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Ecosystem Structures and Patterns In an ecosystem, abiotic and biotic factors vary as locations vary in space and time. Air temperature may be a limiting factor in certain parts of an ecosystem and factors such as precipitation may limit wildlife in other parts. Due to such variations, spatial patterns arise in an ecosystem. There are 3 recognized spatial patterns: 1) Zonation- This spatial pattern occurs horizontally along the ground. Density and distribution of species vary along a horizontal gradient.
2) Stratification - This spatial pattern occurs vertically, determined by height of organisms. For example, in a forest community, stratification takes place when trees of different species grow to different heights.
1)Succession- This spatial pattern occurs over time, and is more subtle than the other tow patterns. However, it is just as important. In succession, time is a crucial factor. The early stages of an ecosystem are occupied by pioneer species. Pioneer species cope with the harsh conditions at this stage. As time passes, species diversity increases giving way to more complex organisms. Eventually, succession leads to a mature climax community. However, the process does not end here, as the environment is continually changing, and so, natural disasters are likely to end a climax community resulting in the beginning of what is known as secondary succession.
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