Forest Ecology and Silviculture Flashcards

Which of the following tree species is classified as highly shade tolerant?

Answer: Eastern hemlock

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is one of the most shade-tolerant tree species in North America.

What is the primary ecological role of coarse woody debris (CWD) in forest ecosystems?

Answer: Providing habitat structure, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage

CWD provides critical wildlife habitat, contributes to nutrient cycling and carbon storage, and serves as seedbed for many plants.

The 'intermediate' silvicultural treatments such as thinning, pruning, and release are collectively known as what?

Answer: Stand tending operations

Stand tending operations (also called intermediate treatments) are silvicultural practices applied between stand establishment and final harvest.

Which nutrient is most commonly limiting to forest productivity in humid temperate forests?

Answer: Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the most commonly limiting nutrient in humid temperate forests, often restricting tree growth and productivity.

What silvicultural concept describes removing trees of poor form, low vigor, or undesirable species to improve stand quality?

Answer: Improvement cutting

Improvement cutting removes trees of poor quality or undesirable species to improve overall stand composition and quality.

In forest ecology, what does the term 'photosynthetic compensation point' refer to?

Answer: The light level at which photosynthesis equals respiration

The compensation point is the light intensity at which carbon gained through photosynthesis exactly equals carbon lost through respiration.

Which silvicultural method involves cutting narrow strips through a stand to promote advance regeneration while maintaining protective cover?

Answer: Strip shelterwood

Strip shelterwood involves removing timber in successive narrow strips, allowing regeneration to establish under partial shelter before adjacent strips are cut.