Publication Date

7-1976

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Joe Winstead, Alan Yunbluth, Kenneth Nicely

Degree Program

Department of Biology

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Analysis of habitats containing Carpinus caroliniana in two distinct physiographic regions of Kentucky revealed that this species has a wide range of tolerance to light intensities and soil pH. Species most commonly associated with Carpinus within the two physiographic regions were Platanus occidentalis, Acer saccharum, Liquidambar styraciflua, Fraxinus spp. and Fagus grandifolia.

Morphological and anatomical investigations of populations representing the geographic distribution of Carpinus caroliniana in the United States indicated that the more northern population had heavier fruit, larger bracts, and secondary wood with higher specific gravity.

Growth chamber experiments involving dormant buds collected from natural habitats indicated differences in bud burst correlated with habitat of origin that shows possible ecotypic differentiation. Populations of Carpinus from habitats with fluxuating spring temperatures may have a longer cold requirement prior to bud burst than populations representing the latitudinal extremes.

Disciplines

Biology | Life Sciences

Included in

Biology Commons

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