Aguiar Mn, Sala OE
Trends Ecol Evol. 1999 Jul;14(7):273-277. doi: 10.1016/s0169-5347(99)01612-2.
Arid ecosystems present a two-phase mosaic structure of high- and low-cover patches. Vegetation patches differ among ecosystems in size and shape. However, recent studies indicate striking similarities in patch dynamics and in mechanisms explaining their origin and maintenance. Two major types of system, banded and spotted vegetation, which are characterized by patch shape, both originate from common mechanisms, although each is dominated by a different driver. Banded vegetation occurs when water is the dominant driver of the redistribution of materials and propagules, whereas spotted vegetation results when wind is the major redistribution driver. Model analysis indicates that patchy vegetation structure enhances primary production.
干旱生态系统呈现出高覆盖度和低覆盖度斑块的两阶段镶嵌结构。植被斑块在不同生态系统中的大小和形状各异。然而，近期研究表明，斑块动态以及解释其起源和维持的机制存在显著相似性。带状和斑点状植被这两种主要的系统类型，以斑块形状为特征，尽管各自受不同驱动因素主导，但都源自共同的机制。当水是物质和繁殖体再分配的主要驱动因素时，就会出现带状植被；而当风是主要的再分配驱动因素时，则会形成斑点状植被。模型分析表明，斑块状植被结构可提高初级生产力。
