Gap dynamics: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:46, 29 November 2012

Revision as of 00:54, 29 November 2012

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[[File:Small Forest Gap.JPG|thumb| Treefall gaps in the Amazon allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. photoPhoto taken by Irina Skinner. ]]

'''Gap dynamics''' refers to the pattern of plant growth that occurs following the creation of a forest gap, a local area of natural disturbance that results in an opening in the canopy of a forest. Gap dynamics are a typical characteristic of both temperate and tropical forests and have a wide variety of causes and effects on forest life.

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==Disturbances==

{{main|Disturbance (ecology)}}

[[File:Broken trees.jpg|thumb|Broken trees create gaps in the central Amazon. photoPhoto taken by Emilio Bruna]]

Gap dynamics are the result of disturbances within an ecosystem. There are both large scale and small scale disturbances, and both are influenced by duration and frequency. These all affect the resulting impact and regeneration patterns of the ecosystem.

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==Secondary succession==

[[File:Cecropia.jpg|thumb|Cecropia trees are a common pioneer species found in gaps. photoPhoto taken by Emilio Bruna]]

Secondary succession occurs where a disturbance has taken place but soil remains and is able to support plant growth. It does not take nearly as long for plant regeneration to occur because of the soil substrate already present. Secondary succession is much more common than primary succession in the tropics.