Gap

• Title

  Gap

• Definition

  An opening in the canopy of the forest created by falling trees and branches.

• Notes

  Gaps are produced by trees or parts of trees that fall after they have been killed by bacteria, fungi, insects, etc.; by being blown over or knocked down by wind, landslides, and floods; or by damage or death caused by fire. Once gaps are formed, the areas were forest once grew are invaded by secondary species and after several hundred years of plant succession old growth forest regenerates.

• Related Terms

  Canopy tree layer

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