biome climax community over a large geographical area. ecological
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Reasons for Biomes?
1. TemperatureC. Hart Meriam (1898) eastern USA“Life Zones” latitude Arizona & Florida?
Biomes of the USA
MediterraneanTemperate Rain ForestDesertGrasslandEastern Deciduous forestSemitropical RainforestConiferous ForestTundra
Plant Taxonomy
Biomes are referred to as Formations or Floristic Regions
“Each characterized by numerous endemic species and by an unduplicated make-up of species.”-L. Benson
Floristic Regions of the USA-L. Benson
Western Woodland and Brush RegionPacific NorthwestSouthwest Desert RegionPlains and Prairie RegionEastern Forest RegionSubtropical RegionNorthern Coniferous Forest RegionBoreal AlpineRocky Mt. Region
Floristic Regions of the USA-L. Benson
Boreal Alpine/Rocky Mt. Region(Biome/Floristic changes easily observed)North-South
White Mts.
Rocky Mts.
1000 ft. = 600 miles
Rocky Mts.Vegetation Zones
FoothillsMontane or Coniferous (Doug firs, Ponderosa Pines)Subalpine Forest (Subalpines firs, Spruces)Hudsonian (scattered, stunted trees)Alpine Tundra (willows, cushion plants)
Climax Communities/Local Associations
Eastern Deciduous ForestBeech-MapleOak Hickory
GrasslandTallgrass PrairieMixed-grass PrairieShort-grass Prairie
Pre-settlement Prairie in Northwest Missouri >
70%PerenialsExtensive root systemsWarm season growthDisease and insect resistanceGood coverage for wildlifeFood for wildlifeForage programsRe-established natural areas
Local Associations/Climax Communities
Tend to form if:
Conditions are natural
Proper seed bank is available
If local association (climax community) is destroyed?
- Series of plant communitiesSeral Stages
Natural Succession
Natural Divisions of Missouri- MDC/MDNR
Plant/Animal Distribution, Topography and Geographical History