Morphology, germination, and geographic distribution of Pentaclethra macroloba (Fabaceae): a hyperdominant Amazonian tree / Morfología, germinación y distribución geográfica de Pentaclethra macroloba (Fabaceae): árbol amazónico hiperdominante

Introduction: Pentaclethra macroloba is a hyperdominant tree in the Amazon estuary of great socioeconomic importance for the region because the oil from its seeds is a powerful herbal medicine. Objective: We aimed to characterize the morphological structure, the morphological adaptations in response to the daily flooding of the Amazon estuary and the biogeographic area of P. macroloba. Methods: Detailed description of the external morphology, from germination to the adult tree, was obtained from individuals located in floodplain forest, Northeast Amazonia. The occupation area and the geographical extension of P. macroloba were determined from point of geographical coordinates of botanical samples deposited in the digital collections of Mobot and SpeciesLink. Results: Adult individuals have adapted structures in response to daily flooding, such as: adventitious roots to increase respiratory efficiency and lenticels in the trunk, serving as a connection point for oxygen transport between the root and the aerial part. Dried fruit favours the activation of the explosive dehiscence mechanism, allowing the seed to be expelled long distance. Deltoid shape of the seed allows water fluctuation and more efficient dispersal. Seedling is phanerocotylar hypogeal and with one pair of reserve cotyledons that provide the seedling an extra source of energy to escape the flood. Germination rate was 78 % and the speed was 0.2 seeds.day-1. Circular buffer method revealed the presence of 123 subpopulations of P. macroloba distributed in a radius of 5 699 943 km² across the Neotropical region. Conclusions: Much of the morphological structures of P. macroloba are adaptive and evolutionary responses to the periodically flooded environment of the Amazon estuary, showing that these environments select the trees, best adapted, to inhabit the flood. P. macroloba has a wide geographical area denotes the plasticity of adapting to different environments, which may justify its monodominance in some regions.

Introducción: Pentaclethra macroloba es un árbol hiperdominante en el estuario del Amazonas, de gran importancia socioeconómica para la región, pues el aceite de sus semillas es un poderoso medicamento natural. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue caracterizar la estructura morfológica, las adaptaciones morfológicas en respuesta a las inundaciones diarias del estuario del Amazonas y el área biogeográfica de P. macroloba. Métodos: Una descripción detallada de la morfología externa, desde la germinación hasta el árbol adulto, se obtuvo de individuos ubicados en el bosque periódicamente inundado, al noreste de la Amazonia. El área de ocupación y la extensión geográfica de P. macroloba se determinaron a partir del punto de coordenadas geográficas de muestras botánicas depositadas en las colecciones digitales de Mobot y SpeciesLink. Resultados: Los individuos adultos tienen estructuras adaptadas en respuesta a las inundaciones diarias, tales como: raíces adventicias para aumentar la eficiencia respiratoria y lenticelas en el tronco, que sirven como punto de conexión para el transporte de oxígeno entre la raíz y la parte aérea. Los frutos secos favorecen la activación del mecanismo de dehiscencia explosiva, permitiendo que la semilla sea expulsada a larga distancia. La forma deltoidea de la semilla permite la fluctuación en el agua y una dispersión más eficiente. La plántula es hipogel fanerocotiledones y con un par de cotiledones de reserva que proporcionan a la plántula una fuente extra de energía para escapar de la inundación. La tasa de germinación fue del 78 % y la velocidad fue de 0.2 semillas día-1. El método Circular buffer reveló la presencia de 123 subpoblaciones de P. macroloba distribuidas en un radio de 5 699 943 km² a lo largo de la región neotropical. Conclusiones: Gran parte de las estructuras morfológicas de P. macroloba son respuestas adaptativas y evolutivas al ambiente periódicamente inundado del estuario del Amazonas, lo que demuestra que estos ambientes actúan como filtro ambiental seleccionado las especies mejor adaptadas al medio. Su amplia área geográfica denota la plasticidad de adaptarse a diferentes ambientes, lo que puede justificar su monodominancia en algunas regiones.

Estructura y composición arbórea en un gradiente altitudinal del Área Natural Protegida Metzabok, Chiapas, México / Tree structure and composition in an altitude gradient of the Metzabok Protected Natural Area, Chiapas, Mexico

Introducción: Las selvas albergan más de la mitad de las especies del planeta, a pesar de la biodiversidad que poseen son los ambientes más amenazados, principalmente por actividades antrópicas, y su complejidad con relación a la altitud alberga vacíos de información a pesar de los valores que representa. Objetivo: Describir la estructura y diversidad de árboles en un gradiente altitudinal. Métodos: En cinco estratos altitudinales (EA) se establecieron 21 unidades de muestreo (UM) de 20 x 50 m: seis en el EA1, cinco en EA2, cuatro en EA3, tres en EA4 y 5. La estructura se caracterizó mediante las categorías diamétricas y de altura, y de los índices de valor de importancia (IVI) y forestal (IVF). La diversidad se analizó con los índices de Shannon-Wiener (H´) y Simpson (S), mientras la semejanza florística con el coeficiente de Sørensen (IS). Resultados: Se registraron 209 especies, ocho registradas en la Norma Oficial Mexicana-059-Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales-2010 (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2019). Las especies con los mayores IVI e IVF fueron: Haematoxylum campechianum y Manilkara zapota en EA1; Rinorea guatemalensis y Pouteria reticulata en EA2; M. zapota y Brosimum alicastrum en EA3; Guatteria anomala y Pseudolmedia spuria en EA4; y Terminalia amazonia y Pouteria durlandii en EA5. En los cinco EA se identificaron tres rangos de altura y seis de diámetro, el mayor número de individuos se encontró en la primera categoria diamétrica. La diversidad de las especies fue menor a mayor altitud. En los EA 2 y 3 se presentó la mayor semejanza (IS = 58.7 %). Conclusión: La estructura y diversidad de las especies arbóreas, presentan mayores cambios en intervalos altitudinales más amplios, relacionados con la necesidad ambiental de cada especie.

Introduction: The forests are home to more than half of the planet's species, despite of their biodiversity, they are the ecosystems most threatened mainly by anthropic activities, but their complexity in relation to altitude has information gaps despite of the values it represents. Objective: Describe the structure and diversity of trees on an altitudinal gradient. Methods: In five altitudinal strata (EA) 21 sampling plots (UM) of 20 x 50 m were established: six in EA1, five in EA2, four in EA3, three in EA4 and 5. The structure was characterized by the categories diametric and height, and the importance value indexes (IVI) and forestry (IVF). Diversity was analyzed with the Shannon-Wiener (H´) and Simpson (S) indices, while the floristic similarity with the Sørensen coefficient (IS). Results: It was registered 209 tree species, eight are listed in the Official Mexican Standard-059-Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources-2010 (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2019) as vulnerable species. The species with the highest IVI and IVF were Haematoxylum campechianum and Manilkara zapota in EA1; Rinorea guatemalensis and Pouteria reticulata in EA2; M. zapota and Brosimum alicastrum at EA3; Guatteria anomala and Pseudolmedia spuria in EA4; and Terminalia amazonia and Pouteria durlandii at EA5. In the five EAs, three ranges of height and six of diameter were identified, the largest number of individuals was found in the first diametric range. Species diversity was lower at higher altitudes. In EA 2 and 3 the greatest similarity was presented (IS= 58.7 %). Conclusion: The structure and diversity of the tree species present greater changes in wider altitude ranges, related to the environmental need of each species.

