Long-term studies examining the spatial distribution patterns and dynamics of alpine plant species are rare. This talk will describe a point-pattern analysis for a highly restricted, cryptic herbaceous perennial forget-me-not, Myosotis oreophila, over a 17 year period. The alpine site of <0.5 ha is relatively simple with little variation in topography, microclimate or soil nutrients, yet shows complex behaviours over time. We will present concepts of spatial stationarity, how to incorporate inhomogeneous patterns, first and second order pattern effects, and a hard Strauss model to develop an understanding of the plant dynamics of recruitment and mortality. The talk will bring into question previous work where conclusions regarding alpine populations are drawn from a small number of observations. This work was done in conjunction with Prof. Kath Dickinson (Otago), Prof. Alan Mark (Otago) and Dr R. Whitsed (CSU, Australia).
Last modified: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2017 17:26:26 NZST
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