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The concept of eco-system as exemplified by the vegetation of western Rajasthan

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Summary

The term eco-system has been used in the sense in whichTansley has applied it to the physical factors forming the environment of the Biome or the habitat factors in the widest sense. Physiographically seven ecosystems namely (1) The hills and rock outcrops; (2) Piedmont slopes; (3) Alluvial plains; (4) Saline flats and depressions; (5) Graded river beds (6) Sand dunes; and (7) Aquatic areas have been recognised in western Rajasthan. These have been further subdivided, depending upon the features of the environment and the vegetation. Plant associations recorded during surveys in each ecosystem have been described. The hills, hill outcrops and piedmont slopes support a mixed xeromorphic thorn forest type of vegetation while the extensive alluvial plains are dominated by mixed xeromorphic woodland. Saline depressions and flats support halophytic succulents while dwarf semi-scrub type of vegetation is found on graded river beds. Sand dunes, occupying a considerable area, support psammophytic scrub deserts, xeromorphic thorn forests and wooded desert type of vegetation. Aquatic areas, mostly the tanks and pools in the vicinity of Jodhpur support hydrophytic vegetation consisting ofEicchornia-Potamogeton andHydrilla-Vallisneria type.

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  1. Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India

    S. K. Saxena

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  1. S. K. Saxena
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Saxena, S.K. The concept of eco-system as exemplified by the vegetation of western Rajasthan. Plant Ecol 24, 215–227 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02387397

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