Reconstrucción histórica de la precipitación en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, México, mediante anillos de crecimiento en Taxodium mucronatum (Cupressaceae) / Historical precipitation reconstruction of El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, using Taxodium mucronatum (Cupressaceae) annual growth rings

Introducción: El conocimiento histórico del clima es fundamental para analizar su variabilidad en el tiempo y su impacto en los ecosistemas y poblaciones humanas. Objetivo: Analizar el crecimiento anual de los árboles de sabino, también conocido como ahuehuete (Taxodium mucronatum) del río Sabinas para reconstruir la variabilidad de precipitación histórica en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, Tamaulipas, México. Métodos: Se fecharon los crecimientos anuales de 116 muestras de sabino, a partir de las cuales se desarrolló una cronología de 544 años (1474-2017). El periodo que sustentó un número de muestras adecuado para el análisis climático se extiende de 1550 a 2017 (468 años). Resultados: Con base en el análisis de función respuesta se determinó que la precipitación de invierno-primavera (noviembre-mayo) influyó de manera significativa en el crecimiento de los sabinos en el área de estudio (r= 0.77, P < 0.001). La reconstrucción registró una variabilidad climática alta a nivel interanual y entre décadas, en la cual, se identificó la presencia de sequías a principios y finales de cada siglo, así como la presencia de sequías extremas cíclicas cada 50 años. Estas sequías destacaron por su impacto social y económico a nivel nacional y regional. Las sequías más importantes son el "Año Uno Conejo" de acuerdo con el calendario Azteca, en 1558; la sequía de1696 con un impacto fuerte en el noreste de México; "El Año del Hambre" en 1785-1786, en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo desde 1784; la sequía de 1801 que trajo consigo la escasez de alimentos; la de 1951 dentro del periodo de "Migración masiva del sector rural"; y la sequía más reciente, registrada en 2011. Las lluvias extremas más representativas sucedieron en 1756 y 1816. Conclusiones: De seguir el patrón de precipitación registrado en la Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, es posible esperar la presencia de sequías extremas a mediados y finales del siglo XXI.

Introduction: Historical knowledge of climate is essential to analyze its variability over time, as well as its impact on natural ecosystems and human populations. Objective: To analyze the annual growth of the sabino trees, also known as ahuehuete trees (Taxodium mucronatum) from the Sabinas River to reconstruct the historical variability of precipitation in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Methods: The annual growth of 116 sabino samples was dated to develop a chronology of 544 years (1474-2017). The period that admitted a series of samples suitable for climate analysis extends from 1550 to 2017 (468 years). Results: Based on the analysis of the response function, it was determined that the winter-spring precipitation (November-May) significantly influenced the radial growth of sabinos in the study area (R= 0.77, P < 0.001). The reconstruction recorded high climatic variability at interannual and interdecadal levels, in which the presence of droughts was identified at the beginning and end of each century, as well as the presence of extreme cyclical droughts every 50 years. These droughts stood out for their social and economic impact at the regional and national level. The most important droughts are the "Año Uno Conejo" ("Year One Rabbit") according to the Aztec calendar in 1558. In 1696 with a strong impact in Northern Mexico. "El Año del Hambre" ("The Year of Hunger") in 1785-1786. Also, the drought of 1801 that brought alongside food shortages. 1951 within the period of "Mass migration of the rural sector"; and the most recent drought, recorded in 2011. The most representative extreme rainfalls occurred in 1756 and 1816. Conclusions: If the precipitation pattern registered at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve continues, it is possible to expect the presence of extreme droughts in the mid and late 21st century.

Allometric models to estimate tree height in northern Amazonian ecotone forests / Modelos alométricos para estimar altura de árvores em florestas ecotonais do norte da Amazônia

Allometric models defining the relationship between stem diameter and total tree height in the Amazon basin are important because they refine the estimates of tree carbon stocks and flow in the region. This study tests different allometric models to estimate the total tree height from the stem diameter in an ecotone zone between ombrophilous and seasonal forests in the Brazilian state of Roraima, in northern Amazonia. Stem diameter and total height were measured directly in 65 recently fallen trees (live or dead). Linear and nonlinear regressions were tested to represent the D:H relation in this specific ecotone zone. Criteria for model selection were the standard error of the estimate (Syx) and the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²adj), complemented by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Analysis of residuals of the most parsimonious nonlinear models showed a tendency to overestimate the total tree height for trees in the 20-40 cm diameter range. Application of our best fitted model (Michaelis-Menten) indicated that previously published general equations for the tropics that use diameter as the independent variable can either overestimate tree height in the study area by 10-29% (Weibull models) or underestimate it by 8% (climate-based models). We concluded that our site-specific model can be used in the ecotone forests studied in Roraima because it realistically reflects the local biometric relationships between stem diameter and total tree height. Studies need to be expanded in peripheral areas of northern Amazonia in order to reduce uncertainties in biomass and carbon estimates that use the tree height as a variable in general models. (AU)

Modelos alométricos que definem o relacionamento entre diâmetro do tronco e a altura total da árvore na bacia amazônica são importantes porque refinam as estimativas de fluxo e estoques de carbono arbóreo na região. Este estudo testou diferentes modelos alométricos para estimar a altura total de árvores a partir do diâmetro do tronco em uma zona de ecótono entre florestas ombrófilas e sazonais no estado de Roraima, norte da Amazônia. Diâmetro do tronco e altura total foram medidos de forma direta em 65 árvores tombadas recentemente (vivas e mortas). Regressões linear e não-linear foram testadas para representar a relação D:H nesta zona específica de ecótono. Os critérios de seleção dos modelos foram o erro padrão da estimativa (Syx), o coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R²adj) e o Critério de Informação de Akaike (AIC). A análise dos resíduos dos modelos não-lineares mais parcimoniosos mostrou uma tendência de superestimar a altura total para árvores entre 20-40 cm de diâmetro do tronco. A aplicação do modelo melhor ajustado (Michaelis-Menten) indicou que equações gerais publicadas previamente para os trópicos que usam diâmetro como variável independente podem superestimar em 10-29% (modelos Weibull) ou subestimar em 8% (modelos baseados no clima) a altura das árvores na área de estudo. Nós concluímos que o modelo de melhor ajuste pode ser usado nas florestas ecotonais estudadas em Roraima, porque ele reflete realisticamente o relacionamento biométrico local entre diâmetro do tronco e altura total da árvore. É necessário expandir os estudos para outras áreas periféricas do norte da Amazônia, com o intuito de reduzir as incertezas em estimativas de biomassa e carbono arbóreo que adotem altura da árvore como uma variável em modelos gerais.(AU)

Improved tree height estimation of secondary forests in the Brazilian Amazon / Estimativa melhorada de altura de árvores em florestas secundárias da Amazônia brasileira

This paper presents a novel approach for estimating the height of individual trees in secondary forests at two study sites: Manaus (central Amazon) and Santarém (eastern Amazon) in the Brazilian Amazon region. The approach consists of adjusting tree height-diameter at breast height (H:DBH) models in each study site by ecological species groups: pioneers, early secondary, and late secondary. Overall, the DBH and corresponding height (H) of 1,178 individual trees were measured during two field campaigns: August 2014 in Manaus and September 2015 in Santarém. We tested the five most commonly used log-linear and nonlinear H:DBH models, as determined by the available literature. The hyperbolic model: H = a.DBH/(b+DBH) was found to present the best fit when evaluated using validation data. Significant differences in the fitted parameters were found between pioneer and secondary species from Manaus and Santarém by F-test, meaning that site-specific and also ecological-group H:DBH models should be used to more accurately predict H as a function of DBH. This novel approach provides specific equations to estimate height of secondary forest trees for particular sites and ecological species groups. The presented set of equations will allow better biomass and carbon stock estimates in secondary forests of the Brazilian Amazon.

