in their ability to discriminate cover types and densities. At the vegetation boundary zones, classification accuracy increased with increasing distance from the edge. These results are encouraging for future classification and monitoring of ecotones using satellite imagery, as picture elements (pixels) of ecotones generally exhibit the characteristics of a mixing of the boundary vegetation types. Further investigation into fuzzy set classification and ecotone classification and monitoring appears warranted.

Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.<br>The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 7, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.<br>The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on January 8, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

A influência da estrutura ambiental sobre os padrões de diversidade da ictiofauna de ecótonos são analisados para o reservatório do Broa, bacia do rio Tietê (22º10\'S; 47º54\'W). Paralelamente, são avaliadas as alterações na composição dessa comunidade entre 1985 e 2000. Constituída por 24 espécies (sete ordens e 12 famílias de peixes) e com um alto nível de diversidade (1,99 bits./ind.), a ictiofauna estudada não apresentou variação espacial ou temporal na abundância de suas espécies. Os padrões de baixa captura e freqüência das quatro espécies introduzidas, parecem não evidenciar risco potencial de impacto negativo aos estoques hospedeiros. Determinadas principalmente pelo fluxo d\'água e estado trófico, as variáveis ambientais evidenciaram as alterações estruturais a que ecótonos estudados vêm sendo submetidos. Apesar da ausência de variação significativa entre a estrutura da ictiofauna de zonas de transição e bancos de macrófitas, perante a sazonalidade, essas taxocenoses apresentaram distintos padrões de composição, estabilidade e variação estrutural. Bancos de macrófitas tornam a área alagada mais heterogênea, constituindo comunidades com maior riqueza e diversidade de espécies, sendo drasticamente afetadas pela sazonalidade. Entre as espécies constantes, 90% estiveram ordenadas junto aos bancos de macrófitas, onde variações na disponibilidade de recursos críticos (p.e. alimentação e abrigo) segregam nas sazonalmente, enquanto fluxo d\'água e estado trófico são os gradientes determinantes dos habitats de abundância predominante das espécies.<br>The influence of environmental aspects on diversity patterns for the ichthyofauna of ecotones were analyzed for the Broa reservoir, Tiete river basin (22º10\'S; 47º54\'W). Alterations in the ichthyofauna composition have also been analyzed considering the period from 1985 and 2000. This fauna constituted by 24 species (seven orders and 12 families) and a high diversity (1,99 bits/ind.), showed no spacial or temporal variations in species abundance. The pattern of low capture and frequency of four species introduced in inchangeable, not pointing out to the risk of a potential negative impact over the native species. Determined mainly by the inflow and trophic condition, the environmental variables show clearly the structural alterations that these ecotones studied have been undergoing. Although there was no significant seasonal variation between the ictiofauna structure of the transitional zones and macrophytes banks, these taxocenoses presented a distinct composition pattern, stability and structural variation. Macrophytes banks increase the environmental heterogeneity of wetland areas, resulting communities with high species diversity, being drastically affected by seasonality. Between the constant species 90% ordained along macrophytes banks, variations on the availability of critical resources (f.e. food and shelter) cause for the seasonal segregation of these species, inflow and trophic condition were the determinant gradients on the principal habitats occupied by the species.

The general topic discussed in this dissertation is the question of limits as perceived and delimited by humans. More specifically it aims to investigate the concept of ecotones as it has emerged in the theory of landscape ecology and design, that is, as a zone of transition between two adjacent ecological systems of distinct characteristics; and accordingly it aims to transfer the ecotone concept to the anthropogenic urban environment and investigate its respective implications. In this manner an urban ecotone could be defined as the transition area between at least two adjacent distinct urban fabric / biomes / biotopes of differentiated characteristics (morphological, socio-economic, typological etc), where this ecotonal space is characterized by a pronounced edge effect, in terms of intensity and diversity and a set of defined spatial {length, shape) and time {rhythm, history) characteristics restricted to the ecotonal area but ultimately linked to the adjacent patches · internal dynamics. Due to these intrinsic characteristics it can be sustained that urban ecotones, if managed properly, they can play a key role in maintaining territorial integrity (ecological, functional) and in achieving resilience and long term sustainable yields. Similarly when thought out as reprogrammable urban /territorial interfaces, a direct simile to the membrane function found in organisms and ecosystems, urban ecotones can provide the base for a paradigm shift in our contemporary perspective on cities and their functioning. A shift from a confrontational and fragmented discourse towards a synergetic and cooperational model that highlights the latent complexity present in most urban regions and adapts a proactive stance towards the problematic socio-environmental crisis most contemporary cities face today. In this sense anthropogenic transformations of the territory are understood as a direct product of the social metabolism of each territory. This approach requires apart from a traditional morphological analysis an additional phenomenological approach where the interrelation and compatibilization of anthropogenic and natural activity and dynamics can only be achieved if the necessary conceptual and design tools are developed. For this purpose a case study was selected in order to apply and test the aformentioned concepts. Thus, the selection of the urban region of Thessaloniki corresponds to a series of selection criteria linked to its special characteristics as a coastal mediterranean city with a long and continuous historic course of respective succesion phases that have given rise to heterogeneous urban forms and situations. The thesis is structured in two volumes. The first one deals with all the theoretical and bibliographical research related to the topic in question as well as corresponding analysis results and conclusions. The second volume is thought out as an analysis atlas of the case-study of the urban region of Thessaloniki, following a multi-scalar perspective: On a first level it opts for a territorial / regional analys is on the limits of the administrative region of Central Macedonia, studying the wider regional mosaic structure and respectively identifying the distinct bioregions, diverse territorial situations, landscapes and ecotones encountered within the region. On a second level, the analysis focuses on the urban region of Thessaloniki, selecting six ecotones each one corresponding to respective city limits in distinct historic periods of the city's history and serving as key spatial indicators of past and present processes and dynamics. The timely coincidence of this research work with the Revision of the Regulatory Plan ofThessaloniki renders this research as relevant and useful in providing additional insights and alternatives on the table. On a more general level, the results produced are expected to be extrapolable and applicable to other cases of urban regions, whether within the mediterranean context or not.

