Document Type

Honors Project

Publication Date

5-17-2006

Abstract

A common assumption in ecology is that stability within an ecosystem is reached through equilibrium. In actuality, the mechanisms that help maintain a healthy ecosystem are based upon heterogeneity and scale multiplicity. This study assessed the vegetation organization at Bjorklunden as a function of time and space. Comparisons were made to previous research that demonstrated both similarities and differences in the vegetational components of the forest. Certain areas of the forest that were previously believed to be in a permanent steady-state were proved otherwise. While other areas that were thought to mature and climax, did not. The forest at Bjorklunden contains numerous vegetation communities and various dynamics that are responsible for their structure. This analysis incorporates those dynamics along with environmental variables and statistical analysis in order to determine the structural composition of the forest communities.

Level of Honors

cum laude

Department

Biology

Advisor

Nicholas Maravolo

Included in

Biology Commons

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