History: Spread and Speciation

Abstract

In a world-wide comparison of beech species (Fagus spp.) and beech forests an understanding of their history is necessary. All the beech species have the same ancestor and understanding of their evolution into different species would help understanding differences. Beech forests are at least related because of dominance of the forest canopy by one or more Fagus species. However, also forest types may have a’common ancestor’ with similar species compositions at present. Forest types on different continents may have been part of a former single and continuous forest zone. A study of spread and development of beech and beech forests will show relationships among forests that are geographically separated at present. Human interference is also part of history and this interference has affected spread and development of beech forests. A study of the history of beeches and beech forests will help distinguish the effects of human-manipulation from natural development and understanding relationships among geographically separated species and forests.