Thesis (MScConEcol)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Soil respiration (Rs) is a major component of CO2 emissions and the global carbon balance. In the context of global change it of interest to understand seasonal patterns of RS in fynbos riparian ecosystems, particularly in invaded-riparian ecotones of these Mediterranean type ecosystems (MTE's) in the Western Cape, South Africa. Riparian ecotones are three dimensional transitional zones that provide multiple ecosystem services and functions and they act as the linkage between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems where key ecological and geomorphological processes occur. Riparian ecotones are highly prone to disturbance, and because of this reason are also vulnerable to invasion by invasive alien plants (IAPs), notably Acacia species. Invasion by IAPs is considered one of the major threats to global change and biodiversity causing extensive ecological, economical, and social impacts. In south-western Cape, more than two thirds of the riparian environment is invaded to some extent, IAPs replacing the well adapted native species along river systems. In particular, impact of IAPs on soil respiration (Rs) may be relevant, with consequences for ecosystem function and services. Clearing of invaded riparian zones initiated by the Working for Water program has been a successful in eradicating alien plants within riparian areas even though recovery after alien clearing is lagging at many sites, and knowledge on repair of ecosystem function is lacking. Various studies have generated knowledge on carbon cycling and Rs in forests, savanna, grasslands, tundra and Mediterranean shrublands, but little is known about Rs in riparian zones, and even less about soil CO2 efflux in invaded riparian fynbos riparian ecotones. The objective of this study was to contribute to a better understanding and quantifying the effect and impact of IAPs on carbon cycling between and across riparian ecotones with different invasion status: natural, invaded, and cleared. The study areas were located in the south-western Cape and measurements of Rs, soil temperature, soil moisture, root mass, litter mass, and soil properties were carried out in riparian soils of the mountain and transitional stream longitudinal river sections, and uplands fynbos areas of six different perennial river systems. In each site, four to five transects were laid out with one sampling site of each landscape position (wet bank, dry bank, and terrestrial areas) giving a total of 12 to 15 samples per site. Soil respiration measurements were taken over a period of two years, and were done seasonally. Results from this study showed that Rs was different among seasons with highest soil respiration rates in summer. Soil CO2 efflux increased in response to warm and dry conditions during summer, while seasonal soil CO2 efflux declined in autumn and winter in response to wet and cold soil conditions. The large increase in soil CO2 efflux response to warm and dry periods when temperature was 25 to 30 °C over all riparian sites and was highest in invaded sites compared to the natural and cleared sites. A significant difference was found between sites with different statuses with invaded sites leading seasonal Rs rates. Natural and cleared sites did not differ significantly in their CO2 efflux rates, suggesting that clearing of IAPs may put invaded ecosystems on a trajectory of restoration. There were also differences in terms of landscape positions; dry banks zones of the invaded sites had higher rates compared to wet banks and the uplands areas. Our results further suggest that roots are the most important component of overall Rs rates, rather than microbial respiration. When we incubated soils minus roots, little difference was evident, either when viewing the results by invasion status or by landscape position, which suggest that inherent soil differences in terms of microbial respiration were not different. We also use a trenching approach to further investigate this, and though we found Rs to decline significantly, trends later suggest that decomposition of fine and course roots likely obscured the decline in overall Rs due to root respiration. Overall, our results showed that clearing of invaded riparian zones will likely lead to successful restoration of soil functioning in terms of C cycling. Clearing of Acacia-invaded riparian ecotones will likely lead to a decline in root density, and which removes a major component of overall Rs. These results make the investigation of the C balance of invaded riparian ecotones and terrestrial areas critical in order to assess their contribution to regional C cycles.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Grondrespirasie (Rs) is 'n belangrike komponent van CO2 uitstroming en die globale koolstofbalans. Binne die konteks van globale verandering is dit van groot belang om die seisoenale patrone van Rs in fynbos oewer ekosisteme, veral in indringer-oewer ekotone, in die Meditereense tipe ekosisteme (MTE's) in die Wes- Kaap, Suid- Afrika te verstaan. Oewerekotone is drie-dimensioneel oorgangssones wat veelvuldige ekosisteem dienste en funksies verskaf. Hulle dien as die verbinding tussen terrestriële en water-ekosisteme waar kern ekologiese en geomorfologiese prosesse plaasvind. Oewerekotone is hoogs vatbaar vir versteuringe, en as gevolg van hierdie rede, is hul ook kwesbaar vir indringing deur indringer plante (IAPs), veral Acacia spesies. Indringing deur IAPs word beskou as een van die groot bedreigings tot en met globale verandering en biodiversiteit, wat ekstensiewe ekologiese, ekonomiese, en sosiale impakte veroorsaak. In die suid- westelike Kaap word meer as twee derdes van die oeweromgewing tot 'n mate binnegedring. IAPs vervang die goed aangepaste inheemse spesies langs riviersisteme. Die impak van IAPs, spesifiek op grondrespirasie mag substansieël wees, met gevolge vir ekosisteem funksies en dienste. Opruiming van hierdie spesifieke oewer sones, geinisieer deur die Working for Water program, was suksesvol in die uitroeing van indringer plante binne oewer areas. Alhoewel herstel na indringer opruiming op baie terreine agter is, is kennis oor die herstel van ekosisteemfunksies gebrekkig. Verskeie studies het kennis ontwikkel oor koolstofsiklisering en Rs in woude, savanna, graslande, tundra en Meditereense struiklande, maar daar is minimale informasie oor oewersones,en nog minder oor grond CO2 uitstroming in indringer oewer fynbos en oewer ekotone. Die doel van hierdie studie is om 'n bydrae te lewer koolstofsiklisering beter te verstaan, en die impak van IAPs op koolstofsiklisering te kwantifiseer tussen en oor oewerekotone met verkillende indringer statusse: natuurlik, binnegedring en skoongemaak. Die studie areas was geleë in die suid- westelike Kaap, en maatstawe van Rs, grond temperature, grondvogtigheid, wortelmassa, plantafvalmassa, en grondeienskappe is uitgevoer in oewergrond van die berg en transisionele stroom longitudinale rivier seksies, asook terrestriële fynbos areas van ses verskillende standhoudende riviersisteme. In elke area is vier tot vyf transekte uitgelê met een monsternemingsarea van elke landskapsposisie (nat bank, droë bank en terrestriële areas) met 'n totaal van 12 tot 15 monsters per area. Grondrespirasie maatstawe is geneem oor 'n periode van twee jaar, en is seisoenaal uitgevoer. Resultate van die studie het getoon dat Rs verkil het tussen seisoene, met die hoogste grondrespirasietempo in die somer. Grond CO2 uitstroming het toegeneem in reaksie op warm en droë kondisies gedurende somer, terwyl seisoenale grond CO2 uitstroming afgeneem het in herfs en winter in reaksie op nat en koue grond kondisies. Die grootste toename in grond CO2 uitstroming was in reaksie op warm en droë periodes wanneer temperature gewissel het tussen 25 tot 30˚C oor alle oewersones, en was die hoogste in binnegedringde sones, vergeleke met die natuurlike en skoongemaakte terreine. 'n Beduidende verskil is gevind tussen terreine met verskillende statusse in CO2 uitstromingskoerse‚ 'n aanduiding dat opruiming van IAPs binnegedringde ekosisteme op 'n trajek van restorasie plaas. Daar was ook verskille in terme van landskapsposisies; droë bank sones van die binnegedringde terreine het hoër tempos gehad, vergeleke met die nat bank en die hoogland areas. Ons resultate dui verder aan dat wortels, eerder as mikrobiologiese respirasie, die mees belangrike komponente van Rs koerse uitmaak. Toe ons grond minus wortels inkubeer, is min verskille opgemerk, as gekyk word na die resultate deur indringer status of landskapsposisie, wat toon dit dat inherente grondveskille in terme van mikrobiologiese respirasie nie verskillend is nie. Ons het verder ook 'n sloot-benadering gebruik om verdere ondersoek hierop in te stel, en alhoewel ons bevind dat Rs aansienlik afgeneem het, dui neigings later aan dat afbraak van fyn en growwe wortels die afname in gehele Rs as gevolg van wortel respirasie waarskynlik verdoesel. Ons resultate dui daarop dat opruiming van binngedringde oewers klaarblyklik sal lei tot suksesvolle restorasie van grondfunksionering in terme van C siklisering. Opruiming van Acacia- binnegedringde oewer ekotone sal vermoedelik lei tot 'n afname in worteldigtheid, en wat 'n belangrike komponent van die gehele Rs kan verwyder. Hierdie resultate maak die ondersoek van die C balans van binngedringde oewer ekotone en terrestriële areas krities, om sodoende hulle bydrae tot streeksgewyse C siklusse te asseseer.

This thesis is structured around a central overriding question: to what extent can the practice of landscape photography be used to make visible the politics of landscape in borderland territories? Introduced by architect Teddy Cruz, the ‘political equator’ suggests an alternative politics of space through which to critically consider socio-economic and geopolitical processes associated with globalisation under neoliberal capitalism. This equator is based on a revised geography of the post-9/11 world, whereby a line drawn across a world map intersects at three contested desert territories: 1) the Mexico USA frontier; 2) southern Spain and northern Morocco; and 3) Palestine/Israel. This concept and its implications for human mobility, porous frontiers and material readings of landscape are explored through my photographic practice. In this work I challenge the idea of ‘hard borders’ between sovereign nation-states and make new political and symbolic associations between the territories along the political equator. Landscape can be seen as a cultural construct imbued with social uses and a more abstract set of desires. Photography as both a material and imaginative medium is able to simultaneously narrate and re-shape landscape. Through my three projects, Imported Landscapes (2010), Badlands (2011) and Gardening the Suburbs (2013) I examine and translate borderland territories. I produce photographs that suggest how these landscapes embody the contradictions of globalisation and carry the traces of past empires and geographies. I analyse the creation of a built environment and the construction of a post-natural landscape to suggest that our understanding of landscape – in ‘real-life’ and as it is aesthetically configured in images – is something materially arranged and a product of the imagination. My practice facilitates an imaginative engagement with potential future political sustainability or modification of these landscapes. Visuality plays a pivotal role in the production of contemporary geo-politics. By exploring three of my art projects in relation to historical and contemporary visual representations of desert borderlands, political and symbolic readings of the desert emerge as inherently connected. This thesis creates an innovative connection between early photographic practices in landscape and their later critical and conceptual versions. The thesis considers the ways in which my work translates, critiques and revises these conventions. I approach landscape phenomenologically, understanding it not as a static entity but as a process. This process is composed of and shaped by human and animal life, material object and place. Through an analysis of my own embodied engagement with landscape and my material and imaginative experience of landscape photographs, this thesis opens new ways of narrating the thresholds of the political equator.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2009.<br>Title from electronic title page (viewed Mar. 10, 2010). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Geography." Discipline: Geography; Department/School: Geography.

