Plant species richness and vegetation diversity at local and regional scales on the Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

This study assessed vegetation species richness and diversity from several spatial and ecological perspectives and considered new theories concerning the origin and maintenance of local-scale species richness. The Shoshone National Forest provided a unique study area that encompasses three distinct mountain ranges with a wide variety of substrates and habitats. This allowed for diversity comparisons at multiple spatial scales and ecological groupings.; A review of plant community ecology and diversity literature, combined with tests of community saturation, formed an investigation into the relative influence from regional processes on local species richness.; Frequent compositional changes across landscapes, or beta diversity, often equate to high total species richness. A heterogeneous landscape of favorable habitat explains the observed areas of higher diversity. The role of dispersal ability may also greatly influence diversity. High local species richness may support larger species pools, enhancing future recruitment from surrounding regions.