Turkey Oak Ecology on a Georgia Sandhill

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Abstract
The age distribution and density of a population of Quercus laevis Walter (turkey oak) trees were studied on a central Georgia sandhill where the species is nearly monospecific. A survivorship curve and an age specific life table were constructed. These indices were considered in relation to the seral status of the Q. laevis association. The decreasing survival probability in older trees suggests that Q. laevis is successional on the sandhills. Other factors, such as the absence of repleacement tree species imply it is climax for the site. Although the potential for succession to a mixed hardwood forest is present, fire effectively prevents development beyond the Q. laevis stage and the community as it now exists constitutes a de facto climax. It is proposed that indices of successional status are not always applicable across community boundaries.