The thesis comprises a collection of short fiction, Maps for the Lost, and a critical essay, “Human / Nature Ecotones: Climate Change and the Ecological Imagination.” In ecological terms, areas of interaction between adjacent ecosystems are known as ecotones. Sites of relationship between biotic communities, they are charged with fertility and evolutionary possibility. While postcolonial scholarship is concerned with borders as points of cross-cultural contact, ecocritical thought focuses upon the ecotone that occurs at the interface between human and non-human nature. In their occupation of the liminal zones between human and natural realms, the characters and narratives of Maps for the Lost reveal and nurture the porosity of conventional demarcations. In the title story, a Czech artist maps the globe by night in order to find his lover. The buried geographies of human landscapes coalesce with those of the non-human realm: the territories of wolves and the scent-trails of a fox mingle imperceptibly with nocturnal Prague and the ransacked villages of post-war Croatia. In “Seeds,” a narrative structured around the process of biological growth, the lost memories of an elderly woman are returned to her by her garden. “The Skin of the Ocean” traces the obsession of a diver who sinks his yacht under the weight of coral and fish, while in “Drift,” an Iranian refugee writes letters along the tide-line of a Tasmanian beach. The essay identifies the inadequacy of literature and literary scholarship’s response to the threat of climate change as a failure of the imagination, reflecting the transgressive dimension of the crisis itself, and the dualistic legacy which still informs Western discourse on non-human nature. In order to redress this shortfall, which I argue the current generations of writers have an urgent moral responsibility to do, it is critical that we learn to understand the natural world of which we are a part, in ways that cast off the limitations of conventional representation. Paradoxically, it is the profoundly disruptive (apocalyptic?) nature of the climate crisis itself, which may create the imaginative traction for that shift in comprehension, forcing us, through loss, to interpret the world in ways that have been forgotten, or are fundamentally new. By analysing Alexis Wright’s The Swan Book, and Les Murray’s “Presence” sequence, the essay explores the correlation between imaginative and ecological processes, and the role of voice, embodiment, patterning and story in negotiations of nature and place. In the context of the asymptotical essence of the relation between text and world, and the paradox of phenomenological representation, it calls for a deeper cultural engagement with scientific discourse and indigenous philosophy, in order to illuminate the multiplicity and complexity of human connections to the non-human natural world

Saltwater intrusion alters the natural salinity and phosphorus (P) gradients in the oligotrophic, freshwater wetlands located near coastlines of the Caribbean Basin with important consequences to the structure and function of key ecosystem components, including plants, soil microbes, and periphyton. Periphyton communities, particularly diatoms, are extremely sensitive to water quality changes and can serve as excellent bioindicators; however, little is known about their use in detecting novel rates of saltwater intrusion into coastal, freshwater wetlands. I examined the individual and combined effects of elevated salinity and P on periphyton functional processes and diatom composition by conducting transect surveys along salinity and P gradients in the southern Everglades, as well as through mesocosm studies in which salinity and P were experimental manipulated. I demonstrated that conductivity (a proxy for salinity) and P gradients drive spatial patterns in diatom assemblage structure in the southern Everglades and that these assemblages have relatively low conductivity (2 mS cm-1) and total P thresholds (82 µg g-1). These findings were supported by the experimental work which showed that monthly pulses of elevated salinity only ~1 ppt above ambient was sufficient to cause significant shifts in periphytic diatom assemblages along with reduced periphyton productivity, total carbon, and nutrient content. The addition of P to freshwater and salt-treated periphyton significantly elevated mat total P, underscoring the P-uptake efficiency of periphyton. Surprisingly, addition of P to freshwater periphyton did not elicit significant functional or compositional responses, although chlorophyll-aconcentrations and accumulation rates tended to be higher with P. Similar chlorophyll-atrends were observed for salt-treated mats with added P, but these mats also exhibited significantly higher gross primary productivity and net ecosystem productivity compared to all other treatments and a diatom assemblage distinct from any other treatment. This research provides new and valuable information regarding periphyton dynamics in response to changing water sources that will allow us to extend the use of periphyton, and their diatom assemblages, as tools for environmental assessments related to saltwater intrusion in the southern Everglades and other karstic, freshwater wetlands.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:30:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese_Doutorado_Luiz_Antonio_Cestaro.pdf: 1836363 bytes, checksum: 7144b2eb6257aa1bcf28268b704a1a79 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002-06-03<br>Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos<br>The knowledge about Brazilian Atlantic forests in its northerm limit of distribution, in the transition to Caatingas, is will very scarce, mainly in the Rio Grande do Norte State, were the small and rare forest fragments still existing are almost totally ecological and phytogeographically ignored. We suppose that this fragments occurs on sandy, dystrophic and deep soils and that the rain gradient is the main factor to determinate different patterns of vegetation types in the east-west direction. The aims of this work are to characterize floristic and structurally the tree layer of four forest fragments ant to determine its relationships with the nearest phytogeographical provinces. Three semi-deciduous and one deciduous fragments were analyzed, all near of the Natal City, almost perpendicular to the coast. Two fragments, a semi-deciduous and the deciduous, were stretched in two parts according to the relief differences. The point-centered quarter method was used to sample, in the six areas, the standing and living trees with stem perimeter at 1,3 m heigth equal or superior to 10 cm. To each tree were considered: the species name, height estimated, stem perimeter(s) and the distance to the point. Data were worked at spreadsheets to obtain total density, specific and total basal areas and relatives frequency, density, dominance, importance value and dominance value, H'diversity and J' equability were obtained to each area. To a semi-deicuous forest and to the deciduous one the proportion of species connected to different phytogeographical provinces was obtained. The structure and the floristic composition of the areas were compared. The structure, by means of tree heights, stem diameter and basal area and the floristic composition, by means of Sorensen and Czekanowski similarity indices. Cluster analysis (UPGMA) was used to classify the areas. In all areas 117 species were observed, being 89 in the semi-deciduous forest and 66 in the deciduous forest. Fabaceae and Mytaceae are the richest families. The tree densities vary from 2403 to 1526 individual/ha. The semi-deciduous forests generally are tallest and have a biggest basal area (from 22,29 to 39,84 m2/ha) than deciduous forest, with a basal area of 15,87 m2/ha. The diversity vary between 2,8 and 3,27 nat/individual and the equability between 0,77 and 0,82 to the semi-deciduous forests, while to the deciduous forest the H' values are 3,19 and 3,26 nat/individual and the j' values are 0,79 snf 0.86. Two floristic groups were obtained by classification. One compounded by semi-deciduous forests and another with the deciduous one. The semi-deciduous forests have the highest proportion of species associated to the Atlantic province and a high proportion of wide distribution. Neotropical species, especially in the gallery forests of the Cerrados. Few species are shared with the Caatingas. The deciduous forest has similiar proportions of species from Atlantic, Caatingas provinces of wide distribution species, being considered as transitional vegetation between the first two provinces. The rain gradient determines the distinction of semi-deciduous forest from the deciduous one, while the edaphic and geomorphologic factos are responsible by different semi-deciduous forest types. The floristic and structural variability observed in a semi-deciduous fragment is associated to the relief and soil variations, being the upper area a transition to the coastal "tabuleiros" savannas, while the lower area, a transition to the gallery forest. The deciduous forest presents low structural internal variability, but with typical species of dry forests in the upper area and typical species of Caatingas in the lower area. The results point out the complexity of the vegetational mosaic in the transitional area between Atlantic and Caatingas provinces in the Rio Grande do Norte State<br>O conhecimento das florestas atlânticas brasileiras em seu limite setentrional de distribuição, na transição para as Caatingas, ainda é bastante escasso, sobretudo no Rio Grande do Norte, onde os pequenos e raros fragmentos florestais existentes são quase totalmente desconhecidos ecológica e fitogeograficamente. Supõe-se que esses fragmentos ocorram sobre solos essencialmente arenosos distróficos e profundos e que o gradiente de precipitação seja o principal fator a determinar distintos padrões de vegetação no sentido leste-oeste. Os objetivos deste trabalho são caracterizar florística e estruturalmente o componente arbóreo de quatro fragmentos florestais e estabelecer suas relações com as províncias fitogeográficas com influência local. Foram analisados três fragmentos de florestas semidecíduas e um fragmento de floresta decídua localizados à cidade de Natal, RN, quase alinhados perpendicularmente à linha de costa. Dois fragmentos, um de floresta semidecídua e outro de floresta decídua, foram divididos em um trecho superior e outro inferior em função do relevo. Os solos em cada fragmento foram classificados e caracterizados granulométrica e quimicamente. O método dos quadrantes centrados em um ponto utilizado para amostrar, nas seis áreas, as árvores em pé com perímetro de caule a 1,3 m de altural igual ou superior a 10 cm. Para cada árvore foram considerados: espécie à qual pertence, altura estimada, perímetro (s) do (s) caule (s) e menor distância até o ponto. Os dados foram trabalhados em planilha eletrônica para a obtenção de densidade total, área basal específica e total e frequência, densidade, dominância, valor de importância e valor de cobertura relativos. Foram calculados para cada mata a diversidade H' e a equabiblidade J'. Para uma mata semidecídua e para a mata decídua foram avaliadas as proporções de espeécies associadas a diferentes províncias fitogeográficas. A comparação entre matas levou em consideração a estrutura, através da altura das árvores, dos diâmetros de caule e das áreas basais, a composição de espécies, envolvendo as similaridades de Sorensen e Czekanowski e a classificação através de dendogramas, construídos utilizando UPGMA. Foram observadas 117 espécies arbóreas no conjunto de matas, sendo 89 nas florestas semidecíduas e 66 na floresta decídua. Fabaceae e Myrtaceae são as famílias mais ricas em espécies. A densidade nas matas varia entre 2403 indivíduo/ha e 1526 indivíduo/ha. As florestas semidecíduas apresentam, em geral, maiorporte e maior área basal (22,29 m2/ha a 39 m2/ha) do que a floresta decídua, com área basal de 15,87 m2/ha. A diversidade varia entre 2,8 e 3,27 nat/indivíduo e a equabilidade entre 0,77 e 0,82 para as florestas semidecíduas, enquanto para a floresta decídua os valores de H' são 3,19 e 3,26 nat/indivíduo e de J', 079 e 0,86. A calssificação das matas permitiu a distinção de dois conjuntos florísticos, um composto pelas matas semidecíduas e outro por uma mata decídua. As florestas semidecíduas apresentam a maior proporção de espécies associadas à província Atântica, uma elevada proporção de espécies com ampla distribuição neotropical, sobretudo pelas matas de galeria dos Cerrados e poucos representantes das Caatingas. A floresta decídua apresenta proporções semelhantes de espécie das províncias Atlânticas, das Caatingas e com ampla distribuição neotropical, sendo considerada como vegetação de transição entre as duas primeiras províncias. O gradiente pluviométrico determina a distinção entre florestas semidecíduas e decíduas, enquanto as caracterísiticas edáficas e geomorfológicas são responsáveis pelo estabelecimento de diferentes tipos de florestas semidecíduas. As variãções internas, tanto florísticas quanto estruturais, observadas num dos fragmentos de floresta semidecídua estão associadas ao relevo e ao solo, sendo o trecho superior considerado como uma transição para as savanas dos tabuleiros costeiros, enquanto o trecho inferior, uma transição para as matas de galeria. A floresta decídua apresenta baixa variação estrutural interna, com espécies características de florestas decíduas no trecho topograficamente mais alto e espécies associadas às Caatingas no trecho mais baixo. Os resultados ressaltam a complexidade do mosaico vegetacional na zona de transição entre as províncias Atlântica e das Caatingas no Rio Grande do Norte

Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.<br>The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 27, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.

Une recrudescence de l’émergence ou de la réémergence de maladies infectieuses touchant l’homme ou ses animaux domestiques a été constatée ces dernières décennies. La majorité de ces maladies sont zoonotiques, c’est à dire originaires de la faune sauvage, et impliquent souvent un vecteur dans leur cycle de transmission. Parallèlement, des changements d’utilisation du sol en lien avec une intensification agricole modifient les paysages. L’objectif de cette thèse était d’améliorer l’état des connaissances de l’influence du paysage sur les relations entre hôtes, vecteurs et pathogènes. En Europe, les micromammifères peuvent abonder dans la plupart des écosystèmes terrestres, ce qui en fait des hôtes de choix pour les tiques généralistes Ixodes ricinus. Ils sont aussi des réservoirs d’agents infectieux transmis par les tiques. Les résultats de la thèse sont basés sur deux ans d’échantillonnage, printemps et automne, des micromammifères et des tiques dans différents paysages. Nous avons aussi recherché trois agents infectieux qu’ils hébergent et transmettent : Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (maladie de Lyme), Anaplasma phagocytophylum (anaplasmose) et Theileria (Babesia) microti (piroplasmose), ce dernier n’ayant pu être exploité en raison de sa trop faible prévalence. Les 24 sites d’échantillonnage étaient pour moitié en cœur ou en lisière de forêt et pour moitié dans des paysages agricoles offrant un gradient d’occupation du sol et d’ouverture du paysage. Le meilleur facteur explicatif de l’abondance de nymphes est la présence de larves d’I. ricinus l’année précédente. Les résultats indiquent aussi une relation entre le nombre de larves portées par les mulots sylvestres (Apodemus sylvaticus ; 76,5% des captures) et l’abondance de nymphes l’année suivante. Les campagnols roussâtres (Myodes glareolus ; 22,3% des captures) portaient moins de larves au printemps, certainement du fait d’une résistance acquise aux tiques des individus hivernants. Bien que ces deux espèces réagissent différemment aux variables de composition et de configuration du paysage, les abondances de nymphes n’étaient pas expliquées par ces variables. D’autres hôtes, comme les chevreuils (Capreolus capreolus), et des facteurs microclimatiques et météorologiques influencent donc probablement aussi les abondances et la distribution des tiques dans le paysage. La richesse spécifique des hôtes et l’abondance des campagnols roussâtres, trois fois plus infectés que les mulots sylvestres, amplifieraient les prévalences d’A. phagocytophylum de ces deux espèces de rongeurs. A l’inverse, la fragmentation du paysage, via la réduction de la taille des populations d’hôtes, semble agir négativement sur ces prévalences. Aucun patron spatial évident n’a été observé pour B. burgdorferi s.l.. De même, aucun lien n’a pu être fait entre les prévalences des rongeurs et celles des nymphes d’I. ricinus. Ces résultats suggèrent un rôle probable d’espèces de tiques plus spécialistes, I. trianguliceps et I. acuminatus, dans la circulation des agents infectieux étudiés, soulignant l’intérêt qu’il pourrait y avoir à considérer l’ensemble de la communauté de vecteurs dans de futures études. L’ensemble des résultats soulignent aussi l’importance qu’il y aurait à considérer un maximum d’hôtes micromammifères réservoirs, même peu abondants, à l’échelle du paysage pour mieux comprendre la transmission de ces maladies infectieuses vectorielles<br>An increase in the emergence or in the reemergence of infectious diseases of human and his domestic animals has been observed in the last decades. Most of these diseases are zoonotic, i.e. originated from wildlife, and imply often a vector for their transmission. At the same time, land use changes linked to agricultural intensification have modified the landscapes. The aim of the thesis was to enhance the state of knowledge on the influence of the landscape on the relationships between hosts, vectors and pathogens. In Europe, small mammals can be abundant in most of terrestrial ecosystems; they are thus preferred hosts for the generalist tick species Ixodes ricinus. They are also reservoirs of tick-borne infectious agents. The results of this thesis are based on two years of sampling, in spring and autumn, of small mammals and ticks in different landscapes. We analyzed them for three of the infectious agents they host and transmit: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophylum (anaplasmosis) and Theileria (Babesia) microti (piroplasmosis), this last one could not be exploited because of too low prevalence. The 24 sampling sites were half in the core or the edge of a forest and half in agricultural landscapes with a gradient of land cover and of landscape openness. The best explanatory variable for nymph abundance was the presence of I. ricinus larvae the previous year. The results also indicate a relationship between the number of larvae attached on wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus ; 76,5% of the catches) and the abundance of nymphs the following year. Bank voles (Myodes glareolus ; 22,3% of the catches) harbored less larvae in spring, certainly because of an acquired resistance to ticks in the overwintering individuals. Despite that these two species react differently to the composition and configuration features of the landscape, the abundances of nymphs were not related to these features. Other hosts, like roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), meteorological and microclimatic factors probably influence the abundances and the distribution of ticks in the landscape. The host specific richness and the abundance of bank voles, which were threefold more infected than wood mice, likely amplified the prevalence of A. phagocytophylum of these two rodent species. Conversely, landscape fragmentation, via the reduction of host population sizes, seems to act negatively on this prevalence. No clear spatial pattern was observed for B. burgdorferi s.l.. Likewise, no link could be established between the prevalence of the rodents and the prevalence of the nymphs. These results suggest a possible role of more specialist tick species, I. trianguliceps and I. acuminatus, in the circulation of the studied infectious agents, emphasizing the possible interest of considering the whole vector community in further studies. The results also emphasize the importance of considering a maximum of small mammal reservoir hosts, even at low abundances, at the landscape scale to better understand the transmission of these vector-borne infectious diseases