Este trabalho apresenta uma nova abordagem para a estimativa de altura de árvores em florestas secundárias em duas áreas de estudo na Amazônia brasileira: Manaus (Amazônia central) e Santarém (Amazônia oriental). A abordagem consistiu em ajustar modelos hipsométricos separados por área de estudo e grupos ecológicos de espécies: pioneiras, secundárias iniciais e secundárias tardias. No total, 1178 árvores foram medidas em diâmetro e altura em duas etapas de campo: agosto de 2014 em Manaus e Setembro de 2015 em Santarém. Foram testados cinco modelos log-lineares e não lineares mais utilizados na literatura. O modelo hiperbólico: H = a.D/(b+D) foi o que apresentou o melhor ajuste quando avaliado com os dados de validação. Diferenças significativas nos parâmetros de ajuste foram observadas entre as espécies pioneiras e secundárias de Manaus e Santarém pelo teste F, significando que equações específicas por grupos ecológicos e área de estudo deveriam ser utilizadas para estimar a altura (H) a partir do diâmetro (D) com maior acurácia. Esta nova abordagem fornece equações específicas para localidade e grupo ecológico, para estimar a altura das árvores em florestas secundárias. O conjunto de equações desenvolvidas permitirá melhorar as estimativas de biomassa e a quantificação dos estoques de carbono nas florestas secundárias da Amazônia brasileira.

Wood anatomy of Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae) in mangrove and transitional forest, Southern Brazil / Anatomía de la madera de Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae) en manglar y bosque de transición en el sur de Brasil

Abstract Mangroves represent an environment of great heterogeneity and low diversity of plant species that have structural and physiological adaptations linked to a high salinity environment. Laguncularia racemosa is a typical tree species in mangroves and transitional zones. This study aimed to compare the wood anatomy of L. racemosa (Combretaceae) in two different forests (mangroves and transitional forests), which have different soil conditions. For this, we obtained wood and soil samples in March 2016. We analyzed soil nutritional contents in one 15 cm deep soil sample per forest type. In addition, we selected five mangrove trees in each formation for wood anatomy analysis and took one wood sample per individual, per area. We prepared histological slides and separated materials following standard methods for wood anatomy studies. Soil analysis showed that mangrove soils had higher phosphorus, potassium and calcium contents. The transitional soil had lower pore water salinity and soil pH, probably due to high aluminum levels. Anatomical attributes differed between different forest populations. In the different wood aspects evaluated, we obtained higher values in mangrove individuals when compared to the transitional forest population: vessel elements length (375.79 mm), tangential vessels diameter (75.85 mm), frequency of vessels (11.90 mm) and fiber length (889.89 mm). Moreover, parenchyma rays height was larger in the samples of the transitional forest (392.80 mm), while the mangrove population presented wider rays (29.38 mm). The structure of the secondary xylem in the studied species apparently responds to edaphic parameters and shows variations that allow it to adjust to the environmental conditions. The population of the transitional forest showed a secondary xylem that invests more in protection than the mangrove population. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 647-657. Epub 2018 June 01.

Resumen Los manglares representan un ambiente de gran heterogeneidad y baja diversidad de especies vegetales que tienen adaptaciones estructurales y fisiológicas ligadas a un ambiente de alta salinidad. Laguncularia racemosa es una especie de árbol típico en los manglares y en zonas de transición. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la anatomía de la madera de L. racemosa (Combretaceae) en dos bosques distintos (manglares y bosques de transición) que tienen diferentes condiciones edáficas. Para esto se obtuvieron muestras de madera y suelo en marzo 2016. Se analizaron los contenidos nutricionales de una muestra de suelo de 15 cm de espesor por tipo de bosque. Además, se seleccionaron cinco árboles de mangle en cada formación para el análisis de la anatomía de la madera y se tomó una muestra de cada individuo por área. Se prepararon láminas histológicas y se separaron los materiales siguiendo métodos convencionales para estudios de anatomía de la madera. El análisis del suelo mostró que en el manglar hay mayor contenido de fósforo, potasio y calcio. El suelo del bosque de transición tiene menor salinidad del agua capilar y pH del suelo, probablemente debido a los altos niveles de aluminio. Los atributos anatómicos difirieron entre las distintas poblaciones de bosque. En los distintos aspectos de la madera evaluados, se obtuvieron valores más altos en los individuos del manglar comparados con los de la población del bosque de transición: longitud de los elementos de los vasos (375.79 mm), diámetro de los vasos tangenciales (75.85 mm), frecuencia de vasos (11.90 mm) y longitud de la fibra (889.89 mm). Además, la altura de los rayos de parénquima fue mayor en las muestras del bosque de transición (392.80 mm) mientras que la población de manglar presentó rayos más anchos (29.38 mm). La estructura del xilema secundario en la especie estudiada aparentemente responde a los parámetros edáficos y muestra variaciones que le permiten adecuarse a las condiciones ambientales. La población del bosque de transición mostró un xilema secundario que invierte más en protección que la población del manglar.

Leaf architecture and symmetry of understory tree species of anAraucaria forest / Arquitetura foliar e simetria de espécies do sub-bosque da floresta com Araucária

Shade plants of ombrophilous forests are subjected to light-limiting conditions and need toinvest in architectural structures associated with leaf symmetry to increase light capture. This study investigated the leaf architecture of six Araucaria forest tree species with distinct symmetry: Cupania vernalis, Casearia sylvestris, Schinus terebinthifolius, Piper gaudichaudianum, Roupala brasiliensis and Cedrela fissilis. We hypothesized that symmetry, associated with other traits, minimizes self-shading. Asymmetry index, petiole length, total leaf area, leaf angle, internode length and stem diameter were measured. The asymmetry index did not indicate a clear distinction between asymmetric and symmetric leaves. Leaves classified as asymmetric had higher values for the asymmetry index in the median and basal regions of the leaf, while symmetrical leaves had higher values in the apical region. The results also indicated an adjustment among structural leaf traits that facilitated a three-dimensional organization that produced an advantageous arrangement for light capture, which seems to be a response to selective pressure by the heterogeneous light conditions of the ombrophilous forest understory.

Nas florestas ombrófilas, as plantas de sombra estão sujeitas a condições limitantes de luz enecessitam investir em atributos estruturais associados à simetria foliar para maximizar a captura da luz. Esse estudo investigou a arquitetura foliar de seis espécies arbóreas (Cupania vernalis, Casearia sylvestris, Schinus terebinthifolius, Piper gaudichaudianum, Roupala brasiliensis e Cedrela fissilis) da Floresta com Araucária. Nossa hipótese é que a simetria foliar, associada a outros atributos foliares, minimiza o autosombreamento. Foram mensurados o índice de assimetria, o comprimento do pecíolo, a área foliar total, ângulo foliar, o comprimento do internó e o diâmetro do caule. O índice de assimetria não indicou uma distinção clara entre folhas assimétricas e simétricas. Folhas classificadas como assimétricas apresentaram maior índice na região mediana e basal da folha, enquanto as folhas simétricas apresentaram maior índice na região apical. Os resultados também indicaram um ajuste entre os atributos estruturais que permitiram um arranjo tridimensional das folhas vantajoso para a captura de luz, o que parece ser uma resposta à pressão seletiva pelas condições heterogêneas de luz do sub-bosque de floresta ombrófila.

