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The species primarily affected by harvesting practices in oak-hickory forests are oak trees. This is due to the fact that oak trees play a crucial ecological role within these forests, contributing significantly to both biodiversity and the structural integrity of the forest ecosystem.

When harvesting occurs, oak trees are often targeted because of their valuable wood products, including furniture and flooring. This can lead to a decline in oak populations, disrupting the habitat for various wildlife species that depend on oaks for food and shelter, such as acorns for many mammals and birds. In addition, oak trees are important for maintaining nutrient cycling and the overall health of the forest ecosystem, making their reduction detrimental to the forest's resiliency.

Other options like hickory trees are also part of the forest but are less frequently highlighted in the context of specific harvesting practices. Evergreen and birch trees do not dominate oak-hickory forests and are not primarily affected in the same way as oak trees during timber harvesting. Hence, focusing on the ecological significance and the direct impact of harvesting practices reveals why oak trees stand out as the species primarily affected in these forest types.