An analysis of the vegetation-microenvironmental complex on prairie slopes in Saskatchewan
Date
1963-03-01
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Type
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
One of the basic questions of plant ecology is "why do plants
grow where they grow?". Elucidation of any of the complex
interrelationships between plant growth, plant distribution, and the
physical environment is at least a contribution towards an appreciation
of this question. Studies on the interrelations between slope-induced
variations in microenvironment and vegetational composition appear to
offer a particularly promising approach to the subject.
Studies on forest vegetation in North America have given
considerable attention to the interrelations between plant distribution
and environmental factors (Cantlon 1953, Cooper 1961, Loucks 1962).
In contrast, grassland studies dealing with the environment-plant
complex are few and not comprehensive in nature. This study was
therefore initiated to fill this void.
The present study attempts to add to our comprehension of the
complex interrelations between the microenvironment and vegetational
pattems in grasslands, particularly as these are influenced by slopes
within local areas. The main objectives of this investigation are:
(a) to study the variations in the composition of grassland vegetation
as they are correlated with slope aspect and position, (b) to analyse
the variations in the environmental factors which may be responsible
for species distribution, (c) to evaluate the degree of correlation between environmental factors, species behavior, and vegetation
pattern, and (d) to ascertain the degree of abruptness of: vegetational
variations which if great, would permit the recognition of separable
units.
The rolling moraine topography of portions of central
Saskatchewan provides, on a local scale, a variety of slopes which
display a varied habitat spectrum. The study was carried out in an
area about 25 miles east of Saskatoon. The field work was conducted
during the summers of 1960, 1961 and 1962.
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Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Plant Ecology
Program
Plant Ecology