Transições de floresta-campo são encontradas em diversas regiões do mundo. Sob condições climáticas favoráveis, tem-se observado um padrão de aumento na densidade de lenhosas e expansão florestal sobre áreas de vegetação campestre. Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar diferenças de composição de espécies lenhosas e composição funcional entre comunidades florestais e de transição, bem como identificar padrões funcionais destas comunidades em resposta a gradientes de clima e solo. Para tanto, foram coletados dados em 18 áreas de transição floresta-campo no sul do Brasil, considerando a densidade de espécies lenhosas e atributos foliares mensurados em cada habitat (floresta e transição). Os sítios de amostragem foram descritos por variáveis de clima e solo, gerando assim três matrizes ambientais (E): tipo de habitat, climática e edáfica. A análise dos dados envolveu ajustes de Procrustes entre matriz T (atributos médios da comunidade ponderados pela abundância das espécies) e matriz E (r (TE)) para detectar padrões de convergência de atributos, e entre diversidade funcional (R) e matriz E (r (RE)) para detectar padrões de divergência, relacionando estes padrões a cada matriz E. Os resultados indicaram padrões de convergência e divergência em relação à matriz de habitat. Comunidades florestais e de transição diferiram em termos de média de SLA e área foliar, e também quanto à diversidade funcional (ambos com valores maiores na floresta). Considerando os gradientes ambientais, as comunidades de ambos os habitats apresentaram padrões de convergência com o clima e o solo. Em matéria de clima, o principal resultado foi em relação ao SLA, com valores mais altos em áreas de florestas estacionais. Quanto ao solo, as comunidades florestais demonstraram uma associação de SLA e espessura da folha com o gradiente de matéria orgânica / fertilidade, porém as comunidades de transição não apresentaram padrões claros. Padrões de divergência em relação ao solo foram observados para ambos os habitats, mas só a floresta apresentou divergência em relação ao gradiente climático. Concluímos que, apesar das diferenças locais entre habitats em termos de composição de espécies lenhosas e estratégias funcionais, as comunidades de transição e de floresta estão respondendo de forma semelhante aos gradientes climáticos regionais. No geral, as espécies lenhosas demonstram ter estratégias funcionais relacionadas a atributos foliares que tem possibilitado o processo de adensamento de lenhosas em ecossistemas campestres em áreas de transição de floresta-campo.<br>Forest-grassland transitions are found in many different regions of the world. Through favorable climatic conditions, a pattern of woody encroachment and forest expansion over open grassy areas is observed. This work aims at identifying species composition and functional differences between forest and transition communities concerning woody plants, as well as functional patterns of communities in response to climate and soil gradients. We collected data in 18 forest-grassland transition areas in southern Brazil, considering woody plant species density and leaf traits that were measured for each habitat (forest and transition). Sites were described by climate and soil variables, leading to three different environmental matrices (E): habitat-type, climatic, and soil gradient. Data analysis involved Procrustes adjustment between matrix T (community-weighted mean traits) and matrix E (r(TE)) to detect trait-convergence, and between functional diversity (R) and matrix E (r(RE)) to detect patterns of divergence related to each matrix E. Results showed convergence and also divergence concerning the habitat-type matrix. Forest and transitional communities differed in terms of SLA and leaf area community-weighted means, and also in functional diversity. Concerning the environmental gradients, either forest or transition habitats presented convergence patterns with climate and soil gradients. Main results concerning climate were related to higher SLA at seasonal forest sites. As for soil, forest communities have demonstrated an association of SLA and leaf thickness with the organic matter/fertility gradient, but transition didn’t present clear patterns. Concerning alpha-divergence both habitats responded to soil gradients, but only forest presented divergence concerning climate. We conclude that although woody species of both habitats locally differed in species composition and their functional strategies, communities of forest and grassland transitions are responding similarly to broader climate gradients. Overall woody species seem to have leaf traits strategies that enabled the encroachment process of grassy ecosystems in forest-grassland transitions.

La connaissance de la dynamique des écosystèmes forestiers face à l’anthropisation est plus qu’indispensable à l’établissement de bases satisfaisantes pour leur utilisation durable et rationnelle. Ces perturbations anthropiques sont à la base de la fragmentation des forêts et de l’augmentation des lisières. Ainsi, depuis plus de trois-quarts de siècle la notion de « lisière » préoccupe la communauté scientifique. La grande diversité des espèces qui lui est associée est connue comme le principe de « l’effet de lisière » et est largement considéré comme un concept fondamental de l’écologie. Après l’énonciation de ce principe, les gestionnaires de la faune avaient estimé créer autant de lisières que possible du fait que la plus grande diversité de la faune y était observée. Paradoxalement, en accordant plus l’accent sur la faune au cours des deux dernières décennies, nombreuses caractéristiques des lisières, désormais considérées comme néfastes, ont été mises en évidences. C’est ainsi que des études sur la compréhension des réponses écologiques de la faune face aux lisières se sont multipliées afin de parvenir aux recommandations adéquates pour une meilleure conservation. La présente étude a pour but de tester si les Rongeurs peuvent servir comme bioindicateurs des effets de lisière dans la forêt de Masako. Les captures ont été faites durant 38 mois à l’intérieur de 4 grilles d’échantillonnage (1 ha/grille/habitat) installées dans une forêt à Gilbertiodendron dewevrei, une forêt secondaire vieille, une jachère d’au moins 5 ans et une lisière jachère/forêt secondaire. Les espèces ont été identifiées à l’aide de données morphométriques et d’analyses moléculaires (ADN du Cyt b). La richesse, la diversité, la densité, les abondances, le sex-ratio et la structure d’âges des espèces capturées ont été analysés. Une richesse et une diversité élevées sont observées dans la lisière probablement suite à son hétérogénéité et à la présence d’une diversité de niches sur une surface réduite. Les abondances de différentes espèces y sont en général faibles mais quelques fois intermédiaires ou similaires à celles des milieux adjacents. Quatre groupes d’espèces ont été distingués :(i) les généralistes ;(ii) celles qui évitent la lisière (faibles abondances dans la lisière) ;(iii) celles ayant des abondances distinctes selon les habitats ;(iv) celles ayant des abondances intermédiaires dans la lisière. L’étude a montré que les Rongeurs pourraient bien servir comme bioindicateurs des effets de lisière. Leur diversité et abondance étant des paramètres prioritaires à analyser.<br>Doctorat en Sciences agronomiques et ingénierie biologique<br>info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