Floristic-functional variation of tree component along an altitudinal gradient in araucaria forest areas, in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT We aimed to investigate the taxonomic and functional variations of tree component of Araucaria Forest (AF) areas located along an altitudinal gradient (700, 900 and 1,600 m asl), in the southern region of Brazil. The functional traits determined were leaf area, specific leaf area, wood density, maximum potential height and dispersal syndromes and deciduousness. The data were analyzed through a functional and taxonomic dissimilarity dendrograms, community-weighted mean trait values, parametric and nonparametric tests, and Principal Component Analysis. The largest floristic-structural similarity was observed between the lower altitude areas (700 and 900 m asl), whose Bray-Curtis distance was 0.63. The area at 700 m asl was characterized by a predominance of deciduous and semi-deciduous species, with a high number of self- and wind-dispersed species, whereas the area at 1,600 m asl exhibited a predominance of animal-dispersed and evergreen species. It was also observed that there were significant variations for leaf traits, basic wood density and maximum potential height. Over all altitudinal gradient, the ordinations indicated that there was no evidence of functional differentiation among dispersal and deciduousness groups. In conclusion, the evaluated Araucaria Forest areas presented high floristic-functional variation of the tree component along the altitudinal gradient.

Leaf anatomy of Qualea parviflora (Vochysiaceae) in three phytophysiognomies of the Mato Grosso State, Brazil / Anatomia foliar de Qualea parviflora (Vochysiaceae) em três fitofisionomias do Estado Mato Grosso, Brasil

Leaves have a variety of morphological and anatomical characters mainly influenced by climatic, edaphic and biotic factors. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical leaf traits of Qualea parviflora from three phytophysiognomies. The studied phytophysiognomies were Amazon Savannah on rocky outcrops (ASR), Transition Rupestrian Cerrado (TRC), and Cerradão (CDA). Freehand sections of the leaf blade were made and stained with 0.5% astra blue and with basic fuchsin. From the adaxial and abaxial leaf surface, freehand paradermal sections were made for epidermis analysis. The Jeffrey´s method, with modifications, was used in the epidermis dissociation process. The samples from the TRC phytophysiognomy had relatively smaller ordinary epidermal cells, higher abundance of trichomes, and mesophyll with few intercellular spaces, in comparison to the other phytophysiognomies. The leaves from the ASR phytophysiognomy had higher stomatal index (SI = 21.02), and five to six layers of sclerenchyma surrounding the midrib vascular bundle. The secondary vascular bundles had thicker cell walls and the bundle sheath extended up to the epidermal tissue of both leaf sides. Leaves from the CDA phytophysiognomy had mesomorphic environmental traits, such as a thinner cuticle. It is concluded that trees from ASR and TRC phytophysiognomies have xeromorphic traits following the environmental conditions where they occur.

As folhas são órgãos vegetativos que expressam uma variedade de características morfológicas e anatômicas influenciadas, principalmente, por fatores climáticos, edáficos e bióticos. O presente estudo objetivou levantar as características anatômicas das folhas de Qualea parviflora Mart. presente em três fitofisionomias: Savana Amazônica sobre afloramentos rochosos (SAR), Cerrado Rupestre de Transição (CRT) e Cerradão (CDA). Os cortes anatômicos foram realizados a mão livre e corados com azul de astra e fucsina básica 0,5%. Para a dissociação das epidermes, foi utilizado o método de Jeffrey modificado. As amostras da fitofisionomia de CRT apresentaram células epidérmicas comuns relativamente menores, maior quantidade de tricomas e mesofilo com poucos espaços intercelulares em relação as demais fitofisionomias. As amostras da fitofisionomia de SAR apresentaram maior índice estomático (IE: 21,05), maior quantidade de esclerênquima envolvendo o feixe vascular da nervura central (5 a 6 camadas), feixes vasculares secundários com células de paredes mais espessadas, com bainha que se estende até as células epidérmicas em ambas as faces. As amostras da fitofisionomia de CDA apresentaram caracteres de ambientes mesomórficos, como cutícula mais delgada. Pôde-se concluir que os espécimes que ocorrem em SAR e CRT apresentaram características xeromórficas que estão relacionados ao ambiente de ocorrência.

Aspects of the ecology of Penelope superciliaris temminck, 1815 (Aves: Cracidae) in the Araripe National Forest, Ceará, Brazil / Aspectos ecológicos de Penelope superciliaris temminck, 1815 (Aves: Cracidae) na Floresta Nacional do Araripe, Ceará, Brasil

Abstract Guans are large frugivorous birds that inhabit Neotropical forests and play a fundamental role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Despite their ecological importance, the natural populations of these birds are increasingly threatened by deforestation and hunting pressure. The present study was conducted in the Araripe National Forest, Ceará (Brazil), with the objective of estimating population parameters (density and total population size) in the Rusty-margined Guan (Penelope superciliaris) and the White-browed Guan (Penelope jacucaca), as well as providing data on their feeding ecology, including seasonal variation and fruit morphology. The study was based on the monthly collection of data between November, 2011, and October, 2012. Population parameters were estimated using line transect surveys, while feeding ecology was studied by direct observation, and the collection of plant and fecal samples. The estimated population density of P. superciliaris was 19.17 individuals/km2 (CV=13.98%), with a mean of 0.13 sightings per 10 km walked. Penelope jacucaca was not encountered during the surveys. A total of 14 plant species were recorded in the diet of P. superciliaris, 12 by direct observation, and two from fecal samples. Fruit diameter varied from 6.3±1.35 mm (Miconia albicans) to 29.9±1.7 mm (Psidium sp.). Yellow was the most frequent fruit color (41.6%, n=5), with two species each (16.6%) providing black, green, and red fruits. Fleshy fruits of the baccate (50.0%, n=6) and drupe (33.3%, n=4) types were the most consumed. The data on population parameters and feeding ecology collected in the present study provide an important database for the development of effective management strategies by environmental agencies for the conservation of the populations of the two guan species.

Resumo Os jacus pertencem ao grupo das grandes aves florestais frugívoras e desempenham um papel fundamental na dispersão de sementes e na manutenção das florestas tropicais. Apesar da importância desse grupo, a destruição de habitats e a caça predatória vêm ameaçando as populações naturais dessas aves. Esse trabalho foi realizado na Floresta Nacional do Araripe (FLONA-Araripe) e teve como objetivos estimar os parâmetros populacionais de densidade, abundância e tamanho populacional de Penelope superciliaris (jacupemba) e Penelope jacucaca (jacucaca), coletar informações sobre a ecologia alimentar dessas espécies nas estações seca e chuvosa e caracterizar morfologicamente os frutos consumidos por essas espécies. O trabalho foi desenvolvido entre novembro de 2011 e outubro de 2012. Foram utilizados os métodos de transectos lineares, para estimar os parâmetros populacionais, além de registros visuais, coleta de material botânico e de amostras de fezes para estudar a ecologia alimentar. Foi registrada uma densidade de 19.17 indivíduos/km2 com um CV=13.98% e uma abundância de 0.13 encontros/10 km para P. superciliaris. Penelope jacucaca não foi registrada no estudo e nenhum dado ecológico foi coletado. Foi registrado também o consumo de 14 espécies de plantas, 12 delas detectadas por registros visuais e duas por amostras de fezes. O diâmetro dos frutos consumidos variou entre 6.3±1.35 mm (Miconia albicans) a 29.9±1.7 mm (Psidium sp.). Espécies com os frutos amarelos foram as mais consumidas (n=5; 41.6%), seguidos por frutos negros, verdes e vermelhos (n=2; 16.6%) cada. Os frutos carnosos do tipo bacóide (n=6; 50%) e drupóide (n=4; 33.3%) foram os mais consumidos. Os dados sobre os parâmetros populacionais e ecologia alimentar contribuem de forma positiva na criação de estratégias de manejo e conservação, as quais poderão ser utilizadas pelos órgãos ambientais a fim de desenvolver ações de conservação que envolva estas duas espécies.

