REWM 3500Rangeland Plant EcophysiologyNovember 13, 2009

Plant physiological ecology and ecosystem processes

Ecosystems, ecosystem components and ecosystem processes

Diversity vs composition

Plant diversity and ecosystem productivity

a) sampling effect hypothesis

b) niche differentiation hypothesis

Plant strategies and functional types

Sampling effect model of diversity vs production relationships

Niche differentiation model of diversity vs production relationships

What do the data say about diversity vs production relationships?

Intensive exploiters: black grama and snakeweedExtensive exploiters: mesquite and Morman teaIntermediate: burroweedWater storers: fishhook cactus and yucca

Plant functional types and water use “strategies” in desert plants

Terms and concepts to know:

ecosystemecosystem componentsessential processes biodiversitycompositionsampling effect hypothesisniche differentiation hypothesisplant strategies and functional types