As teorias sobre o funcionamento dos sistemas lóticos evoluíram nos últimos anos, os condicionantes geológicos/geomorfológicos como também as regiões de transição têm recebido importância crescente. As regiões de transição merecem destaque uma vez que os sistemas lóticos estabelecem interações de fluxo com os ambientes vizinhos (atmosféricos, terrestres e subterrâneos) e a troca de materiais estabelecida entre esses sistemas é importante para a definição de suas características. As bacias hidrográficas dos ribeirões do Moquém e Água Clara, estudadas no presente trabalho, apresentam: proximidade geográfica além de semelhanças morfológicas e climáticas, porém diferem quanto aos aspectos geológicos e geomorfológicos. A partir desses aspectos, a presente pesquisa investigou as flutuações sazonais nas relações físicas, química e hidrológicas entre águas superficiais e subterrâneas (adjacências do canal), na região do baixo curso dos ribeirões já citados. Foram escolhidos dois trechos em cada ribeirão para a realização de: (1) inventário hidrológico mensal, a partir de medidas de velocidade de escoamento, vazão e do nível de água em poços instalados na região marginal dos rios nos trechos de estudo; (2) caracterização física e química de testemunhos da região marginal dos rios, onde foram utilizadas amostras obtidas durante a perfuração dos poços; (3) amostragens das águas superficiais subterrâneas no mesmo período do inventário para a determinação das características físicas e químicas das mesmas. Os resultados destacaram os seguintes itens. O fluxo de base garantiu vazões regulares e elevadas ao ribeirão Água Clara, ao mesmo tempo que as vazões foram quase insignificantes no ribeirão do Moquém, fato esse que apresenta importância ecológica. A química das águas dos ribeirões estudados é distinta, possivelmente, como resposta às características naturais das bacias. Nos dois trechos de estudo, as águas superficiais e subterrâneas apresentaram diferenças físicas e químicas, o que pode indicar que as trocas entre o canal do rio e suas adjacências são pequenas e/ou lentas. Com base nas observações desta pesquisa, recomenda-se que as características quantitativas e qualitativas, distintas, entre as águas dos ribeirões do Moquém e Água Clara devem ser avaliadas durante a tomada de decisões em processos de gestão de recursos hídricos.<br>The theories on the operation of the lotic systems developed over the recent years, the geological/geomorphological condicionantes as well as the transition areas have been receiving growing importance. The transition areas deserve prominence once the lotic systems establish flow interactions with the neighboring environment (atmospheric, terrestrial and undergrounds) and the exchange of materials established among those systems is important in order to define their characteristics. The watersheds of the Moquém and Água Clara streams, studied in the present work, present: geographical proximity besides morphologic and climatic similarities, however they differ as far the geological and geomorphological aspects are concerned. From those aspects, the present research investigated the seasonal flutuations in physical, chemical and hydrological relationships among superficial and groundwaters (adjacencies of the channel), in the area of the low course of already mentioned the streams. It was chosen two reaches in each stream in order to accompish: (1) monthly hydrological inventory, starting from measures of drainage speed, discharge and water level in wells installed in floodplain of the streams in the studied reaches; (2) physical and chemical characterization of testimonies in floodplain of the rivers, where samples were used obtained during the perforation of the wells; (3) samplings of the superficial and groundwaters in the same period of the inventory in order to determinate the physical and chemical characteristics of same them. The results notice the following items. The base flow guaranteed regular and high discharges in the Água Clara stream, at the same time that the discharges were almost insignificant in the ribeirão of Moquém, a fact that presents ecological importance. The chemistry of the waters of the studied streams is different, possibly, as an answer to the natural characteristics of the watersheds. In the two studied reaches, the superficial and groundwaters presented physical and chemical differences, what can indicate that the changes between the channel of the river and it adjacencies are small and/or slow. Based on this research observations, it is recommended that the quantitative and qualitative, characteristics, between the waters of the Moquém and Água Clara streams should be appraised during the moment the decisions are made on management processes of hydric resources.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ultimate goal of conservation planning is to ensure persistence of biodiversity. Biodiversity patterns and ecological processes are important aspects in conserving biodiversity. Although most researchers in conservation planning have focused on targeting biodiversity patterns, ecological and evolutionary processes can ensure persistence of biodiversity if incorporated into conservation planning. Ecological processes are the main drivers or sustainers of biodiversity. The aim of this research was to identify and map the spatial components of ecological processes in a portion of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area to aid in the implementation of biota movement corridors. Different methods have been used to identify suitable corridors but not much has been done on defining and mapping ecological processes that will ensure that the corridors maintain and generate biodiversity. A thorough literature survey was done to make a list of ecological processes that are important in maintaining the biodiversity in the area. Spatial components of ecological processes were mapped as surface elements aligned along linear environmental interfaces or gradients. The last part of the research was to suggest suitable movement corridors based on ecological processes. The results include five spatial components: riverine corridors, areas of high carbon sequestration, edaphic interfaces, upland-lowland interfaces and ecotones. Riverine corridors were mapped using a 1000 m buffer on either side of low lying rivers and 500 m buffer around rivers in the uplands. A map showing the carbon sequestration potential of vegetation in the study area was made using Moderate-Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived NDVI data and the National Level Carbon Stock dataset done by the Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC) Pantropical. Edaphic interfaces were idenfied using by a 250 m buffer around contrasting soil types. Upland-lowland interfaces identified by a 250 m buffer along upland and lowland habitats. Classification of Landsat 8 was used to identify ecotones in the study area. The results of the spatial components were then compared with the habitat transformation map which shows populated areas.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die uiteindelike doel van bewaringsbeplanning is om voortbestaan van biodiversiteit te verseker. Biodiversiteitspatrone en ekologiese prosesse is belangrike aspekte in die bewaring van biodiversiteit. Alhoewel die meeste navorsers in bewaringsbeplanning fokus op teiken biodiversiteitspatrone, kan die voortbestaan van ekologiese en evolusionêre prosesse van biodiversiteit verseker word deur insluiting in bewaringsbeplanning. Ekologiese prosesse is die belangrikste drywers, of onderhouers, van biodiversiteit. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was dus om die ruimtelike komponente van ekologiese prosesse in 'n gedeelte van die Kavango Zambezi oorgrensbewaringsgebied te identifiseer en te karteer om te help met implementering van biota bewegingsdeurlope. Verskillende metodes is al gebruik om gepaste deurlope te identifiseer, maar min navorsing is gedoen oor definisie en kartering van ekologiese prosesse om te verseker dat die deurlope biodiversiteit sal onderhou en genereer. 'n Deeglike literatuurstudie is gedoen om 'n lys op te stel van ekologiese prosesse wat belangrik is in die handhawing van biodiversiteit in die gebied. Ruimtelike komponente van ekologiese prosesse is gekarteer as oppervlak elemente gebonde aan lineêre omgewingskoppelvlakke of gradiënte. Die laaste deel van die navorsing was om geskikte bewegingsdeurlope, gebaseer op ekologiese prosesse, voor te stel. Die resultate sluit vyf ruimtelike komponente in: rivierdeurlope, gebiede van hoë koolstofsekwestrasie, edafiese koppelvlakke, hoogland-Laeveld koppelvlakke en grensekotone. Rivierdeurlope is gekarteer met behulp van 'n 1000 meter buffer aan weerskante van laagliggende riviere en 500 meter buffer rondom riviere in die hooglande. ‘n Kaart wat die koolstofsekwestrasiepotensiaal van plantegroei in die studie area toon is gemaak met behulp van Moderate-Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) afgeleide NDVI data en ʼn koolstofvoorraaddatastel (National Level Carbon Stock dataset) voorsien deur die Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC). Pantropiese edafiese koppelvlakke is geïdentifiseer met behulp van 'n 250 meter buffer rondom kontrasterende grondtipes. Hoogland-Laeveld koppelvlakke is geïdentifiseer deur 'n 250 meter buffer langs die berg en laagland habitatte. Klassifikasie van Landsat 8 data is gebruik om ekotone in die studie area te identifiseer. Die resultate van die ruimtelike komponente is vergelyk met die habitattransformasiekaart wat bevolkte gebiede toon.

