Functional analysis and modelling of vegetation: plant functional types in a mesocosmos experiment and a mechanistic model

The focus of this thesis lies on the functional analysis and modelling of vegetation. A statistical method for the optimisation of plant functional types is developed in the first part. The fourth corner method by Pierre Legendre et al. was adapted to the task of grouping of plant functional types. New null models are developed for this randomisation method and their statistical properties are investigated. The mechanistical model LEGOMODEL is used to simulate the succession of plant functional types using the 'Leaf-Height-Seed Scheme'. This classification scheme uses only the plant traits specific leaf area, plant height and seed weight. A trait hierarchy for the assembly of plant communities is formed in gradients of fertility and disturbance. The third part applies the developed method to a field experiment following the succession of plant communities over four years in gradients of fertility and disturbance. The plant traits canopy height, life cycle and spacer length are sufficient to form a statistical significant functional grouping of the plant species incorporated in the experiment.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Universität Oldenburg

Year

2005

Author dc:creator

• Lehsten, Veiko

• [Keine Schlagwörter von Autor/in vergeben.]

Repository record source_url

http://oops.uni-oldenburg.de/133

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oops.uni-oldenburg.de:133