Edge Effect - Edge Species (biodiversity)

Edge Species (biodiversity)

Environmental conditions enable certain species of plants and animals to colonize on the borders. Plants that colonize tend to be shade-intolerant and tolerable of dry conditions, such as shrubs and vines. Animals that colonize tend to be those that require two or more habitats such as, white-tailed and mule deer, elk, cottontail rabbits, blue jays, and robins. Some animals may travel between habitats, while those that are restricted only to the edge are known as edge species. Larger patches include more individuals and therefore have increased biodiversity. The wideness of the patch influences diversity, a patch must be deeper than its border in order to develop interior conditions.

Read more about this topic:  Edge Effect

Famous quotes containing the words edge and/or species:

    “They will tell me I talk about things I have never experienced but only dreamed—to which I might reply: it is a lovely thing to dream such dreams! And besides, our dreams are much more our experiences than we believe—we must relearn about dreams! If I have dreamed thousands of times about flying—would you not believe that when I am awake I also possess feelings and needs giving me an edge on most people—and...”
    —Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)

    “Books, gentlemen, are a species of men, and introduced to them you circulate in the “very best society” that this world can furnish, without the intolerable infliction of “dressing” to go into it. In your shabbiest coat and cosiest slippers you may socially chat even with the fastidious Earl of Chesterfield, and lounging under a tree enjoy the divinest intimacy with my late lord of Verulam.”
    —Herman Melville (1819–1891)