Les transitions terrestre-aquatique jouent un rôle primordial dans le fonctionnement des écosystèmes. Dans les cours d'eau qui cessent de s'écouler périodiquement, ces transitions se développent latéralement au travers des zones ripariennes mais aussi longitudinalement le long du lit du cours d'eau. L'objectif de ce travail de thèse était de déterminer les effets de ces transitions terrestre-aquatique dans les lits des cours d'eau sur les communautés d'invertébrés terrestres et sur dynamique de la matière organique particulaire, un processus écologique fondamental au fonctionnement des cours d'eau. Les résultats montrent que communautés d'invertébrés ripariens sont peu dépendantes des ressources aquatiques du cours d'eau mais sont essentielles au maintien de la diversité en invertébrés dans les lits asséchés. La matière organique est transportée et se décompose par à coup lors des conditions aquatiques, influençant potentiellement la disponibilité en nutriments dans les réseaux hydrographiques<br>Aquatic-terrestrial transitions play a major role in the functioning of ecosystems. In rivers that periodically cease to flow, these transitions move laterally in riparian zones and longitudinally along dry riverbeds. The objective of this thesis was to determine in drying rivers the effects of aquatic-terrestrial transitions on terrestrial invertebrate communities and on particulate organic matter dynamic, a key ecological process for ecosystem functioning. The results show that riparian communities are poorly dependent on aquatic resources from the rivers but are essential to invertebrate diversity in dry riverbeds. Organic matter has a pulsed dynamic in drying rivers with transport and processing stages limited to aquatic conditions, potentially influencing nutrient availability in river networks

Submitted by Mariana Dornelles Vargas (marianadv) on 2015-05-12T11:51:57Z No. of bitstreams: 1 discutindo_tradicao.pdf: 4329616 bytes, checksum: be762c9d1ae4487e355bae46cecfd97b (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-12T11:51:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 discutindo_tradicao.pdf: 4329616 bytes, checksum: be762c9d1ae4487e355bae46cecfd97b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012<br>Milton Valente<br>A presente dissertação objetiva retomar discussões a respeito da tradição ceramista Aratu, buscando avançar na compreensão dos modelos de origem e dispersão, contribuir para o entendimento do ambiente de implantação dos sítios, bem como trazer um estudo de caso inédito através da análise e publicação dos dados do sítio GO-RV-06. O projeto foi dividido em três momentos distintos: o primeiro, onde através de uma intensa revisão bibliográfica e cruzamento de dados foi possível inferir sobre o papel da possível zona central e das zonas periféricas de dispersão da tradição; o segundo que buscou verificar a hipótese da implantação dos sítios Aratu em áreas de ecótono e entender o ambiente no centro e periferia e o terceiro, onde foi realizada a análise do sítio GO-RV-06, abordado na década de 70 durante o Programa Arqueológico de Goiás e até então não publicado integralmente. Os três eixos-temáticos dialogam entre si fornecendo um quadro geral que deve auxiliar no entendimento desta tradição ceramista.<br>The present dissertation intends to resume the discussions about the Aratu Ceramist Tradition, seeking to advance the understanding of the origin and dispersion models, to contribute to the understanding of the deployment environment of the sites, as well as bring an unprecedented case study by analysing and publishing the data GO-RV-06 site. The project was divided into three distinct periods: the first, where through an intense literature review and crossing data was possible to infer about the role of the possible central and peripheral dispersion zones of tradition. The second aimed to verify the hypothesis of deployment of Aratu sites in ecotone areas and understand the environment in the center and periphery and the third one, where an analysis in the GO-RV-06 site was carried out, discussed in the 70?s during the Programa Arqueológico de Goiás and not published in full until the present moment. The three thematic axes dialogue with each other providing a general framework that should help in understanding this ceramist tradition.

A busca de padrões consistentes na natureza tem sido a principal meta dos ecólogos. Essa dissertação teve como objetivo usar abordagens filogenéticas na tentativa de compreender melhor o processo ecológico da expansão florestal sobre áreas abertas. O uso da informação filogenética em análises ecológicas considera as espécies não independentes umas das outras, pois estas compartilham grande parte da história evolutiva. Essa hierarquia de organização das espécies é muito importante para determinar as regras que governam os processos de montagem das comunidades locais. Nesta dissertação foram avaliados padrões filogenéticos de estruturação da vegetação lenhosa florestal ocorrente em ecótonos de áreas abertas com vegetação florestal distribuídos em diferentes regiões do extremo sul do Brasil. Estes ecótonos são formados por diversas formações florestais, as quais tendem a expandir sobre as áreas abertas. Dados sobre composição de espécies provieram de estudos já realizados e de amostragens em alguns sítios. Duas métricas filogenéticas complementares foram usadas para avaliar a estrutura filogenética em cada categoria de habitat nos ecótonos: índice de parentesco líquido (NRI) e coordenadas principais da estrutura filogenética (PCPS). As análises dos valores de NRI não mostraram um padrão nítido de estruturação filogenética das comunidades. Já a análise dos PCPS mostrou padrões consistentes nas três escalas espaciais abordadas e independente da composição de espécies. Clados basais associaram-se às áreas florestais, enquanto clados de diversificação recente associaram-se às áreas abertas. Estes resultados indicam que áreas abertas atuam como um filtro filogenético de habitat para as espécies lenhosas florestais em todos os locais analisados, independentemente da escala e da composição de espécies de cada local. Os resultados sugerem que os clados de Rosanae e Asteranae estão na linha de frente do processo de expansão florestal sobre as áreas abertas, e o clado de Magnolianae restrito às áreas florestais. A busca por padrões gerais de organização das comunidades ecológicas a partir de sua estrutura filogenética parece consistir numa ferramenta útil para a exploração e entendimento sobre o funcionamento de sistemas ecológicos. Estas abordagens poderiam beneficiar estratégias de gerenciamento e conservação destes sistemas, por simplificarem sistemas ecológicos complexos e por mostrarem padrões gerais independentes da escala espacial analisada.<br>The search for consistent patterns in nature has been a major goal of ecologists. This study aimed to employ phylogenetic analyses to improve the understanding of an ecological process, the expansion of forest expansion over open areas. The use of evolutionary information considers species as not independent units in relation to each other, as they share their evolutionary history. Such hierarchical organization of species is very important to determine the rules governing assembly processes in local communities. Phylogenetic approaches were used to evaluate phylogenetic patterns in forest woody vegetation occurring in ecotones comprising open areas and forest vegetation, and distributed across different regions in the southernmost Brazilian region. Those ecotones are composed by different forest vegetation types, which tend to expand over open areas. Data on species composition were compiled from previous studies, and vegetation sampling was carried out in sites without available information on species composition in ecotones. Two complementary phylogenetic metrics were used to evaluate the phylogenetic structure in each habitat type occurring in ecotones: net relatedness index (NRI) and principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure (PCPS). Analyses of NRI values did not show any clear pattern of phylogenetic structuring of the communities. Nonetheless, PCPS analysis showed consistent patterns across the threes spatial scales evaluated, which were independent of the species composition of the sites. Basal clades were associated with forest areas, while late-divergence clades were associated with open areas. These findings indicate that open areas act as a phylogenetic habitat filtering to forest woody species throughout the region, independently of the spatial scale and of the species composition in each site. The results suggest that the clades Rosanae and Asteranae represent the vanguard in theforest expansion process over open areas, while the distribution of the basal clade Magnolianae is restricted to forest sites. The search for general organization patterns in ecological communities based on their phylogenetic structure seems to be a useful tool for exploring and understanding the functioning of ecological systems. Such approach might benefit ecosystem managing and conservation strategies, as it simplifies complex ecological systems, and shows general patterns independently of the scale analyzed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2003.<br>Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 161-179). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Abordagens funcionais e filogenéticas têm sido amplamente utilizadas no estudo de ecologia de comunidades e têm propiciado um melhor entendimento de como atributos funcionais e sua evolução influenciam padrões ecológicos observados atualmente na natureza. A incorporação da variabilidade intraespecífica em estudos recentes de ecologia de comunidades vegetais tem demonstrado que, apesar de a variabilidade intraespecífica de um atributo ser normalmente menor do que sua variabilidade interespecífica, estudos que consideram a variabilidade intraespecífica inferem mecanismos de organização de comunidades com mais acurácia. Além disso, abordagens analíticas que incluem a variabilidade intraespecífica em estudos de comunidades possibilitam integrar as escalas de populações e comunidades em ecologia. Abordagens filogenéticas recentes permitem a avaliação da interação entre composição filogenética de bancos regionais de espécies e a estrutura filogenética local de comunidades, o que permite a inferência de processos históricos e ecológicos que estruturam comunidades atuais. O objetivo geral desta tese foi avaliar padrões e inferir processos de organização de comunidades de plantas lenhosas da escala local à regional. Para isso, utilizei abordagens baseadas em atributos funcionais para avaliar o nicho de indivíduos (capítulo 2) e das espécies (capítulo 2 e 3) e abordagens filogenéticas para avaliar como a evolução influencia a similaridade funcional entre as espécies (capítulo 3), a formação de bancos de espécies locais (capítulo 3) e regionais (capítulo 4) e a estruturação de comunidades locais (capítulo 4). No capítulo 2, avaliei qual a importância relativa da substituição (turnover) de espécies e da variabilidade intraespecífica nas respostas médias e de dispersão de área foliar específica no nível de comunidade a um gradiente de abertura de dossel em uma metacomunidade de árvores juvenis. Nesse capítulo, concluí que a variabilidade intraespecífica é fundamental para a organização de comunidades lenhosas em florestas e arbustais, pois a área foliar específica dentro da mesma espécie varia conforme o ambiente e o contexto local de espécies interatoras. Essa plasticidade permite o estabelecimento de espécies em uma porção maior do gradiente de abertura do dossel. No capítulo 3, avaliei se espécies ocorrentes tanto na floresta quanto no campo diferem de espécies restritas à floresta ou ao campo quanto a resposta de seus atributos a espécies coocorrentes e ao gradiente ambiental. Concluí que uma ação combinada entre área foliar específica, espessura foliar e densidade de folhagem ajuda a explicar a organização de comunidades de plantas lenhosas em ecótonos floresta-campo. A plasticidade nesses atributos permite a colonização do campo por espécies que também ocorrem na floresta. No capítulo 4, avaliei se há associação entre a estrutura filogenética local (agrupamento ou repulsão) de comunidades de árvores e a distribuição geográfica de grandes linhagens de angiospermas no Neotrópico e Afrotrópico. A conclusão foi que diferenças regionais de composição filogenética entre o Neotrópico e o Afrotrópico são provavelmente um resultado de taxas diferenciais de especiação e extinção que seguiram a separação de Gondwana e atualmente influenciam a estrutura filogenética local de comunidades de árvores de florestas pluviais nos dois reinos.<br>Functional and phylogenetic approaches have been widely used in community ecology studies and have provided a better understanding of how functional traits and their evolution influence ecological patterns that are currently observed in nature. The incorporation of intraspecific variability in recent plant community ecology studies have demonstrated that, despite intraspecific variability of a given trait extent be usually lower than its interspecific variability, studies that account for intraspecific variability more accurately infer mechanisms of community assembly. Moreover, analytical approaches that incorporate intraspecific variability in community ecology studies enable integrating population and community scales in ecology. Recent phylogenetic approaches permit evaluating the interaction between the phylogenetic composition of regional species pools and local phylogenetic structure of communities, which enables the inference of historical and ecological processes structuring current communities. The general aim of this dissertation was to evaluate and infer assembly processes of woody plant communities from local to regional scales. For this, I used trait-based approaches to assess the niche of individuals (chapter 2) and species (chapter 2 and 3) and community phylogenetics approaches to evaluate how evolution influences the trait similarity between species (chapter 3), the formation of local and regional species pools (chapter 3 and 4, respectively) and the structuring of local communities (chapter 4). In chapter 2, I evaluated what is the relative importance of species turnover and intraspecific variability to the variation in trait mean and spread responses of specific leaf area at the community level across a canopy openness gradient in a tree juvenile metacommunity. In this chapter, I conclude that intraspecific variability is essential to woody community assembly in forests and shrublands, since specific leaf area within the same species varies according to the environment and local context of interacting species. This plasticity permits species establishment in a wider portion of the canopy openness gradient. In chapter 3, I evaluated whether species both in forest and grassland differ from species restricted to either forest or grassland regarding their trait-based responses to co-occurring species and environmental gradient. I concluded that an interplay between specific leaf area, leaf thickness and foliage density help explaining the assembly of woody plant communities in forest-grassland ecotones. The plasticity in these traits enables the colonization of the grassland by species that also occur in the forest. In chapter 4, I evaluated whether there is association between local phylogenetic structure (clustering or overdispersion) of tree communities and geographical distribution of major angiosperm lineages in the Neotropics and Afrotropics. In this chapter, I concluded that regional differences in phylogenetic composition between the Neotropics and Afrotropics are likely an outcome of differential rates of speciation and extinction following the breakup of Gondwana and currently influence local phylogenetic structure of rainforest tree communities in both realms.

