Informace o kvalifikační práci Mechanisms behind diversity and ecosystem functioning relationships - the insights from observational and manipulative studies in grassland communities
- Pro tuto VŠKP nejsou definovány žádné údaje, u kterých by bylo požadováno jejich vyplnění.
Hlavní téma
Mechanismy ovlivňující vztah diverzity a produktivity v traviiiiých společenstvech, observační a manipulativní přístup
Hlavní téma v angličtině
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Název dle studenta
Mechanisms behind diversity and ecosystem functioning relationships - the insights from observational and manipulative studies in grassland communities
Název dle studenta v angličtině
Mechanisms behind diversity and ecosystem functioning relationships - the insights from observational and manipulative studies in grassland communities
This thesis focuses on the relationship between diversity and two commonly used ecosystem functions - productivity and its stability. The thesis tries to assess the problematics from different perspectives using large-scale observational studies and small-scale manipulative experiments to better understand which mechanism create observed patterns. High emphasis is put on the methodological aspects and potential theoretical or practical issues arising from experimental setting and data collection. More specifically, the thesis starts with description and critical evaluation of patterns observed at bigger spatial scales and across multiple sites (Chapter I). Then continue with detailed small-scale experimental approaches and assessment of mechanism driving relationship between diversity, productivity and stability of communities (Chapter II and III). Further, the thesis digs into bigger detail focusing on which plant characteristics define abundance patterns of individual species, which translates into productivity (Chapter IV). Finally, it elaborates on common issues related to vegetation data collection and their subsequent analysis (Chapter V).
This thesis focuses on the relationship between diversity and two commonly used ecosystem functions - productivity and its stability. The thesis tries to assess the problematics from different perspectives using large-scale observational studies and small-scale manipulative experiments to better understand which mechanism create observed patterns. High emphasis is put on the methodological aspects and potential theoretical or practical issues arising from experimental setting and data collection. More specifically, the thesis starts with description and critical evaluation of patterns observed at bigger spatial scales and across multiple sites (Chapter I). Then continue with detailed small-scale experimental approaches and assessment of mechanism driving relationship between diversity, productivity and stability of communities (Chapter II and III). Further, the thesis digs into bigger detail focusing on which plant characteristics define abundance patterns of individual species, which translates into productivity (Chapter IV). Finally, it elaborates on common issues related to vegetation data collection and their subsequent analysis (Chapter V).
Přítomni z komise (bez titulů): I. Šímová, D.A. Wardle, J. Těšitel, J. DOležal, P. Šmilauer, M. Šmilauerová, J. Kučera
Průběh obhajoby:
1. Introduction of the Candidate by the supervisor (prof. J. Lepš)
2. Presentation of the thesis by the Candidate (30 mins.)
3. Report on the thesis by Reviewer 1 (Prof. Wardle) and the discourse over the prepared and spontaneous questions: Responses in general appropriate and satisfactory.
4. Report on the thesis by Reviewer 2 (Dr. Šímová) and the discourse over the pre-submitted and spontaneous questions. Responses appropriate and satisfactory.
5. Questions from the Committee:
- doc. Těšitel - role of within-species compeitoin on trait variability; role of specialized functional groups, such
as legumes
- doc. Doležal - prospects of low productivity localities to eutrophication and climate changes
- doc. Šmilauer - variation in community biomass - spataial vs temporal stability; how realistic is the
loss of particular species?
- doc. Šmilauerová - effect of grasses versus forbs; role of belowground biomass below sampled cores
Responses satisfacory.
6. Questions from audience: Nil
7. Discussion about the defence, vote about results.