Vegetation structure and pollen source area

• DOI: 10.1191/0959683604hl744rp
• Publication Date: 2004-08-25T23:37:41Z
• Authors: M. J. Bunting; M.-J. Gaillard; S. Sugita; R. Middleton; A. Broström
• Keywords: 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

In this paper we use a simulation approach to explore the effect of variation in taxon parameters and landscape patterning on relevant source area pollen. We Prentice-Sugita model, assume constant atmospheric conditions basin morphology, take reductionist behaviour pollen dispersal deposition simple scenario. Individual factors within scenario (pollen fall speed, relative productivity, size basic unit mosaic, patch size, rarity individual taxa overall number present landscape) are varied while all other kept constant. thus pennitting exploration role different components system. These simulations suggest that, for basins given under fixed conditions, is primarily an expression vegetation elements landscape. This has important implications interpretation palaeoecological records reconstruction past environments. Reconstruction, especially quantitative reconstruction, requires some estimate If, as our results suggest, determinant this, then it must also be taken into account when attempting reconstruct communities.