Growth rhythm of Vochysia divergens Pohl (Vochysiaceae) in the Northern Pantanal / Ritmo de crescimento de Vochysia divergens Pohl (Vochysiaceae) no Pantanal Norte

The Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world, characterized by high biodiversity, but large areas have been invaded by Vochysia divergens, a flood- adapted pioneer and native tree of the riparian forest and Brazilian Savanna. Seasonality in rainfall causes annual rhythms in the tree's physiology, in which climatic stress factors induce a cambial dormancy in trees and, in consequence, growth zones in the trunk. Current analysis evaluates the seasonal variation of the diameter increase of V. divergens specimens in a seasonal floodable forest of the Northern Brazilian Pantanal. Field sampling was conducted between January and December 2012. Air temperature, relative humidity and precipitation were measured at a micrometeorological station, water level was measured by graded tape, and soil water content was measured by a portable TDR sensor. Diameter growth was monitored by dendrometric bands and aboveground litter production was sampled by litter traps. The annual diameter increase was 4.0 mm. There was correlation between diameter increment and climate and phenology, with the highest increase during the flooding period and the lowest during the dry season and reproductive period. Climate and phenology affected the growth rhythm of V. divergens.

O Pantanal é a maior area úmida do mundo, com alta diversidade de plantas e animais, mas vastas áreas são invadidas por Vochysia divergens Pohl (Vochysiaceae), que é uma árvore pioneira bem adaptada à inundação e nativa de matas ripárias e cerrado. A sazonalidade da chuva leva a ritmos anuais na fisiologia das árvores em que fatores de estresse climático induzem à dormência cambial e, consequentemente às zonas de crescimento no caule. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a variação sazonal do incremento diamétrico de indivíduos de V. divergens em uma floresta sazonalmente inundável no pantanal norte. As coletas ocorreram de janeiro a dezembro/2012. A temperatura do ar, umidade relativa e precipitação foram obtidas por estação micrometeorológica, o nível de água no solo por trena graduada e o conteúdo de água no solo por sensor TDR. O incremento diamétrico foi monitorado por bandas dendrométricas e a produção de liteira por coletores. O incremento diamétrico anual foi 4,0 mm. Houve correlação do incremento diamétrico com clima e fenologia, com maior incremento na inundação e menor na estação seca e no período reprodutivo da espécie. Portanto, o ritmo de crescimento de V. divergens foi afetado pelo clima e fenologia.

Patrones de distribución de especies arbóreas de dosel y sotobosque a escala local en bosques de tierra firme, Amazonia colombiana / Distribution patterns of canopy and understory tree species at local scale in a Tierra Firme forest, the Colombian Amazonia

The effect of environmental variation on the structure of tree communities in tropical forests is still under debate. There is evidence that in landscapes like Tierra Firme forest, where the environmental gradient decreases at a local level, the effect of soil on the distribution patterns of plant species is minimal, happens to be random or is due to biological processes. In contrast, in studies with different kinds of plants from tropical forests, a greater effect on floristic composition of varying soil and topography has been reported. To assess this, the current study was carried out in a permanent plot of ten hectares in the Amacayacu National Park, Colombian Amazonia. To run the analysis, floristic and environmental variations were obtained according to tree species abundance categories and growth forms. In order to quantify the role played by both environmental filtering and dispersal limitation, the variation of the spatial configuration was included. We used Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis, followed by a variation partitioning, to analyze the species distribution patterns. The spatial template was evaluated using the Principal Coordinates of Neighbor Matrix method. We recorded 14 074 individuals from 1 053 species and 80 families. The most abundant families were Myristicaceae, Moraceae, Meliaceae, Arecaceae and Lecythidaceae, coinciding with other studies from Northwest Amazonia. Beta diversity was relatively low within the plot. Soils were very poor, had high aluminum concentration and were predominantly clayey. The floristic differences explained along the ten hectares plot were mainly associated to biological processes, such as dispersal limitation. The largest proportion of community variation in our dataset was unexplained by either environmental or spatial data. In conclusion, these results support random processes as the major drivers of the spatial variation of tree species at a local scale on Tierra Firme forests of Amacayacu National Park, and suggest reserve´s size as a key element to ensure the conservation of plant diversity at both regional and local levels.

El efecto de la variación ambiental en la estructura de las comunidades arbóreas en bosques tropicales, aún se debate. En paisajes como los bosques de tierra firme, donde el gradiente ambiental disminuye, el efecto de los suelos sobre los patrones de distribución de especies es mínimo. En contraste, un mayor efecto de la variación edáfica y topográfica sobre la composición florística, se ha reportado en estudios con diferentes tipos de plantas en bosques tropicales. Este estudio se realizó en diez hectáreas de una parcela permanente. Se evaluó el efecto de la variación ambiental y la configuración espacial sobre los patrones florísticos de las especies arbóreas a escala local, según el estado de desarrollo y categorías de abundancia relativa. Se registraron 14 074 individuos de 1 053 especies y 80 familias. Los suelos son ácidos, presentan altas concentraciones de Aluminio y son predominantemente arcillosos. La diversidad beta fue baja. Las diferencias florísticas explicadas fueron asociadas con procesos biológicos espacialmente estructurados, particularmente, con la limitación en dispersión. Aunque, la mayor parte de la variación no fue explicada por las variables consideradas. Estos resultados sugieren que procesos aleatorios son determinantes esenciales de la variación florística en bosques de tierra firme de la amazonia.

Logging impacts on forest structure and seedling dynamics in a Prioria copaifera (Fabaceae) dominated tropical rain forest (Talamanca, Costa Rica) / Impactos de la extracción en la estructura y la dinámica de plántulas en un bosque tropical dominado por Prioria copaifera (Fabaceae), (Talamanca, Costa Rica)

The factors that determine the existence of tropical forests dominated by a single species (monodominated forests) have been the subject of debate for a long time. It has been hypothesized that the low frequency of disturbances in monodominated forests and the tolerance to shade of the monodominant species are two important factors explaining the prolonged dominance of a single species. We determined the role of these two factors by examining the effects of logging activities on the floristic composition and seedling dynamics in a Prioria copaifera dominated forest in Southeastern Costa Rica. We determined the floristic composition for trees ≥2.5cm DBH and the associated recruitment, survival and mortality of tree canopy seedlings in two sites logged two (L-02) and 12 years (L-12) prior to sampling and an unlogged forest (ULF). Our results showed that L-02 stands had lower species richness (25 species) than the L-12 and ULF stands (49 and 46 species, respectively). As expected, we found significant logging effects on the canopy structure of the altered forests, particularly when comparing the L-02 and the ULF stands. Seedling density was higher in ULF (0.96 seedlings/m²) than in the L-02and L-12 stands (0.322 and 0.466 seedlings/m², respectively). However, seedling mortality was higher in the ULF stands (54%) than in the L-02 (26%) and L-12 (15%) stands. P. macroloba in L-02 was the only species with abundant regeneration under P. copaifera in L-02 stand, where it accounted for 35% of the seedlings. Despite the reduction in seedling abundance observed after logging, P. copaifera seems to maintain large seedling populations in these forests, suggesting that this species maintains its dominance after logging disturbances. Our findings challenge the hypothesis that the regeneration of monodominant species is not likely to occur under heavily disturbed canopy conditions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 347-357. Epub 2014 March 01.

