Linking Restoration and Ecological Succession (Springer ... - Inecol

182 Glossary
chronosequence. A series of communities arrayed on the landscape and presumed
to represent a successional sequence (a space-for-time substitution)
climax vegetation. Vegetation that has reached a stable state (dynamic equilibrium);
the optimum expression of vegetation for the climate and soils of a
region
competition. The negative influence of one species on another due to sharing
of limited resources
denitrification. The bacterial reduction of nitrate to nitrogen under anaerobic
conditions
direct regeneration. Regrowth of previous vegetation following disturbance
with no intervening successional stages
discharge. The water that has moved into groundwater and comes out at low
points of the landscape forming wet areas (springs); often contains pollutants
such as salt
disturbance. A relatively discrete event in time and space that alters habitat
structure and often involves a loss of biomass or soil
disturbance regime. The composite influence of all disturbances at a particular
site
ecosystem function. Processes that define the workings of an ecosystem such
as carbon sequestration, nutrient dynamics, or water flow
ecosystem service. Usefulness of an ecosystem to society, such as providing
clean water
ecosystem structure. Physical aspects of an ecosystem including biomass,
plant cover, species density
ecohydrology. That aspect of hydrology focusing on ecological aspects such
as transpiration and energy balance
ecotone. The transition zone between two communities
eutrophication. The process by which an aquatic system becomes more fertile;
usually a negative result ensues
evapotranspiration. Total water loss per unit area from both evaporation from
soil and water surfaces and transpiration from plant surfaces
exergy. Work (usable energy) potentially extractable from physical systems
exotic species. Species not native to the location; often a weed (see alien
species)
evenness. Relative abundance of species; with richness, a component of species
diversity
facilitation. The positive influence of one species on another in a successional
or restoration context
fen. An oligotrophic, acidic habitat dominated by herbaceous species, not
mosses; frequently saturated