VEGETATION "MIGRATION"

The term "Vegetation Migration" is actually rather deceiving, as it is obvious that plants do not pick up their roots and start running! The term migration is referring to the map representation of the biome, and how it moves around due to various environmental changes.

E.C. Pielou, 1996

The main mechanisms of plant "migration" include

seed dispersal by wind

seed dispersal by animals

With the retreat of glaciers, ground which is void of any type of vegetation becomes available. Due to the initial lack of vegetation, there is nothing present to support the migration of animals into the area. As a result, the initial colonization of vegetation occurs through seed dispersal by means of wind. When there is vegetation established in the area, both wind and animals are the transportation mechanisms for the seeds to migrate (E.C. Pielou, 1991).

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FACTORS AFFECTING THE RATE OF MIGRATION

DIFFERENT SPECIES MIGRATE AT DIFFERENT RATES

RESPONSE TIME OF VEGETATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

PHOTOPERIODISM