Age-Structure Relationships of Trees Species in an Appalachian Oak Forest in Southwest Virginia

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Abstract
The complete age and diameter structures were determined for all tree species in 7 Appalachian oak stands arranged along a topographic moisture gradient in southwestern Virginia. All stands but 1 exhibited a prominent gap in the age distribution in the 20-40 yr age classes. No gap was evident in the corresponding diameter distributions. Total and juvenile age distributions were described for selected species. Age structures differed among species and reflected the different spatial and temporal niches which they occupy. Eivdently, the shape of the total age distribution in individual stands is related to the disturbance sequence and to site through its influence on the species present. Coupling of age and diameter distributions of individual populations provided insights into the functional roles of species along the moisture gradient.