Arboreal lichen community structure and diversity on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in the Avalon forest ecoregion in Newfoundland, Canada

Wigle, Rachel Dawn (2018) Arboreal lichen community structure and diversity on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in the Avalon forest ecoregion in Newfoundland, Canada. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Lichens are present in virtually all terrestrial ecosystems. However, the mechanisms driving lichen community structure are not well understood. I compared lichen community composition on yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) in the Avalon Forest Ecoregion in Newfoundland, Canada. I examined that the tree-level and stand-level habitat variables that influence lichen community structure varies between these two tree species. To evaluate how survey methods can affect community inventory data, I compared small subplot richness values for a subset of yellow birch trees to larger tree plot richness values. Currently, on the Avalon, yellow birch populations are under threat due to moose over browsing and illegal harvest. These results will be able to direct management efforts to identify areas of high conservation value.

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