La determinación de los factores responsables de la existencia de bosques tropicales dominados por una sola especie (bosques monodominados) ha sido motivo de debate por largo tiempo. Se ha propuesto que la baja frecuencia de alteraciones en esos bosques y la tolerancia a la sombra de las plántulas de la especie monodominante son dos de los factores que contribuyen a explicar la prolongada dominancia de una sola especie en estos bosques. Se estudió el rol de estos dos factores evaluando el efecto de la extracción de madera sobre la composición florística y la supervivencia y crecimiento de plántulas en un bosque dominado por Prioria copaifera en la región sureste de Costa Rica. Para ello se determinó la composición florística de los árboles con un diámetro a la altura de pecho (DAP) ≥2.5cm y el reclutamiento, supervivencia y mortalidad de las plántulas de especies arbóreas en sitios donde se extrajo madera dos (L-02) y doce años (L-12) antes de este estudio y un sitio del que nunca se ha extraído madera (ULF). Nuestros resultados muestran que los bosques L-02 tienen una riqueza de especies menor (25 especies) que los bosques L-12 y ULF (49 y 46 especies, respectivamente). Como era de esperar, la extracción de madera tuvo efectos significativos en la estructura del dosel del bosque, particularmente al comparar los bosques L-02 y ULF. La densidad de plántulas fue mayor en bosques ULF (0.96 plántulas/m²) que en L-02 y L-12 (0.322 and 0.466 plántulas/m², respectivamente). Sin embargo, la mortalidad de plántulas fue mayor en ULF (54%) que en L-02 (26%) y L-12 (15%). Pentachletra macroloba fue la única especie que mostró abundante regeneración bajo P. copaifera en parcelas L-02, representando el 35% las plántulas encontradas. A pesar de la reducción de la abundancia de plántulas observada después de la extracción de madera, P. copaifera parece capaz de mantener grandes poblaciones de plántulas en estos bosques. Estos resultados sugieren que P. copaifera puede mantener su dominancia después de las alteraciones causadas por la extracción de madera. Nuestros resultados no apoyan la hipótesis de que la regeneración de las especies monodominates es menos probable cuando el dosel del bosque sufre fuertes alteraciones.

Forest biomass variation in Southernmost Brazil: the impact of Araucaria trees / Variación de la biomasa forestal en el sur de Brasil: impacto de los árboles de Araucaria

A variety of environmental and biotic factors determine vegetation growth and affect plant biomass accumulation. From temperature to species composition, aboveground biomass storage in forest ecosystems is influenced by a number of variables and usually presents a high spatial variability. With this focus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the variables affecting live aboveground forest biomass (AGB) in Subtropical Moist Forests of Southern Brazil, and to analyze the spatial distribution of biomass estimates. Data from a forest inventory performed in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, was used in the present study. Thirty-eight 1-ha plots were sampled and all trees with DBH ≥9.5cm were included for biomass estimation. Values for aboveground biomass were obtained using published allometric equations. Environmental and biotic variables (elevation, rainfall, temperature, soils, stem density and species diversity) were obtained from the literature or calculated from the dataset. For the total dataset, mean AGB was 195.2Mg/ha. Estimates differed between Broadleaf and Mixed Coniferous-Broadleaf forests: mean AGB was lower in Broadleaf Forests (AGB BF=118.9Mg/ha) when compared to Mixed Forests (AGB MF=250.3Mg/ha). There was a high spatial and local variability in our dataset, even within forest types. This condition is normal in tropical forests and is usually attributed to the presence of large trees. The explanatory multiple regressions were influenced mainly by elevation and explained 50.7% of the variation in AGB. Stem density, diversity and organic matter also influenced biomass variation. The results from our study showed a positive relationship between aboveground biomass and elevation. Therefore, higher values of AGB are located at higher elevations and subjected to cooler temperaturas and wetter climate. There seems to be an important contribution of the coniferous species Araucaria angustifolia in Mixed Forest plots, as it presented significantly higher biomass than angiosperm species. In Brazil, this endangered species is part of a high diversity forest (Araucaria Forest) and has the potential for biomass storage. The results of the present study show the spatial and local variability in aboveground biomass in subtropical forests and highlight the importance of these ecosystems in global carbon stock, stimulating the improvement of future biomass estimates. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 359-372. Epub 2014 March 01.

Una variedad de factores ambientales y bióticos determinan el crecimiento de la vegetación y afectan la acumulación de biomasa vegetal. Desde la temperatura hasta la composición de especies, en los ecosistemas forestales el almacenamiento de la biomasa aérea se ve influenciada por una serie de variables, razón por la cual generalmente presenta una alta variabilidad espacial. De acuerdo a esto, el objetivo del estudio es analizar las variables que afectan la biomasa área (en Inglés, aboveground forest biomass - AGB) en los bosques húmedos subtropicales del sur de Brasil y analizar su distribución espacial. Para el estudio se utilizaron los datos de un inventario forestal realizado en el estado de Rio Grande del Sur, sur de Brasil. Se evaluaron bosques de hoja ancha (Broadleaf forests) y bosques mixtos de hoja ancha y coníferas (Mixed Coniferous-Broadleaf forests). Además, se tomaron muestras de 38 parcelas de 1 ha y para la estimación de la biomasa se incluyeron todos los árboles con DAP ≥9.5cm. Los valores para la biomasa aérea se obtuvieron con ecuaciones alométricas publicadas. Las variables ambientales y bióticas (altitud, precipitación, temperatura, suelo, densidad de los troncos y diversidad de especies) se obtuvieron de la literatura o se han calculado a partir del conjunto de datos. Para el conjunto de datos, el AGB medio fue 195.2Mg/ha. Las estimaciones difieren entre los bosques de hoja ancha y los bosques mixtos de hoja ancha y coníferas: el AGB promedio fue menor en los bosques de hoja ancha (AGB BF=118.9Mg/ha) en comparación con los bosques mixtos (AGB MF=250.3Mg/ha). Hubo una alta variabilidad espacial y local en la base de datos, incluso dentro de los tipos de bosques. Esta condición es normal en los bosques tropicales y por lo general se atribuye a la presencia de grandes árboles. La regresión múltiple fue influenciada principalmente por la altitud y explicó 50.7% de la variación en AGB. La densidad, diversidad y materia orgánica también influyeron en la variación de biomasa. Los resultados mostraron una relación positiva entre la biomasa sobre el suelo y la altitud. Por lo tanto, los valores más altos de AGB se encuentran en altitudes mayores y se someten a temperaturas más bajas y un clima más húmedo. Parece que hay una importante contribución de las coníferas Araucaria angustifolia en las parcelas de bosques mixto, ya que tienen una biomasa significativamente mayor que las especies de angiospermas. En Brasil, esta especie en peligro de extinción es parte de un bosque de gran diversidad (Bosque de Araucaria) y tiene el potencial de almacenamiento de la biomasa. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran la variabilidad espacial y local de la biomasa aérea en los bosques subtropicales, destacan la importancia de estos ecosistemas en el almacenamiento global del carbono, y estimulan la mejora de futuras estimaciones de biomasa.

