Forestry and Plant Ecology Summary

Basic Information

• Trees reproduce asexually through spores and flowers.

• Growth period: Trees take about 30-40 years to mature.

• Adaptation: Different species adapt to their environment, e.g., Black spruce thrives in cold, while Kapok trees excel in rainforests.

Parts of a Tree

• Twig

• Crown

• Branches

• Leaves

• Heartwood

• Sapwood

• Vascular cambium

• Trunk

• Living phloem

• Roots

• Bark

• Cork cambium

• Periderm

• Cork

Types of Trees

• Angiosperms: Produce flowers or fruits for seed delivery.

• Gymnosperms: Deliver seeds via structures like cones.

Wood and Leaves

• Wood density: Lighter wood indicates it was formed more recently.

  • Environmental Influence: Wood density is influenced by environmental conditions such as soil quality, water availability, and climate. These factors contribute to the overall structure and resilience of the tree.

• Growth rings: Each ring corresponds to one year of growth.

• Leaves adapt similarly to trees, optimizing for their environment.

Tree Functions

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Nutrient uptake

• Water transportation

Forest Ecosystems

• Types of Forest Ecosystems:

  • Deciduous forest

  • Boreal forest

    • Climate: Boreal forests experience long, cold winters and short, mild summers, with a significant amount of snowfall.

    • Vegetation: The forest is mainly composed of coniferous trees, such as spruce, fir, and pine, which are well-adapted to the cold environment. Some deciduous species, like birch and aspen, can also be found.

      Biodiversity: These forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including mammals like moose, elk, and lynxes, as well as numerous bird species.

    • Carbon Storage: Boreal forests play a crucial role in carbon storage and climate regulation due to their large biomass and soil organic matter.

  • Rainforest

Components of a Forest Ecosystem

• Abiotic factors: land formation, rocks, humidity, sunlight

• Biotic factors: animals, microorganisms, plant health

• Tree levels:

  • Dominant

  • Co-dominant

  • Intermediate

  • Suppressed

Ecological Layers

• Emergent Layer:

• Canopy Layer: Dense foliage.

• Understory Layer: Shady area beneath the canopy.

• Forest Floor Layer: Rich in decomposing matter, with or without mycorrhizal fungi influence.

Plant Communities

• Geography and Biodiversity:

  • Different plants serve various roles in ecosystem health.

  • Biodiversity supports a resilient ecosystem.

  • Snags and downed logs provide cover and resources for animals.

Landscape Ecology

• Climate depends on plant types and geomorphology.

• Human disturbances impact ecosystems both short and long-term:

  • Long-term: Agriculture changing land use.

  • Short-term: Frequent pesticide application.

• Plants utilize their climate for reproduction.

• Higher biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, while low diversity inhibits adaptation to changes.