Biodiversity Differences between Young and Historically Old Steppe Grasslands in Thuringia

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• ABSTRACT
• INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1. BACKGROUND
• MATERIAL AND METHODS
  • 2.1. The Study Area
  • 2.2. Area Analysis and Vegetation Sampling
  • 2.3. Laboratory Soil Analysis
  • 2.4. Species Biological Traits, Indicator Values and other Parameters
  • 2.5. Statistical Analysis
• RESULTS
  • 3.1. Diversity Measures
  • 3.2. Indicator Species
• ORDINATIONS
  • 4.1.1. DCA
  • 4.1.2. NMDS
• DISCUSSION
  • 5.1. Field Work
  • 5.2. Ordinations
    • 5.2.1. Environmental Variables & Life Strategy Types
    • 5.2.2. Species Dispersal & Seed Longevity
  • 5.3. Diversity and Conservational Values
  • 5.4. Management
  • 5.5. Conclusion
• APPENDIX
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• REFERENCES

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This master thesis investigates the relationship between species composition, habitat properties, and indicator species of young and old grasslands. The study aims to determine if land-use history and age have a significant impact on the present vegetation community. This research explores the biodiversity differences between young and old steppe grasslands, particularly focusing on the impact of land-use history and habitat age on species composition and diversity.

• Influence of land-use history and age on vegetation community
• Biodiversity differences between young and old grasslands
• Indicator species for young and old calcareous grasslands
• Environmental factors affecting species occurrence and abundance patterns
• Conservation implications for management and preservation of grasslands

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides background information on the historical development of calcareous grasslands and the impact of human influences on their formation and persistence. The study area, located in the Kyffhäuser Mountains, is described, highlighting its unique biodiversity. Chapter 2 details the methods used for area analysis, vegetation sampling, laboratory soil analysis, and statistical analysis. Chapter 3 presents the results of the study, including diversity measures and indicator species analysis, highlighting the significant differences in species composition between young and old grasslands. Chapter 4 explores the use of DCA and NMDS ordinations to analyze environmental variables and their influence on species patterns. Chapter 5 discusses the findings, focusing on the impact of environmental variables and life strategy types, species dispersal, and seed longevity on vegetation composition. It also delves into the diversity and conservation values of young and old grasslands, concluding with recommendations for management practices.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This master thesis explores the key concepts of biodiversity differences, land-use history, habitat age, indicator species, calcareous grasslands, vegetation community, species composition, and management implications for conservation. The study utilizes methods such as DCA and NMDS ordinations to analyze environmental variables and their influence on species patterns, leading to valuable insights into the impact of human activities on grassland ecosystems.