Dynamism in Vegetation. Vegetation Changes on a Short Time Scale

Abstract

The study of dynamic processes is one of the main issues in vegetation ecology. This chapter is an attempt to summarize the basic concepts to be applied when studying the dynamics of vegetation. As succession is the central process in vegetation dynamics, some relevant theories and models are explained, especially those concerning inhibition, facilitation and tolerance. Plant strategies related to dynamism, particularly those of r- and K-selection and Grime’s CRS model, are commented upon. Several types of succession are distinguished, and the concept of Vegetation Series (Sigmetum) is introduced, with comments on the diverse types, i.e. the climatophilous, edaphoxerophilous and edaphohygrophilous vegetation series. Also the sigmeta under extreme conditions are explained (permasigmeta or permaseries). Different disturbance regimes result in specific seral vegetation types and the persistence of these disturbance regimes shape the landscapes, particularly in heavily populated territories. The extant landscapes are a cultural construction in combination with the natural biotic element. In order to formalize a dynamic-catenal vegetation science, the concept of geoseries or geosigmetum is explained, separated into topographic geoseries (across an eco-topographic gradient) and cliserial geoseries (across an altitudinal gradient in mountains). Finally the zonations of permaseries (geopermasigmeta or geopermaseries) are discussed.