A multi-scale assessment of beetle diversity and landscape properties
Date
1999
Authors
Wiens, John A., author
Hoffman, Aaron L., author
SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The issue of scale is important in ecology. Many studies have indicated that ecological patterns can vary with the grain and extent of the study, and thus it is difficult to extrapolate from fine to coarse scales. Furthermore, habitats are generally not homogenous, so interactions between an organism and its environment, as well as the scale at which they are examined, are primary factors underlying the patterns or processes being studied. This study has many facets, but we are particularly interested in how spatial patterns of beetle species richness and environmental variables change with scale. Other questions address whether there are spatial scales where correlations between beetle abundance and environmental measures peak? Identifying such scales should provide insights to the processes responsible for the observed patterns.
Description
The SGS-LTER research site was established in 1980 by researchers at Colorado State University as part of a network of long-term research sites within the US LTER Network, supported by the National Science Foundation. Scientists within the Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, and Biology Department at CSU, California State Fullerton, USDA Agricultural Research Service, University of Northern Colorado, and the University of Wyoming, among others, have contributed to our understanding of the structure and functions of the shortgrass steppe and other diverse ecosystems across the network while maintaining a common mission and sharing expertise, data and infrastructure.
Colorado State University. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory; Colorado State University. Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship; Colorado State University. Department of Soil and Crop Sciences; Colorado State University. Department of Biology; California State University, Fullerton; United States. Agricultural Research Service; University of Northern Colorado.
Colorado State University. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory; Colorado State University. Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship; Colorado State University. Department of Soil and Crop Sciences; Colorado State University. Department of Biology; California State University, Fullerton; United States. Agricultural Research Service; University of Northern Colorado.
Rights Access
Subject
shortgrass steppe
long term ecological research
grassland ecology
Pawnee National Grassland
Central Plains Experimental Range