- Why is the influence of invertebrate herbivores in the alpine environment
rather low?
Species diversity as well as the number of invertebrate
herbivores in alpine environments is typically low. The harsh environmental
conditions, especially low temperature, severely restrict their activity.
- In which respects are the activities of large mammalian herbivores
special compared to those of other herbivores?
Large mammalian herbivores are very mobile and therefore
are able to use large areas. They may follow phenological sequences
of vegetation growth and migrate to lower elevations during winter.
- What are the main differences between herbivory in lowlands and in
alpine environments?
- Plants in alpine environments are slow-growing
compared to plants in lowlands and therefore may be more susceptible
to defoliation.
- In alpine settings the impact on nutrient turnover and nutrient availability
is often more pronounced than in lowland environments.
- Due to high erosive potential, the alpine environment is more susceptible
to destructive effects of herbivores like trampling or burrowing which
disrupt closed vegetation cover.
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