Sample interview questions: Explain the concept of forest landscape heterogeneity and its influence on ecosystem processes.
Sample answer:
Concept of Forest Landscape Heterogeneity
Forest landscape heterogeneity refers to the spatial and temporal variation in the composition, structure, and function of forest ecosystems across a landscape. It encompasses a range of factors, including species diversity, stand age, canopy height, vegetation cover, and soil conditions. This heterogeneity creates a mosaic of different forest types, successional stages, and microhabitats that support a wide array of ecological processes.
Influence on Ecosystem Processes
Landscape heterogeneity has a profound influence on ecosystem processes, including:
- Productivity: Variation in species composition and stand structure affects light availability, nutrient cycling, and water use, influencing overall forest productivity.
- Carbon cycling: Forests with higher heterogeneity, characterized by a mix of ages and species, can sequester more carbon and contribute to climate change mitigation.
- Water cycling: The complex arrangement of vegetation and topography in heterogeneous landscapes influences water infiltration, storage, and r… Read full answer