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FIRE DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEM MAP |
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* Roll over a region and click to see information |
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Boreal common in southern Alaska extending as far north as Fairbank, Tundra is found in the higher elevation of this zone. Tundra extends from the Brooks Range north to the Arctic Ocean. |
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Because of Alaska's cool year-round temperatures, vegetation decays at a very slow rate, thereby releasing nutrients at a very slow rate. Following a fire in the boreal forest or tundra, large amounts of nutrients are released. |
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Fires in the boreal forest and tundra typically burn in a patchwork leaving a mosaic across the landscape. |
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Plants exploit this opportunity, especially the early successional plants. In turn, wildlife exploits the lush growth. Consequently, Alaska's plant and animal communities are highly dependent on fire regimes. |
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