The aim is to relate resource fluctuations to the patchiness of the landscape and to integrate resources, patchiness, biodiversity and bioproductivity. Water, soil and nutrient flows in various scales in time and space. Physical and biological patch formation in drylands and its effect on species diversity in various scales of the landscape unit. The role of biological interactions in controlling biodiversity and bioproductivity in dry lands. Towards Ecological Sustainability.
Insects are important herbivores, major seed predators and pollinators in desert plant communities.
Significance for Plantinsect Interactions in Deserts. The Ecology of Desert Organisms . Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson. Influences during seed maturation affecting seed germinability. Escape or protection dispersal strategies and cautious or opportunistic germination strategies.