In deciduous forests of Pennsylvania, the climax community used to be composed of large trees of mostly oak, hickory, and tulip poplar, but over time the composition of the understory changed to sugar maple and beech. What was the cause of this shift?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shift to sugar maple and beech in the understory was likely caused by deer browsing, as both of these species are known to be more browse-tolerant than oak, hickory, and tulip poplar. This allows them to persist and dominate the understory in areas where deer populations are high.

In Deciduous Forests of Pennsylvania, the Climax Community Used to Be