Projects / Programmes
Biodiversity patterns and processes
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.03 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
Ecosystems |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B270 |
Biomedical sciences |
Plant ecology |
| B280 |
Biomedical sciences |
Animal ecology |
| B320 |
Biomedical sciences |
Systematic zoology, taxonomy, zoogeopraphy |
biodiversity, macroecology, hot-spots, disturbances, species richness, biomass, land use changes
Researchers (5)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Study of biodiversity patterns and processes at various spatial scales. Macroecological approach will focus on biodiversity patterns of mammals (Mammalia) on different continets. Results are expected to provide deeper inside into the spatial patterns in various regions which were exposed to different histories, but shaped by convergent evolution. Such an approach is the only possible one in understanding large scale patterns and processes. One of the results will be in the definition of “hot-spots” in species richness. Microecological study will be focused on interrelations among land use, intensity and extent of disturbances, plant biomass and species richness in three taxonomic groups (vascular plants, Hemiptera, Orthoptera). We aim in understanding the importance of disturbances (primarily grazing) on the biodiversity perimeters. Results are expected to be of prime importance in maintaining endangered biodiversity of species rich grassland communities on limestone in the Karstic regions of western Slovenia. Although there is little doubt that grassland ecosystem never vanished entirely from this particular region, it is also a fact that grasslands, as known today, are a product of man activities, burning and pastoral economy in particular. Rapid changes in the land use result in biodiversity erosion. We need to understand which kind of disturbances and at what intensities could maintain actual species richness and processes. Study plots with known land use history (mainly grazing) are located on Mt. Vremščica. We will monitor biomass and species richness in the above mentioned three taxonomic groups.
