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PLANTS AND LIFE PROCESSES

Learning Objectives

 

You will ...      You will learn ... select the most limiting factors for tree growth in the subalpine environment   assign the form of tree rings to occurrences in the life of a tree   create subalpine forest communities by combining different mountain tree species   to differentiate between timberline, treeline ecotone and transition zone   to recognize indicators of former natural tree limits   to interpret tree rings   to distinguish the four phases of tree and stand development   to relate different tree species and forest communities to specific alpine regions

You will understand ...      You will be able to ... why tree growth has an altitudinal limit   how environmental conditions influence subalpine forests concerning their stand characteristics   why trees show different tree rings from year to year   tree and stand development   why the specific dispersal and regeneration mechanisms of subalpine trees are important for trees and forest communities   how different disturbances influence the structure and dynamic of subalpine forests   why and which different tree species can form together forest communities   processes influencing subalpine forests (natural and anthropogenic)   list the most important natural parameters limiting or inhibiting tree growth   draw the altitudinal zones, describe them and limits with their specific characteristics   recognize possible indicators of former natural tree limits   relate environmental influences to their corresponding effects upon tree rings   explain the mechanisms of dispersal and regeneration of different subalpine tree species   describe the phases of tree and stand development in the subalpine zone   explain important survival strategies of subalpine trees and possible disturbances   recognize Swiss Alpine coniferous forest communities

 

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29 August 2011 © ALPECOLe 2002-2007