Determinants of woody cover in African savannas

Article Abstract:

Savannas are ecologically sensitive ecosystems, chiefly characterized by presence of trees and grasses. The data from various sites across African savannas show that maximum woody cover in savannas receiving a mean annual precipitation (MAP) of less than ~650mm are stable system, but are not necessary for tree and grass to coexist while that above MAP of ~650mm are unstable systems, which are essential for the maintenance of a savanna.

Africa, Physiological aspects, Precipitation (Chemistry), Savanna ecology, Savannas

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Effects of biodiversity on the functioning of trophic groups and ecosystems

Article Abstract:

A meta-analysis of studies that have experimentally manipulated species diversity to examine how it affects the functioning of numerous trophic groups in multiple types of ecosystem is presented. The analysis has suggested that the average species loss affect the functioning of a wide variety of organisms and ecosystems, but the magnitude of these effects is ultimately determined by the identity of species that are going extinct.

United States, Biological diversity, Biodiversity, Ecological research, Tropics, Tropical climates

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Positive feedbacks promote power-law clustering of Kalahari vegetation

Article Abstract:

Several methodologies are employed to monitor the occurrence of self-organized vegetation patterns across the regional rainfall gradient in South Africa. The results show that various positive feedbacks help in promoting the power-law clustering of Kalahari vegetation.

South Africa, Vegetation dynamics, Arid regions ecology, Vegetation and climate, Plant climatology, Kalahari Desert

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