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Pattern and diversity analysis of the irradiated oak-pine forest, Brookhaven, New York

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Summary

  1. (1)

    The experimental forest at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, subject to chronic gamma irradiation since 1961, was resurveyed in July 1976. A grid of 2400 plots covering an area centered at the radiation source and 50 m in radius was supplemented by five transects extending 50 to 100 m from the source.

  2. (2)

    Data were analyzed by ordination, estimation of alpha and beta diversity, species contagion, and sample heterogeneity; different techniques for each of these were compared for effectiveness.

  3. (3)

    Ordinations indicated a gradient from a less damaged tree and shrub community through a shrub zone and sedge-herb meadow to radiation-resistant herbs and lichens. The radiation-resistant species spread as the communities adapted to radiation stress.

  4. (4)

    Total plant alpha diversity declined toward the radiation source, but herb alpha diversity was highest at intermediate irradiation. Beta diversity, as compositional change along the radiation gradient, was high (2.7 half-changes); most rapid compositional change occurred near the radiation source.

  5. (5)

    Contagion of individual species increased toward the source, and samples were most heterogeneous near the source.

  6. (6)

    Perennial old-field herbs have become predominant near the radiation source since earlier surveys; current trends suggests development toward a more stable community-gradient in response to stress.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, New York, USA

    L. S. Olsvig

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  1. L. S. Olsvig
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Additional information

Plant names follow Fernald (1950).

I thank the staff at Brookhaven National Laboratory for help and facilities while conducting field work for this study; and Hugh G. Gauch, Jr., Steve Sabo, R. H. Whittaker, and G. M. Woodwell for suggestions, review, and advice. This article is dedicated to the memory of Arnold Sparrow, who initially sponsored this project.

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Olsvig, L.S. Pattern and diversity analysis of the irradiated oak-pine forest, Brookhaven, New York. Vegetatio 40, 65–78 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055836

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