1. REWM 3500 Rangeland Plant Ecophysiology November 13, 2009 Plant physiological ecology and ecosystem processes Ecosystems, ecosystem components and ecosystem processes Diversity vs composition Plant diversity and ecosystem productivity a) sampling effect hypothesis b) niche differentiation hypothesis Plant strategies and functional types

2. Sampling effect model of diversity vs production relationships

3. Niche differentiation model of diversity vs production relationships

4. What do the data say about diversity vs production relationships?

5. Intensive exploiters: black grama and snakeweed Extensive exploiters: mesquite and Morman tea Intermediate: burroweed Water storers: fishhook cactus and yucca Plant functional types and water use “strategies” in desert plants

6. Terms and concepts to know: ecosystem ecosystem components essential processes biodiversity composition sampling effect hypothesis niche differentiation hypothesis plant strategies and functional types