RNR 1001 : RNR Exam 4
Document Summary
Increasing public attention during the past few decades: rain forest destruction- biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Loss of forest- dwelling species: golden lion tamarin. Soil stabilization: water quality and streamflow, biogeochemical and hydrologic pump. Local climate- when you cut down trees you reduce the amount of water vapor in that area: wildlife habitat, recreation, coniferous forest. Few species, spruce dominant: branch structure maximizes light, northern latitudes, boreal forest, taiga, moist soils, bogs common. Less dense, structural lumber (softwoods: deciduous forest. Curved trunks, permanent branches: broadleaf, nutrient resorption prior to pre- winter leaf fall (ex: tenn. , high transpiration potential, rich soils from annual litter deposition, widespread conversation to agriculture, dense, high- quality wood (hardwoods) Forests develop and evolve through time: primary ecological succession. Pioneer species- bare rock, lichens, small annual plants and lichens, grasses and perennials. Intermediate species- grasses, shrubs, and shade- intolerant trees such as pines. Climax community- shade- tolerant trees such as oak and hickory: old-growth forest.
