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Biological equilibrium in ecosystems 2. Parameters of ecosystems

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Abstract

In this paper the Theory of Biological Equilibrium (TBE), as the theoretical basis of the Canonical Hypothesis, is used to compute a set of theoretical parameters of natural ecosystems. These parameters are the individuals: species (I/S); the commonness: rarity (C/U) ration as well as the expected density (d e) and total area (TA) of ecosystems. Results of sampling with nested quadrates are checked against theoretical values. Deviations from expected values of 5 to 10% occur in samples with Natural Biological Equilibrium (NBE); in disturbed and transitional sites a compensation mechanism is found which results in simulated NBE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Station, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, S9H 3X2, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada

    J. Looman

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  1. J. Looman
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Looman, J. Biological equilibrium in ecosystems 2. Parameters of ecosystems. Folia geobot. phytotax. 11, 113–135 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02854754

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02854754

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