BiomeClimax community over a large geographical area.

Ecological

Reasons for Biomes?1. Temperature

C. Hart Meriam (1898) eastern USA“Life Zones” latitude Arizona & Florida?

Reasons for Biomes?1. Temperature2. Moisture3. Fire

(Complex Set of Factors!)

Biomes of the USA

Biomes of the USAMediterraneanTemperate Rain ForestDesertGrasslandEastern Deciduous forestSemitropical RainforestConiferous ForestTundra

Plant Taxonomy Biomes are referred to as Formations or Floristic Regions

“Each characterized by numerous endemic species and by an unduplicated make-up of species.”-L. Benson

Floristic Regions of the USA-L. BensonWestern Woodland and Brush Region

Pacific NorthwestSouthwest Desert RegionPlains and Prairie RegionEastern Forest RegionSubtropical RegionNorthern Coniferous Forest RegionBoreal AlpineRocky Mt. Region

Floristic Regions of the USA-L. BensonBoreal Alpine/Rocky Mt. Region

(Biome/Floristic changes easily observed)North-South

White Mts.

Rocky Mts.

1000 ft. = 600 miles

Rocky Mts.Vegetation Zones

FoothillsMontane or Coniferous (Doug firs, Ponderosa Pines)Subalpine Forest (Subalpines firs, Spruces)Hudsonian (scattered, stunted trees)Alpine Tundra (willows, cushion plants)

Climax Communities/Local Associations

Eastern Deciduous ForestBeech-MapleOak Hickory

GrasslandTallgrass PrairieMixed-grass PrairieShort-grass Prairie

Grasslands of the USA(Grasslands/Prairies)

Grasslands of the USA(Grasslands/Prairies)

Missouri General Land Survey 1815 -1818

Pre-settlement Prairie in Missouri

Pre-settlement Prairie in Northwest Missouri >

70%

Pre-settlement Prairie in Northwest Missouri >

70%PerenialsExtensive root systemsWarm season growthDisease and insect resistanceGood coverage for wildlifeFood for wildlifeForage programsRe-established natural areas

Precipitation Zones in Missouri

Reasons for Prairies1. Temperature2. Precipitation3. Fire!

Local Associations/Climax Communities

Tend to form if:

Conditions are natural

Proper seed bank is available

If local association (climax community) is destroyed?

- Series of plant communitiesSeral Stages

Natural Succession

Seral Stages

Climax Community

Seral Stages/Secondary Growth

A major part of the natural environment!

Floristic Regions of Missouri-J. Steyermark

Plant Distribution and Topography

Natural Divisions of Missouri- MDC/MDNR

Plant/Animal Distribution, Topography and Geographical History

Natural Divisions of Missouri- MDC/MDNR

Plant/Animal Distribution, Topography and Geographical History