alterne Ecology.
(ˈɔːltən, æl-)
[Cf. F. alterne adj. alternate and altern a.]
A contrast, often sharply defined, shown by vegetation in adjoining areas; an area exhibiting such a contrast.
| 1916 F. E. Clements Plant Succession 115 Significance of alternation. Alternation is the consequence of disturbed or incomplete zonation. Such areas produce alternes, which it now seems can always be related to more primary zones. 1920 ― Plant Indicators 73 Communities show general structural features, such as zones, alternes, layers... Alternes are due to the interruption of zonation through any cause whatsoever, but they are especially typical where disturbed..areas are found. 1926 Tansley & Chipp Study of Vegetation iv. 53 When there is no such regular spatial or temporal change, different communities alternate with one another, and the different areas occupied by these may be called alternes in contrast to zones. 1929 Weaver & Clements Plant Ecology 7 Where conditions change abruptly instead of gradually and zonation is disturbed or incomplete, vegetation exhibits alternes. |