Alaskan Boreal Forest and Succession

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to Alaskan Boreal Forest vegetation, ecological processes, and succession.

Boreal Forest

A biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces, and larches, found in high northern latitudes.

Secondary Succession

The ecological process that occurs in areas where a disturbance has destroyed a community but left the soil intact, allowing for regrowth.

Permafrost

A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, occurring mainly in polar regions.

Fireweed

A herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows in disturbed areas and is one of the first plants to colonize after fire.

Snags

Standing dead trees that provide habitat for wildlife, particularly during the early stages of forest regrowth after disturbances.

Nutrient-Rich Soil

Soil that contains a high concentration of essential nutrients, beneficial for plant growth and development.

Climax Forest

A mature forest that is in a stable state, characterized by diverse and established species, and capable of self-renewing.

Wetlands

Areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and support distinct vegetation adapted to wet conditions.

Alder Thickets

Dense stands of alder trees, often found in moist areas, providing important habitat for various animal species.

Regrowth Stages

The phases of ecological recovery and development of vegetation following a disturbance such as fire or flood.