ISSN:
1573-5052
Keywords:
Gradient analysis
;
Iowa
;
Nebraska
;
Ordination
;
Quaternary landscapes
;
Tallgrass prairie
;
Vegetation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Tallgrass prairie vegetation, persisting as numerous small relics scattered across central North America, exhibits a complex pattern of community structure and composition. We sampled vegetation from 11 prairie preserves in Iowa and eastern Nebraska spanning three physiographic regions and a wide variety of upland habitats. Numerical classification and partitioned ordination revealed a complex pattern of both local and geographical variation in the vegetation. The primary coenocline is a complex topographic-moisture gradient. Secondary factors influencing the vegetation include subsoil permeability, chorological differences, and local peculiarities of stand history and dynamics. Local patterns of interaction between the primary and secondary environmental factors vary among Quaternary landscapes resulting in regional vegetation complexity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00047300
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