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Differences between structural and functional environmental heterogeneity caused by seed dispersal

  1. J. M. GÓMEZ1,*,
  2. F. VALLADARES2,
  3. C. PUERTA-PIÑERO1

Article first published online: 8 DEC 2004

DOI: 10.1111/j.0269-8463.2004.00912.x

Issue

Functional Ecology

Functional Ecology

Volume 18, Issue 6, pages 787–792, December 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

GÓMEZ, J. M., VALLADARES, F. and PUERTA-PIÑERO, C. (2004), Differences between structural and functional environmental heterogeneity caused by seed dispersal. Functional Ecology, 18: 787–792. doi: 10.1111/j.0269-8463.2004.00912.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Grupo de Ecología Terrestre, Dpto. de Biología Animal y Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Granada, E-18071, and

  2. 2

    Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales – CSIC Serrano 115, Madrid, E-28006, Spain

* †Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jmgreyes@ugr.es

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 8 DEC 2004
  2. Article first published online: 8 DEC 2004
  3. Received 12 January 2004; revised 22 June 2004; accepted 28 June 2004

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Keywords:

  • light environment;
  • Quercus ilex;
  • seed dispersal;
  • spatial heterogeneity;
  • structural vs functional heterogeneity

Summary

  • 1
    This paper explores the idea that functional heterogeneity (variability of a system property affecting ecological processes) is only a fraction of the available structural heterogeneity (variability of a property measured without reference to ecological effects) caused by non-random propagule dispersal. We report the effect of acorn dispersal by jays on the light environment experienced by Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex L.) during early recruitment in a Mediterranean montane forest.
  • 2
    Four light variables were estimated by studying hemispherical photographs: direct site factor (DSF); indirect site factor (ISF); and potential direct radiation during April (PDRApril) and August (PDRAugust). Means and variances of these variables were compared before and after the dispersal of acorns by jays.
  • 3
    The landscape occupied by Holm Oaks was very heterogeneous, which translated into differences in the available light among microhabitats of up to one order of magnitude.
  • 4
    Because of the spatial pattern of acorn dispersal, the light environment of the oaks during their establishment was much more homogeneous than that in the whole landscape.
  • 5
    This demonstrates that the heterogeneity relevant for plant recruitment is not necessarily that of the landscape as a whole.
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