Abstract
I explore the concepts of ecosystem resistance, resilience and adaptation to climate change in riparian ecosystems using the Warren River and its major tributaries to 'transect' a 650 mm per annum rainfall gradient of the Mediterranean-climate zone of southwest Western Australia. I demonstrate that the riparian vegetation is structured by regional rainfall gradients, that recent rainfall declines have likely induced the retreat of riparian species, but promisingly, that phenotype plasticity in keystone canopy species Eucalyptus rudis permits resilience to the predicted changes. I discuss the results of this research, their implications and limitations in the context of improving management practices.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Award date | 18 Mar 2018 |
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| Publication status | Unpublished - 2018 |
Access to Document
- THESIS - DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - WHITE Helen Amy - 2018
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