Cenopopulation Structure of Key Species in Climax Siberian Pine Chern Forests of the Western Sayan Mountains

Abstract

The ontogenetic spectra and age structure of cenopopulations of key species, Pinus sibirica (DuTour) and Abies sibirica (Ledeb.), have been studied in a climax Siberian pine forest with Carex macroura, tall herbs, and ferns (the most common forest type among chern forests of the Western Sayan). The rates of ontogenetic development of P. sibirica and A. sibirica cenopopulations under given site conditions have been estimated. These cenopopulations differ in structure but are stable. The mechanism of their stability is described, which is provided by a complex interaction of forest-forming tree species under competition from highly developed herbaceous layer.