Anatomía de anillos de crecimiento de 80 especies arbóreas potenciales para estudios dendrocronológicos en la Selva Central, Perú / Anatomic characterization of growth-rings in 80 potential tree species for dendrocronological studies in the Central forest, Perú

The knowledge about the existence of annual tree rings in tropical trees, which was already found at the beginning of the last century, was ignored by many scientists for a long time. Wood samples of 80 tree species from seven different sites belonging to Satipo and Chanchamayo provinces in Central Forest, Perú. Wood slices were taken at 1.30m height, following the Peruvian Technical Norms (NTP) 251-008, COPANT norms 30:1-019 and IAWA (1989). Results showed that 24 of the 80 tree species analyzed showed a potential for dendrocronological studies, 25 had problems for growth-rings analysis, and 31 did not have potential. The problems most frequently found were: barely visible or irregular ring growth, parenchyma bands and multiseriate rays difficult to be identified in rings growth. The “T” Student test showed that the significant variation in vessel and fiber diameters between growth zones (Early-wood and late-wood) of species with potential for dendrocronology, do have a periodic cells production, so is possible to suggest the annual formation of each growth-ring. However, those species without potential to dendrocronology may be influenced by of a lot of factors, such as biotic and abiotic conditions of environment, as well as the genetic aspect of each species.

El conocimiento acerca de la existencia de anillos anuales en árboles tropicales, se conoce desde principios del siglo pasado, pero fue ignorado por muchos científicos durante largo tiempo. La investigación fue realizada en el Laboratorio de Tecnología de la Madera e Industrias Forestales de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, con la finalidad de caracterizar anatómicamente los anillos de crecimiento de 80 especies arbóreas potenciales para estudios dendrocronológicos; provenientes de las provincias de Satipo y Chanchamayo en la Selva Central del Perú. Para el estudio se consideraron las normas COPANT 30:1-019, Normas Técnicas Peruanas (NTP) 251-008 y la Lista Estándar de la IAWA 1989. Entre los resultados más sobresalientes tenemos: el 30% de las ochenta especies estudiadas tienen buen potencial para estudios dendrocronológicos. La mayoría de estas especies, están delimitadas por una banda de fibras acortadas radialmente. Entre los problemas encontrados, se puede destacar la presencia de anillos con dificultad para ser visualizados, la presencia de anillos irregulares y la presencia de parénquima en bandas. Las características microscópicas, muestran que la variación significativa en dimensiones de fibras y vasos entre zonas de crecimiento (madera temprana y madera tardía), de las especies potenciales para dendrocronología, tienen una producción de células en forma periódica, lo que podría sugerir la formación anual de cada anillo.

Identification of endangered or threatened Costa Rican tree species by wood anatomy and fluorescence activity / Identificación de especies de árboles en peligro o amenazadas de Costa Rica basada en la anatomía de la madera y fluorescencia

A total of 45 native Costa Rican tree species are threatened or in danger of extinction, but the Convention on International Trade Endangered Species (CITES) includes only eight of these in its Appendices. However, the identification of other species based on their wood anatomy is limited. The present study objective was to describe and to compare wood anatomy and fluorescence activity in some endangered or threatened species of Costa Rica. A total of 45 (22 endangered and 23 threatened with extinction) wood samples of these species, from the xylaria of the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica and the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, were examined. Surface fluorescence was positive in eight species, water extract fluorescence was positive in six species and ethanol extract fluorescence was positive in 24 species. Almost all species were diffuse porous except for occasional (Cedrela odorata, C. fissilis, Cordia gerascanthus) or regular (C. salvadorensis and C. tonduzii) semi-ring porosity. A dendritic vessel arrangement was found in Sideroxylon capari, and pores were solitary in Guaiacum sanctum and Vantanea barbourii. Vessel element length was shortest in Guaiacum sanctum and longest in Humiriastrum guianensis, Minquartia guianensis and Vantanea barbourii. Finally, anatomical information and fluorescence activity were utilized to construct an identification key of species, in which fluorescence is a feature used in identification.

Un total de 45 especies de árboles de Costa Rica se catalogaron como amenazadas o en peligro de extinción, de las cuales, CITES (Convention on International Trade Endangered Species) incluye solamente ocho en sus Apéndices. Sin embargo, la identificación de las especies basadas en su anatomía es muy limitada. El presente estudio tiene el objetivo describir y comparar la anatomía y la fluorescencia de las especies amenazadas o en peligro de extinción de Costa Rica. Muestras de madera de las especies en peligro de extinción o amenazadas de la xiloteca del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica y del Laboratorio de Productos Forestales de los Estados Unidos en Wisconsin se examinaron, se describió su anatomía, se evaluó su actividad fluorescente y se midió su densidad. La superficie de la madera fue fluorescente en ocho especies, el extracto en agua fue fluorescente en seis especies y el extracto en etanol fue positivo en 24 especies. Muchas de las especies presentaban porosidad difusa, excepto algunas Cedrela odorata, C. fissilis, Cordia gerascanthus C. salvadorensis y C. tonduzii que presentaban porosidad semi-anular. Vasos con distribución déndrica se encontró en Sideroxylon capari y poros solitarios en Guaiacum sanctum y Vantanea barbourii. Los vasos más cortos se encontraron en Guaiacum sanctum y los vasos más largos en Humiriastrum guianensis, Minquartia guianensis y Vantanea barbourii. Finalmente, la información de la anatomía y de su fluorescencia se utilizó para construir una clave de identificación, donde la actividad de fluorescencia juega un papel importante en la identificación.

Changes in structure and composition of evergreen forests on an altitudinal gradient in the Venezuelan Guayana Shield

There have been several ecological studies in forests of the Guayana Shield, but so far none had examined the changes in structure and composition of evergreen forests with altitude. This study describes and analyzes the structure, species composition and soil characteristics of forest stands at different altitudinal zones in Southeastern Venezuelan Guayana, in order to explain the patterns and the main factors that determine the structure and composition of evergreen forests along the altitudinal gradient. Inventories of 3 948 big (>10cm DBH) and 1 328 small (5-10cm DBH) woody stems were carried out in eleven plots, ranging from 0.1 to 1.0ha, along a 188km long transect with elevations between 290 and 1 395masl. It has been found that 1) hemiepihytes become more dominant and lianas reduce their dominance with increasing altitude and 2) the forest structure in the study area is size-dependent. Five families and 12 genera represented only 9% of the total number of families and genera, respectively, recorded troughout the gradient, but the two groups of taxa comprised more than 50% of the Importance Value (the sum of the relative density and the relative dominance) of all measured stems. Moreover, the results suggest that low species richness seems to be associated with the dominance of one or few species. Stand-level wood density (WD) of trees decreased significantly with increasing elevation. WD is an indicator of trees’life history strategy. Its decline suggests a change in the functional composition of the forest with increasing altitude. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated a distinction of the studied forests on the basis of their altitudinal levels and geographic location, and revealed different ecological responses by the forests, to environmental variables along the altitudinal gradient. The variation in species composition, in terms of basal area among stands, was controlled primarily by elevation and secondarily ...

A pesar de los diversos estudios ecológicos realizados en los bosques del Escudo de Guayana, ninguno de ellos había analizado hasta ahora los cambios en la composición y estructura de bosques siempreverdes que ocurren al incrementar la altitud. Con el fin de identificar patrones y factores determinantes de la estructura y la composición de bosques en un gradiente altitudinal (290-1 395msnm) en el sudeste de Venezuela se realizaron inventarios de 3 948 fustes grandes (>10cm DAP) y 1 328 pequeños (5-10cm DAP) en once parcelas a lo largo de un transecto de 188km. Con el incremento de la altitud, el área basal aumenta en las hemiepífitas y disminuye en las lianas. Las familias y los géneros más importantes representaron una reducida proporción del total de taxones, pero abarcaron más del 50% del Valor de Importancia. Bajos valores de riqueza se asocian con la dominancia de pocas especies. La densidad de madera decrece significativamente a mayor altitud, y sugiere un cambio en la composición funcional. Existen diferentes respuestas ecológicas de los rodales ante cambios físico-ambientales. La variación de la composición de especies en el gradiente fue controlada por altitud, lluvia y condiciones edáficas; pero se desconoce el efecto de otros factores no considerados como régimen de perturbaciones, interacciones biológicas, productividad e historia de dispersión. La variabilidad observada en la estructura y la composición de bosques en el gradiente parece ser un resultado del efecto combinado de diferentes climas y procesos locales aleatorios que interactúan en un complejo paisaje.

