Ecological Structure Jihee Chung Nijia Ji
Context Patch- A term fundamental to landscape ecology, is defined as a relatively homogeneous area that differs from its surroundings. Matrix- the “background ecological system” of a landscape with a high degree of connectivity. Edge- the portion of an ecosystem near its perimeter, where influences of the adjacent patches can cause an environmental difference between the interior of the patch and its edge. Corridor-A linear landscape element that can be defined on the basis of structure or function.
1930s
1960s
1990s
2004
2010
CHANGES Patch
Patches fragmentation Loss of Patches Patches isolate Urban Parks Matrixes From farmlands to urban lands Corridors Along the creeks Along the creeks and roads.
References http://www.public.iastate.edu/~fridolph/la302/graphics/Proj5_StudyArea_AnkenySaylorville.jpg http://ortho.gis.iastate.edu/