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- Info
Effects of fire on temperate forests and related ecosystems: southeastern United States
| Author: |
Komarek, E.V. |
| Date: |
1974 |
| Periodical: |
In: Kozlowski, T.T.; Ahlgren, C.E., eds. Fire and ecosystems. New York: Academic Press |
| Abstract: |
Studies of effects of fire on the flora and fauna of the southeastern United States have had a long and controversial history. Most of the research effort has had relevance to forest management of longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris ), range management in such forests, and management of wildlife, particularly bobwhite quail. The ecological relationships of fire and most species of plants and animals have yet to be studied in detail. The southeastern region of the United States (hereafter called the Southeast) ranges from the Appalachians to the sea. Its lands are some of the oldest on the continent, and yet new land is being built. It was long separated from its western plant and animal relatives and yet retained cretaceous plant "relics." It was the refugium when glaciers reached their southern border. Subsequently man disturbed its plants and animals and turned its soil. Throughout this long period fire has been a part of its environment. Thus, in essence, many aspects
of fire ecology can be studied in the Southeast for it has accumulated species from a large portion of the North American continent. |
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