Studies on lichen-dominated systems. V. A primary survey of a raised-beach system in northwestern Ontario

A series of raised-beach systems in northwestern Ontario were examined using principal-component analysis and a number of broad plant associations were delimited. A definite trend exists from the younger raised beaches adjacent to the coastline, to the older ridges examined some 8 km inland. This trend has been characterized by the major species involved and by the plant associations relating to specific ridge groups. The paper also lays the foundation for a series of detailed studies which are currently in progress.