Local Temporal and Spatial Structure

Abstract

Abstract: This review focuses on ways spatial and temporal scale influences how researchers explain ecological processes in annual grassland. California's grassland ecologists have produced a remarkable body of information about the structure of these communities. Their success is due to recognition of temporal and spatial variation. Obviously, structural evaluation has allowed productive conjecture about important functional properties. Generally, this work has dealt more effectively with temporal than spatial pattern. I propose that this work was effective because early workers in the grassland developed clearly defined temporal scales. I also propose that the poorer record for work with spatial variation derived from the lack of a well-defined spatial scale. Although all ecologists have their preferred and perhaps explicitly defined spatial scales, the interrelationships between temporal scale, spatial scale, and identification of function are not usually carefully stated.