Abstract

Ecological and environmental aspects relating to Cercocarpus montanus Raf. Communities were investigated. Twenty study sites were sampled and described. All factors were then analyzed utilizing statistical methods. Signigicantly correlated factors to C. montanus parameters (i.e., frequency, density, cover, height) were: positive correlation--percent clay, percent clay-silt, percent litter cover, and total soluble salts in soil; negative correlation--percent silt-sand, percent sand, soil pH; exposed surface rock, Amelanchier alnifolia cover, Gotierrezia sarothrae cover and altitude. Several individual factors were singled out as being of importance in C. montanus communities; howerver, it was shown that a combination of factors was most important in determining optimal growth conditions for C. montanus. Each site is exposed to different combinations of ecological conditions which are in a constant state of flux. The C. montanus communities studied were found in this condition. The actual successional patterns involved remain to be fully elucidated.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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