Patch dynamics is a conceptual approach to ecosystem and habitat analysis that emphasizes dynamics of heterogeneity within a system (i.e. that each area of an ecosystem is made up of a mosaic of small 'sub-ecosystems').
Diverse patches of habitat created by natural disturbance regimes are seen as critical to maintenance of diversity (ecology). A habitat patch is any discrete area that is used by a species for breeding or obtaining other resources. They have a definite shape and spatial configuration, or heterogeneity.
Mosaics are the patterns within landscapes that are composed of smaller elements, such as individual forest stands, shrubland patches, highways, farms, or towns.
Read more about Patch Dynamics: Patches and Mosaics, Conservation Efforts, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words patch and/or dynamics:
“Whatever patch of limb
he gazes on
with unblinking eyes,
I cover up
but I want him to see it all anyway.”
—Hla Stavhana (c. 50 A.D.)
“Anytime we react to behavior in our children that we dislike in ourselves, we need to proceed with extreme caution. The dynamics of everyday family life also have a way of repeating themselves.”
—Cathy Rindner Tempelsman (20th century)