The researchers studied the grassland vegetation in Bredinskiy state natural wildlife preserve in Southern Ural. They used statistical methods to identify different patterns in the vegetation, including parcels and coenotics. These patterns were classified and linked to specific ecological factors like soil calcium and nitrogen levels. The study found that the dominance of certain plant species in these patterns depended on the level of mosaicity. Overall, the research confirmed a hierarchical continuum in the steppe grassland vegetation and highlighted the importance of both biotic and abiotic factors in shaping these patterns.