Article
Age-Structure Relationships of Trees Species in an Appalachian Oak Forest in Southwest Virginia
Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club
(1982)
Abstract
The complete age and diameter structures were determined for all tree species in seven Appalachian oak stands arranged along a topographic moisture gradient in southwestern Virginia. All stands but one exhibited a prominent gap in the age distribution in the 20-40 year age classes. No gap was evident in the corresponding diameter distributions. Total and juvenile age distributions were described for selected species. Age structures differed among species, and reflected the different spatial and temporal niches which they occupy. It was hypothesized that the shape of the total age distribution in individual stands is related to the disturbance sequence, and to site through its influence on the species present. Coupling of age and diameter distributions of individual populations provided insights into the functional roles of species along the moisture gradient.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1982
DOI
10.2307/2995975
Citation Information
Terry L. Sharik. "Age-Structure Relationships of Trees Species in an Appalachian Oak Forest in Southwest Virginia" Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club Vol. 109 Iss. 3 (1982) p. 287 - 298 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry_sharik/151/