Download or read book Oak Forest Ecosystems written by William J. McShea and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2002-02-07 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the demise of the American chestnut, oaks are more vital than ever in the delicate web of relationships that sustains North American wildlife. They form the foundation of many North American ecosystems. Acorns are an important part of the diets of more than 100 species of birds and mammals. Until now, most oak ecosystem research has focused on a variety of disparate factors and approaches. This book aims to provide a foundation for managing oak forests as whole, complex ecosystems.