Stream and Wetlands Ecology

Ecology

Study of relationships between biology, chemistry, climate, and geology

Biotic

Living

Abiotic

Non-Living

Ecosystem

Interacting systems of biotic and abiotic components

Interspecific

Between different species

Intraspecific

Between same species

Succession

Change in biological communities over time

Communities

Collection of populations in same place at same time

Population

All members of the same species in the same place at same time

Productivity

Rate of energy storage and release

Primary Succession

Succession on soil not previously influenced by plants

Secondary Succession

Development of plants where plants have already grown

What are some traits of early succession plants?

Short lived, Fast growing, Shade intolerant

What are a few plants considered pioneer species?

Rubus, Greenbriar, Muscadine, Pines

What influences succession?

Animals, Climate, people, previous plants

What types of transition can happen in a forest?

Thinning, Climax, Gap Phase

What is thinning?

replacement of shade intolerants w/ shade tolerant

RSC

Relative species composition

What is forestry standard size of a plot?

1/10 Acre

DBH

Diameter at Breast Height

What 3 things comprise a disturbance regime?

Scale, Intensity, Frequency

What are two types of fire?

Crown Fire and Surface Fire

What are the dangers of a crown fire?

Difficult if not impossible to control

What are some benefits of a surface fire?

Seed bank stimulation

Why are fires important tools?

Maintain habitats, alter succession, reduce fuel, change species comp

What is the most common burning season for Appalachia?

Late growing season (Fall)

PCQ

Point Center Quater

RSC

Relative Species Composition

What are the three types of soil?

Sand, Loam, Clay

Sand

Soil that does not hold water

Loam

Soil that holds water well

Clay

Soil that holds water too well.

What are the three size classes of particles in soil?

Coarse, Medium, Fine

What are the three traits noted in the Munsell Soil Color Chart?

Hue, Chroma, Value

What does Hue tell you about soil?

How red the soil is.

What does value indicate about soil?

How dark soil is

What does Chroma indicare about soil?

How bright or dull the soil is

How many criteria must an area meet to be considered a wetland according to the Clean Water Act?

2

Ecotone

A transition area between 2 environments

What are the three components that define an area as a wetland in the Clean Water Act?

Hydrology, Soil, Wetland Plants

What makes soil qualify as “wetland” soil?

Being different in any way from surrounding soil.

What are three inputs of water in a wetland?

Rain, Surface, Gound

What are some outputs for water in a wetland?

Surface overflow, Ground Overflow, Transpiration, Evaporation

Transpiration

movement of water through a plant into the air

What is wetland delineation?

Process of determining wetland boundaries and sizes

What kinds of functions can wetlands provide?

Hydrologic Functions, Habitat, Stormflow Attenuation

Attenuation

reduction of force

What are some factors contributing to wetland loss?

Agriculture, hydroelectric programs, development

How are nutrients absorbed/filtered from wetlands?

Plants, Microbes, Fish

Ephemeral

Frequently draining and refilling

Temporary

wetland with long periods of dryness and wetness

Permanent

Always filled