Deciduous ForestDeciduous Forest

Alix MorrisonAlix Morrison

Jena ManleyJena Manley

BOT 171BOT 171

First Impressions

• Germantown Metropark

• 5 Layers• Leaf Litter

prominent• Many fallen

trees

First Impressions• Backwoods of

Alix’s house• 5 layers• Many Maple Trees• Fallen trees from

windstorm• Leaf Litter

Do these two Do these two natural areas natural areas display the same display the same characteristics of a characteristics of a deciduous forest?deciduous forest?

Trees

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• Basswood & Beech common in Basswood & Beech common in GermantownGermantown• Ash & Buckeye found on Alix’s siteAsh & Buckeye found on Alix’s site

Trees Cont.

• Maples prominent on both sites (very young Maples prominent on both sites (very young maples near ground & in sub-canopy)maples near ground & in sub-canopy)

Herbaceous Plants

• Various herbaceous plants growing Various herbaceous plants growing up through leaf litterup through leaf litter

Shrubs

• Honeysuckle around edges of woodsHoneysuckle around edges of woods

Simple Plants & Fungi

• Moss prevalent on rocks, bases of Moss prevalent on rocks, bases of trees, and fallen treestrees, and fallen trees

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Soils & Litter

• Very thick leaf litter, deep organic layerVery thick leaf litter, deep organic layer• Rich soilRich soil• Many fallen, decaying treesMany fallen, decaying trees

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Conclusion

References•Fialkowski, M., & Bitner, A. (2008). Universal rules for fragmentation of land by humans. Landscape Ecology, 23(9), 1013 - 1022.•Kara, O., & Bolat, I. (2008). Plant canopy effects on litter accumulation and soil microbial biomass in two temperate forests. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 45, 193-198.•Pearce, D. W. . (2001). The Economic Value of Forest Ecosystems. Ecosystem Health, 7(4), 284-296.•Queensland University of Technology (2007, July 6). Weeds Survive The Wild Better Than Natives. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 20, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2007/07/070704144838.htm•Vellend, M., & Lechowicz, M.J. (2000). Germination and establishment of forest sedges. American Journal of Botany .