Expanding on Watson's framework for classifying patches: when is an island not an island?

摘要: Aim  The aims were: (1) evaluate the potential of Watson's framework for studying species composition in fragments and islands a specific landscape type: cryptobiotic crust systems arid south-western US; (2) expand original model to include ephemeral/non-equilibrium by revising his categories patch age matrix contrast; (3) examine interplay between dynamics autecology, demonstrating need more work on ephemeral patchy systems. Location  Cryptobiotic two pinon-juniper sites Central New Mexico, western North America. Results  designation was not applicable our system because its or non-equilibrial nature. Based this result, we constructed what refer as ‘speed key’ that includes equilibrium non-equilibrium patches all kinds. For maintained one traits: origin, amended others describe persistence permeability across matrix. Importantly, must be evaluated functions organisms under consideration. Systems may taxon well (ephemeral) another. A appears high contrast with intervening actually low contrast, depending dispersal ability organism through matrix. Main conclusions  To improve substantially understanding (whether fragments) it is important account explicitly relevant organismal life-history traits those systems. Too often, are defined how researcher views them from his/her own spatio-temporal viewpoint. Once move an organism-centred these find surprising novel comparisons allow us scales inform view ecological patterns processes. By incorporating into insularity, has general implications go beyond scope crusts add current dialogue biogeography.