There is increasing evidence that long-term studies must play a central role in ecology (Likens 1983, Strayer et al 1986). The reason is quite simple; to answer important ecological questions one must understand long-term ecosystem responses. Testing ecological theories and concepts through attempts to predict future responses is absolutely necessary (Franklin 1989). Only then will it be known if these concepts and theories are valid.
Several types of ecosystem processes require long-term study. Ecological processes can take place over years, decades, centuries, or longer. The time scale and frequency of natural events can range from gradual and continuous to instantaneous and rare. Succession is a good example of a gradual process. Grasslands, old fields, and forests develop along successional pathways that can be better understood through long-term monitoring (Christensen and Peet 1984, Risser et al. 1981, Tilman 1988). In contrast, forest fires, floods, hurricanes, droughts and other climatic anomalies represent rare events. Short-term studies either ignore the occurrence of these highly variable phenomena, or greatly exaggerate their ecological significance (Franklin 1989). Using a long-term monitoring program, patterns and periodicity of rare events should begin to emerge.
Not only do ecological processes require long-term study, but many ecological concepts require long-term validation. There are numerous concepts of successional processes, many of them contradictory. The only way to clearly determine the accuracy of particular concepts is through long-term research and monitoring. Concepts of systems ecology, such as the theoretical relationship between nutrient leakage and degrading ecosystems, also require such validation. Furthermore, our understanding of predator-prey relationships, competition interactions, and population dynamics may be more fully developed by long term studies (Franklin 1989).
In summary, short-term studies present only a narrow picture of the whole ecosystem and are, therefore, often inadequate or misleading. Thus, long-term ecosystem studies, such as the one in this proposal, are valuable scientific endeavours.
Continue Reading: Monitoring Approaches
An Ecological Framework for Huron Natural Area