The Current Regenerative Capacity of the Northern Canadian Trees, Keewatin, N.W.T., Canada: Some Preliminary Observations

Abstract

Preliminary data were presented on the reproductive capacity of the northern Canadian trees (Latrix laricina, Picea glauca and Picea mariana) in Keewatin, NWT [North West Territory]. A 140 km transect of 9 study sites was set up from the northern boreal forest (Kasba Lake) through the forest-tundra ecotone (northern end of Ennadai Lake). The hypothesis that the northern trees are historical (i.e., relicts), established during a warmer climate and out of phase with today''s climate, is supported by a pollen viability of 0%, a seed viability of 0% at tree line and in the frost-tundra ecotone, the lack of a buried conifer seed store for ecotonal tree stands, and an almost total lack of either sexually or asexually produced tree juveniles in the ecotone.