The sweep of the boreal in time and space, from forest formations to genes, and implications for management
| Autor: | Alan G. Gordon |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 1996 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | The Forestry Chronicle. 72:19-30 |
| ISSN: | 1499-9315 0015-7546 |
| DOI: | 10.5558/tfc72019-1 |
| Popis: | The ranges and ancient origins down through the Pleistocene of the species which make up the Boreal Forest formation are discussed. Jack and lodgepole pine, white and black spruce are essentially modern; others are older. Genetic variation of the five major boreal species groups—poplars, birches, pines, spruces and tamarack—is outlined. A discussion of natural hybrids and introgression follows with examples of types of species pairs, and artificial hybridization in poplars, and white and black spruce. Specialized life strategies of species for growing in the boreal zone and how silvicultural systems may be related to them are explained. Understanding genetic diversity and its importance in management applications is critical for the maintenance of well-adapted populations. Failure to do so results in erosion or even total loss of gene pools. Historical examples and current practices in the northeast and certain areas of the boreal forest indicate that losses in genetic diversity, reduced biodiversity, commercial and even local extinction may be widespread. It is hoped that development and application of as yet proximal forest genetic management principles will enable the maintenance of the forests' genetic structures and gene pools, critical for the true sustainablity of forest ecosystems. Key words: boreal, biogeography, genetic variation and diversity, hybrids, inbreeding, life strategies, silvicultural systems, future |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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