Post-glacial vegetation history of the Ittlemit Lake basin, southwest Yukon Territory

Abstract

Spruce migrated into the area at least 9000 radiocarbon years ago. From 9000 yr BP to 5000 yr BP the area supported a sparse Picea-Salix-Betula forest-tundra vegetation. By 5000 yr BP local environmental change created a different habitat primarily affecting the local taxa. Alnus invaded the general area shortly after 5000 yr BP. A local Betula-dominated community replaced the previous Cyperaceae-dominated one at about 3000 yr BP. A Cyperaceae-dominated community again occupied the area at 1900 yr BP. The present regional forest-tundra vegetation has had little change during the last 9000 radiocarbon years. -from Authors