A Vegetational Continuum of the Upland Forests of Three Counties in South Central Missouri

Date of Graduation

Fall 1977

Degree

Master of Science in Biology

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Paul Redfearn

Abstract

Stands in the upland forests of Texas, Shannon, and Carter counties in South Central Missouri were included in this study. Sampling of the vegetation in these stands resulted in the establishment of importance values, the subsequent assignment of adaptation numbers, and the computation of a continuum index for each stand. The continuum indices were then used as a basis for the ordination of the exposure, species diversity, elevation, and soil pH of each stand. Linear regression and analysis of variance were used when applicable to test the significance of these relationships. Results indicated no significant relationship between exposure and continuum numbers. However, significant negative linear trends were indicated for species diversity and continuum numbers, and soil pH and continuum numbers. A significant positive linear trend was indicated for elevation and continuum numbers.

Subject Categories

Biology

Copyright

© Charles L Pope

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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