Comparison study of Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Thelypteris phegopteris.

Abstract

We are in a region of the original coniferous forest that over time have evolved to or are in the process of becoming climax forest species of mixed hardwoods with scattered conifers as a within stand feature. Time factors of climatic changes and space have influenced the stages of successional paths within the Michigan basin. Both species of ferns are known as being circumboreal and thrive in cool, moist climates with low light conditions. They are phase indicator species for the Tsuga-Maianthemum-Coptis habitat classification and are soil indicator species for loamy/lacustrine/glacial influenced soils. It is possible that site evolution has occurred at all the locations and both fern species are within their natural biome. It is also possible that locations within the lacustrine soils, from the de-glaciation period, have not yet fully evolved and the composition and structural characteristics for the ferns plant community, within an ecological unit, has not met the desired condition required for both fern species to co-habitate (like they do in Canada and along the Tahquamenon River).