Age and origin of subalpine forest zone

Abstract

Genera of montane conifers first appeared in the fossil record in large numbers in the Middle Eocene (47-45 Ma) as widespread volcanism in the Cordilleran region provided scattered, cold upland tracts suited for them. Higher subalpine environments, generally above 2,000 m, probably were confined then to upper slopes of scattered strato-volcanos and basement highs covered with thick pyroclastic deposits. As relief increased in the middle Tertiary, and especially during the Pliocene-Quaternary, the area suited for a subalpine forest zone increased significantly, enabling montane conifers to spread into that higher, colder environment and form a new major forest zone. During glaciations the subalpine zone was much larger and probably from 900-1,000 m lower than at present. Spreading post-glacial warmth and drought account for its retreat to higher levels and for the discontinuous distribution of the forest and its species today. Recency of the subalpine adaptive zone is implied also by the close relations of its varieties and subspecies of herbaceous perennials, a few annuals, and pines to those in vegetation zones below it.