508 ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS 
Mesophytes, in contrast to Hydrophytes, are exposed much 
more to the drying effect of the air and consequently are better 
protected against transpiration. They need better root systems 
for absorption and anchorage and also have better developed 
conductive and mechanical tissues. There are many types of 
mesophytic societies. 
Meadows and prairies are mesophytic societies in which trees 
are absent, and the dominant plants are, therefore, grasses and 
other herbaceous plants (Fig. 458). The most important of 
Fic. 458.— A prairie, a mesophytic society in which trees are absent. 
the woody mesophytic societies are the deciduous forests com- 
posed of Maples, Beeches, Oaks, Tulips, Elms, Walnuts, and 
other valuable trees (Fig. 469). In such forests grow also char- 
acteristic societies of herbaceous plants. The thicket, composed 
of small woody plants, such as Willows, Birches, Alders, Hazel 
bushes, etc., is another woody mesophytic society. The most 
remarkable of the mesophytic societies are the rainy tropical 
forests, where, due to a heavy rainfall and great heat, vegeta- 
tion reaches its climax, and gigantic jungles are developed, com- 
posed of trees of various heights, shrubs of all sizes, tall and 
low herbs, all bound together in a great tangle by vines and 
covered by numerous epiphytes. 
