Aspect sequence

An aspect sequence is the chronological sequence of the aspects - the appearance or design of an ecosystem or a biocenosis , the phenology - in the course of the season. It represents different stages of development of an ecosystem or of plant communities .

In the northern temperate zone, 6 main aspects are distinguished on the mainland:

• Hiemal aspect : This aspect corresponds to winter and lasts from November to March, the vegetation is sparse, the primary production low, the leaf litter layer strongly developed and numerous animals are in hibernation .
• Prevernal aspect : This aspect corresponds to early spring and extends from March to April. The first spring bloomers appear , the tree foliage is still missing and the first soil arthropods are active.
• Vernal aspect : This aspect corresponds to spring and lasts from the beginning of May to mid-June. During this period the foliage unfolds and birds and insects breed or reproduce.
• Aestival aspect : This aspect corresponds to midsummer and extends from mid-June to mid-July. It is the main development time of plants and animals.
• Serotinal aspect : This aspect corresponds to high and late summer and is in the period between mid-July and mid-September. During this time, the foliage ages. There is also a high density of migratory birds and insects .
• Autumnal aspect : This aspect corresponds to autumn and lasts from September to the end of October. The leaf fall begins and there is a high population density of small animals in the leaf litter .