Figure

Fig. 9.1. A spectrum of resource availability through time in arid Australia, with species scattered across it from ephemeral to persistent. Plants are above the line and animals below; the timescale for plants is from weeks to centuries, and that for animals from weeks to decades. For plants the resource is moisture, whereas for animals it is production of food stemming indirectly from moisture. The species mentioned are examples drawn from those discussed in the book. Each is shown on the axis according to the amount of time that its vital resource is present – for example, a burrowing frog depends on ephemeral resources, even though it may live for decades.