1. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 CHAPTER 15 COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS

2. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 INTRODUCTION Composition of communities Structure of communities Definition of ecosystem Dynamics of communities

3. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITIES Functional relationships between community members Using structure to define communities Structural terms of Australian plant communities

4. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 FUNCTION IN COMMUNITIES - 1 Energy flow –Capture of solar energy (photosynthesis) –Transfer of energy Food chains Food webs Productivity

5. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 FUNCTION IN COMMUNITIES - 2 Material flow Capture of important nutrients Material cycles

6. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 DYNAMICS OF COMMUNITIES Serial changes Longer-term changes

7. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 MEASURING LAND COVER CHANGE Aerial photographs Remotely sensed images Ground truthing

8. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 MEASURING HUMAN IMPACT ON VEGETATION Long-term monitoring systems Sediment-based approach

9. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 15 MANAGING NATIVE VEGETATION Reasons for conservation efforts Conflicts with the variety of land-use demands National Parks and Reserve systems Australia’s national obligations Regional approaches