Gap dynamics: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:55, 4 December 2012

Revision as of 18:56, 4 December 2012

Line 7:

For gap dynamics to occur in naturally disturbed areas, either primary or secondary succession must occur. Ecological secondary succession is much more common and pertains to the process of vegetation replacement after a natural disturbance. Secondary succession results in second-growth or secondary forest, which currently covers more of the tropics than old-growth forest.

Since gaps let in more light and create diverse microclimates, they provide the ideal ___location and conditions for rapid plant reproduction and growth. In fact, most plant species in the tropics are dependent, at least in part, on gaps to complete their life cycles. ( <ref>{{cite book|last=Kricher|first=John|title=Tropical ecology|year=2011).|publisher=Princeton University Press|___location=Princeton, New Jersey|pages=188-226}}</ref>

==Disturbances==