Livestock exclusion increases the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation in the Shortgrass Steppe
Date
2001
Authors
Adler, Peter, author
SGS-LTER, Colorado State University, publisher
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Abstract
Ecologists have collected extensive information on how various factors affect the MEAN values of key response variables, but typically ignore how spatial distribution is affected. Describing spatial heterogeneity is important because 1) pattern may affect process and 2) the identification of previously unrecognized patterns generates new hypotheses.
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.
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Subject
shortgrass steppe
long term ecological research
grassland ecology
Pawnee National Grassland
Central Plains Experimental Range