< Back

Matrix filtering effect

Causation & process

The selective effect of conditions in the surrounding matrix on the movement, occurrence, persistence, interaction, or ecological performance of organisms within and among embedded landscape elements. The term combines ecological-filter concepts with research demonstrating organism-specific responses to matrix composition and permeability.

Poff, N. L. (1997). Landscape filters and species traits: Towards mechanistic understanding and prediction in stream ecology. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 16(2), 391–409. Prevedello, J. A., & Vieira, M. V. (2010). Does the type of matrix matter? A quantitative review of the evidence. Biodiversity and Conservation, 19, 1205–1223.