Question

So, Grime’s stress-disturbance classification vs. Winemiller & Rose’s opportunistic-equilibrium-periodic classification. Things to know: variables associated with each. Types of organisms that best fit each one (plants? Animals? Others?). Why are such classifications useful? What can we learn from them (example topics: conservation, invasive species, succession).

Answer 1

Stress and disturbance are two factor gradient associated with grime classification. These are two variables which limit plant biomass. So, plants are best fit in this classification. Stress include factor like availability of water, nutrients and light whereas disturbance include herbivory, pathogen, fire, wind etc.. grime classified plant in 4 categories

Low disturbance: low stress. Competitive

High disturbance : low stress. Ruderals

Low disturbance : high stress. Stress tolerant

High disturbance : high stress.

Winemiller and rose classificatiin include variables such as fecundity (mx), juvenile survivorship (Ix), and reproductive maturity. On the basis of that there are 3 categories

Opportunistic. Low Ix : low mx: early maturity

Equilibrium high Ix : low mx : late maturity

Periodic. Low Ix : high mx. : Late maturity

This classification best fit in animals mainly fishes.

These classifications are useful for determine life history of plant and animal on the basis of various factors. We can understand succession from this classification because it include life history mean an individual pattern of allocation throughout life of time and energy to various fundamental activities such as growth, repair of cell, tissue damage and reproduction.