This study analyzes tree, soil, and microtopographic patterns present within the Cranberry Glades, a bog wetland complex located in the mountains of West Virginia. The Cranberry Glades are comprised of four open bog meadows, which provide unique habitat to several rare and endangered plant species. However, these meadows are filling in with trees and alder. This research is a study on the factors that may be involved in the processes and patterns influencing tree encroachment into the bog meadows across the open meadow â bog forest ecotone. To determine the patterns of infilling and the potential relationships among the trees, microtopography, and soil conditions, I collected and analyzed data on each of these factors within nine belt transects located across the ecotone. I gathered tree data on the following: location within transect, species, diameter at breast height or diameter at ground level, height class, associated microtopography, and growing conditions on 1,389 trees. Soil samples were gathered across the ecotone and analyzed for percent moisture, pH, and various nutrients and metals. I assessed historical aerial photographs to gain a temporal history on the patterns of infilling. The results indicate that trees decrease in density across the ecotone towards the peatland interior, and that trees are likely to be growing on hummock features and within tree islands. Soil properties resulted in mixed conclusions. The aerial photograph assessment revealed that trees and alders have been steadily encroaching into the open peatlands for at least the past 52 years. The finding of this research lend to increased knowledge on southern peatlands, wetland succession, and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area.<br>Master of Science

L’objectiu principal d’aquesta tesi és avançar en la comprensió de la dinàmica dels boscos mixtos de coníferes de l’ecotò que conformen els estatges montà i subalpí del Pirineu català. Es pretén, en primer lloc, identificar els principals factors ambientals que controlen la dinàmica d’aquestes comunitats per, posteriorment, avaluar com afectaran els canvis que es preveuen en aquests factors a la seva composició i estructura futura. Per assolir aquests objectius, la tesi utilitza diverses aproximacions a diferents escales espacials. Es va detectar que tant els canvis d’usos del sol com el clima, la disponibilitat de llum, la fisiografia i les interaccions planta-planta (competitives o de facilitació) són actors importants per al futur d’aquests boscos. Finalment, es va utilitzar un model de dinàmica forestal espacialment explícit (SORTIE-ND) per tal de simular l’evolució dels boscos objecte d’estudi d’aquesta tesi. Els resultats de les simulacions prediuen un futur canvi en la composició d'aquests boscos, ja que tant A. alba com P. sylvestris podrien trobar condicions adequades per colonitzar àrees actualment ocupades per P. uncinata a causa, respectivament, de la progressiva densificació del bosc i d’un major creixement relacionat amb un augment de les temperatures, respectivament.<br>El objetivo último de esta tesis es comprender mejor la dinámica de los bosques mixtos de coníferas del ecotono entre los pisos montano y subalpino del Pirineo. Se pretende, en primer lugar, identificar los principales factores ambientales que controlan la dinámica de estas comunidades para, posteriormente, evaluar cómo afectará a su composición y estructura futuras los cambios en dichos factores. Para todo ello, se ha utilizado una aproximación a diferentes escalas espaciales. Se pudo detectar que tanto los cambios de uso del suelo como el clima, la disponibilidad de luz, la fisiografía y las interacciones planta-planta (competitivas o de facilitación) resultaron ser actores importantes para el futuro de estos bosques. Finalmente, se utilizó un modelo de dinámica forestal espacialmente explícito (SORTIE-ND) con el fin de simular la evolución de los bosques objeto de estudio de esta tesis. Los resultados de las simulaciones predicen un futuro cambio en la composición de estos bosques, ya que tanto A. alba como P. sylvestris podrían encontrar condiciones adecuadas para colonizar áreas actualmente ocupadas por P. uncinata, debido a la densificación del bosque o a un mayor crecimiento relacionado con un aumento de las temperaturas, respectivamente.<br>The main objective of this thesis is to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of mixed-conifer forests constituting the montane-subalpine ecotone of the Pyrenees. For this, we identified the main environmental factors that drive the dynamics of these communities to then assess how changes in these factors may affect their future structure and composition. This work was done using a multiscale approach that allowed detecting the key factors determining the dynamics of these systems across different biological scales. We have found land-use changes, climate, light availability, physiography and competitive and facilitative plant-plant interactions to be important actors in the fate of these forests. Finally, we used an individual-based, spatially-explicit model of forest dynamics (SORTIE-ND) in order to simulate the future dynamics of the studied forests. The results of the simulations support the predictions of future biome changes in the Pyrenean subalpine forests, since A. alba and P. sylvestris may find appropriate conditions for colonizing mountain pine dominated stands due to land-use change-related forest densification and climate warming, respectively.