The range of micrometeorological diversity in the biological environment

Abstract

ABSTRACT. --The range of temperature and humidity conditions that can exist simultaneously at or near the ground surface on a bright summer day in a temperate climate are shown in a diagl-am. Cool and warm conditions are defined as having respectively a lower and a higher temperature than the air at a height of 1.50 m above the surface of the ground. Similarly, humid and dry conditions are defined by a lower and a higher saturation deficit (S.D.), respectively. Coot, humid conditions are found in the open shade where only diffuse solar radiation is received. In high reed vegetations on wet soil, temperatures can lie 8°C below that of the free atmosphere and humidity is close to the saturation point. Warm and humid conditions are found in thin vegetations on damp soil with a temperature excess of up to 10°C and a strongly reduced S.D. In dry grassland, air temperatures 1 cm above the ground are up to 20°C higher and S.D. up to 40 mm Hg higher than at a height of 1.50 m. On suitably oriented slopes covered with dark organic material, surface temperatures can reach 50 ° C above the air temperature.

Effects of temperature on body color change in the grasshopper Atractomorpha lata (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) with reference to sex differences in color morph frequencies

“…Studies of the thermal conditions in grasslands on sunny days have shown that the temperature on grass leaves is lower than that on bare soil and on the surface of litter (Stoutjesdijk 1980), and that the temperature in a tussock comprising dense aggregations of long grasses is lower than that in a tussock comprising less dense, shorter aggregations of grasses (Willott 1997). In other words, temperature in a grassland is affected by the degree of vegetation coverage.…”

Heterogeneity of Tropical Floral Microclimates and the Response of Hummingbird Flower Mites

“…Data reported here were collected during the dry season in February and March, 1979 and1980. Data reported here were collected during the dry season in February and March, 1979 and1980.…”

“…At each site, plants were monitored within a single large stand(> 100 stalks). Data reported here were collected during the dry season in February and March, 1979 and1980.…”

“…Although microclimatic heterogeneity within temperate-zone habitats is well established (Riechert and Tracy 1975, Kingsolver 1979, Stoutjesdijk 1980, few tropical studies consider this potential variation. For example, the aquatic fauna inhabiting the water-filled cincinnal bracts of H. wagneriana and other Heliconia species constitute a situation that is intermediate between temperate-zone pitcher plant mosquitos and Heliconia-inhabiting mites.…”