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>We know that intact ecosystem spreads out from the edges. They did studies in South America decades ago comparing recovery rates in rectangular versus square c
by setr 6y ago
>We know that intact ecosystem spreads out from the edges. They did studies in South America decades ago comparing recovery rates in rectangular versus square clearings, and the rectangular ones always won.
I don't understand; the perimeter of a square and a rectangle are the same? The amount of "edge" to spread out from should be the same?
- hinkley 6y agoWhen we clear forest or talk of devastation we tend to speak in terms of area. The perimeter of a rectangle with the same area as a square is larger, so there is more edge for the surrounding forest to encroach upon at the same time. The worst shape, from a 'fill from the edges' standpoint, would be a circle. (Although I suspect that a square turns into a roughly circular hole within a few years, since the forest encroaches on the corners from two directions at once)