Temperate Forest Ecosystems

Characteristics of the Nemoral Zone

Nemoral zone = temperate climate
- Mild / damp
- Seasonal variations
- 120/365 days > 10 degrees C
- Deciduous species dominate
- Young, fertile soils

Holocene migration

Species migration depends on species + context

Island hopping method
- Seed/fruit predation = able to travel farther distances via birds, mammals, wind, etc.
- More sporadic migration over more terrain

United front method
- Seed/fruit dispersal is limited or can't travel as far
- Slower, more uniform migration occurs

Dominant vegetation in the Nemoral Zone

Fagus (beech) dominates in European temperate forests but Quercus (oak) occupies a wider range of sites
Nemoral Zone = optimal physiological range for Quercus
Europe has fewer tree species overall

Altitudinal factors of the Nemoral Zone in Europe

Altitudinal upper limit for temperate forests
- Nemoral Zone includes colline, planar, and some montane regions
- Lower altitude temperate forests = production
- Higher altitude temperate forests = protection

Latitudinal factors of the Nemoral Zone in Europe

Latitudinal upper limit for temperate forests = LIMES NORLANDICUS
- Limits growth for wheat + rye
- In Sweden LN = mountain pastures + runic stone monuments end

Other limiting factors of the Nemoral Zone in Europe

Gulf stream influence
Moist Atlantic air masses
No north to south mountain ranges in Europe
East to west mountain ranges hinders south to north species migration