Biome Climax 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. Temperature 2. Moisture 3. Fire (Complex Set of Factors!)

Biomes of the USA

Biomes of the USA Mediterranean Temperate Rain Forest Desert Grassland Eastern Deciduous forest Semitropical Rainforest Coniferous Forest Tundra

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. Benson Western Woodland and Brush Region Pacific Northwest Southwest Desert Region Plains and Prairie Region Eastern Forest Region Subtropical Region Northern Coniferous Forest Region Boreal Alpine Rocky Mt. Region

Floristic Regions of the USA -L. Benson Boreal Alpine/Rocky Mt. Region (Biome/Floristic changes easily observed) North-South White Mts. Rocky Mts. 1000 ft. = 600 miles

Rocky Mts.

Vegetation Zones Foothills Montane 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 Forest Beech-Maple Oak Hickory Grassland Tallgrass Prairie Mixed-grass Prairie Short-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% Perenials Extensive root systems Warm season growth Disease and insect resistance Good coverage for wildlife Food for wildlife Forage programs Re-established natural areas

Precipitation Zones in Missouri

Reasons for Prairies 1. Temperature 2. Precipitation 3. 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 communities Seral 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