An Example of Two Forests with Differing Composition

(data from one hectare plots in each community)

Overstory Composition

Jack pine community Northern hardwood community
Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) Yellow birch (Betula allegheniensis)
Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana)
American basswood (Tilia americana)
Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
American elm (Ulmus americana)


1. Is there correspondence in composition between these two forests?

2. Which community is more diverse.

3. Does the information listed tell you anything about species dominance?

4. Does the information listed inform us of structural differences between the two communities?

5. Does the information listed give us any clue about which community would provide the most food and cover for wildlife?



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