TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5725

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles

The Species-Area Hypothesis Large areas contain more species than small areas because they can support larger populations and a greater range of habitats.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5726

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5727

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles

The Species-Energy Hypothesis

Available energy determines species richness.

Increased solar energy, together with an abundance of water, results in high productivity of plants.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5728

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles

The evapotranspiration rate is in turn influenced by the amount of solar energy and the amount of water in the ground.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5729

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5730

#Unit 10. Ecological Principles

The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis Suggests Species Richness

Low rates of disturbance, competitively dominant species would outcompete all other species (K selected) At high levels of disturbance, species would be continually driven extinct and only good colonists and well disperse (r-selected) would persist. Intermediate disturbance, species richness is greatest in areas where disturbances are neither too large nor too small but are of intermediate size.