Modeling radiative transfer in tropical rainforest canopies: sensitivity of simulated albedo to canopy architectural and optical parameters

This study evaluates the sensitivity of the surface albedo simulated by the Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS) to a set of Amazonian tropical rainforest canopy architectural and optical parameters. The parameters tested in this study are the orientation and reflectance of the leaves of upper and lower canopies in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral bands. The results are evaluated against albedo measurements taken above the K34 site at the INPA (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia) Cuieiras Biological Reserve. The sensitivity analysis indicates a strong response to the upper canopy leaves orientation (x up) and to the reflectivity in the near-infrared spectral band (rNIR,up), a smaller sensitivity to the reflectivity in the visible spectral band (rVIS,up) and no sensitivity at all to the lower canopy parameters, which is consistent with the canopy structure. The combination of parameters that minimized the Root Mean Square Error and mean relative error are Xup = 0.86, rVIS,up = 0.062 and rNIR,up = 0.275. The parameterizations performed resulted in successful simulations of tropical rainforest albedo by IBIS, indicating its potential to simulate the canopy radiative transfer for narrow spectral bands and permitting close comparison with remote sensing products.

Este estudo avalia a sensibilidade do albedo da superfície pelo Simulador Integrado da Biosfera (IBIS) a um conjunto de parâmetros que representam algumas propriedades arquitetônicas e óticas do dossel da floresta tropical Amazônica. Os parâmetros testados neste estudo são a orientação e refletância das folhas do dossel superior e inferior nas bandas espectrais do visível (VIS) e infravermelho próximo (NIR). Os resultados são avaliados contra observações feitas no sítio K34 pertencente ao Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) na Reserva Biológica de Cuieiras. A análise de sensibilidade indica uma forte resposta aos parâmetros de orientação das folhas do dossel superior (x up ) e à refletância na banda do infravermelho próximo (pNIR,up), uma menor sensibilidade à refletância na banda espectral do visível (pVISup) e nenhuma sensibilidade aos parâmetros da parte inferior do dossel, o que é consistente com a estrutura do dossel. A combinação de parâmetros que minimizaram a raiz do erro quadrado médio e o erro relativo médio são Xup= 0, 86, pVISup = 0, 062 e pNIR,up = 0, 275. As parametrizações realizadas resultaram em simulações bem sucedidas do albedo de floresta tropical pelo IBIS, indicando seu potencial para simular a transferência radiativa do dossel para bandas espectrais estreitas, permitindo a comparação com produtos de sensoriamento remoto.

Allometry of some woody plant species in a Brazilian savanna after two years of a dry season fire / Alometria de espécies lenhosas de cerrado dois anos após um incêndio

Studies of allometry are important in explaining effects of fire and herbivory, for estimating biomass in forests, and so on. There has been extensive research on plant allometry in temperate and tropical forests, showing that plant architecture often adjusts to the elastic similarity model, but not in Brazilian savannas (cerrado). We studied allometry of Dalbergia miscolobium, Diospyros hispida, Erythroxylum suberosum, Miconia albicans, M. ligustroides, Schefflera vinosa, and Xylopia aromatica in a cerrado sensu stricto area that was affected by a fire in August 2006. We expected that the study species would not adjust to any of the allometric models considered common for forest species ("constant stress", "elastic similarity", and "geometric growth"), and that there would be differences in allometry in burnt and unburnt patches. We sampled two species in 60 5 × 5 m contiguous plots placed in three transects, and five species in 100 5 × 5 m contiguous plots placed in five transects, where we measured the diameters at soil level (DSL) and the heights of all shoots. We used standardized major axis regressions on log-transformed data. The regression slope between the height and DSL was higher than 1.0 (p < 0.05) for four species, showing a greater height than would be expected under geometric growth, not predicted by theoretical models. We found significant differences (p < 0.05) in regression slopes and/or correlation coefficients between burnt and unburnt plots for five species, indicating that fire may influence plant allometry in the Brazilian cerrado, and that such a response is highly variable between species.

Estudos de alometria são importantes para interpretar o efeito de fogo e da herbivoria, para estimar biomassa em florestas, entre outros. Há diversos estudos em florestas temperadas e tropicais, mostrando que as plantas desses ecossistemas frequentemente ajustam-se ao modelo de similaridade elástica; mas quase não há estudos realizados no cerrado. Estudamos a alometria de Dalbergia miscolobium, Diospyros hispida, Erythroxylum suberosum, Miconia albicans, M. ligustroides, Schefflera vinosa e Xylopia aromatica em um fragmento de cerrado sensu stricto, afetado de maneira heterogênea por um incêndio em agosto de 2006. Esperávamos que as espécies não se ajustassem a quaisquer dos modelos considerados comuns para espécies florestais ("estresse constante", "similaridade elástica" e "crescimento geométrico"), e que haveria diferenças significativas entre manchas atingidas pelo fogo e as não atingidas. Amostramos duas espécies em 60 parcelas contíguas de 5 × 5 m dispostas em três transectos e cinco espécies em 100 parcelas contíguas de 5 × 5 m dispostas em cinco transectos, dentro das quais medimos o diâmetro à altura do solo (DAS) e a altura de todos os caules. Usamos regressões do tipo eixo principal reduzido sobre logaritmos dos dados. A inclinação da regressão foi maior do que 1,0 (p < 0,05) para quatro espécies, mostrando uma altura maior do que seria esperada sob crescimento geométrico. Esse padrão não é previsto por modelos teóricos. Encontramos diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) nos coeficientes de inclinação e/ou de correlação entre parcelas queimadas e não queimadas para cinco espécies; generalizamos que o fogo pode influenciar a alometria de plantas do cerrado, sendo que essa resposta pode variar entre espécies.

Slope variation and population structure of tree species from different ecological groups in South Brazil

Size structure and spatial arrangement of 13 abundant tree species were determined in a riparian forest fragment inParaná State, South Brazil (23"16'S and 51"01'W). The studied species were Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Astronium graveolens Jacq. and Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms (emergent species); Alseis floribunda Schott, Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. and Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (shade-intolerant canopy species); Machaerium paraguariense Hassl, Myroxylum peruiferum L. and Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler ex Miq.) Engl. (shade-tolerant canopy species); Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Bürger, Trichilia casaretti C. Dc, Trichilia catigua A. Juss. and Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (understory small trees species). Height and diameter structures and basal area of species were analyzed. Spatial patterns and slope correlation were analyzed by Moran's / spatial autocorrelation coefficient and partial Mantel test, respectively. The emergent and small understory species showed the highest and the lowest variations in height, diameter and basal area. Size distribution differed among emergent species and also among canopy shade-intolerant species. The spatial pattern ranged among species in all groups, except in understory small tree species. The slope was correlated with spatial pattern for A. polyneuron, A. graveolens, A. floribunda, R. laxiflora, M. peruiferum and T. casaretti. The results indicated that most species occurredin specific places, suggesting that niche differentiation can be an important factor in structuring the tree community.

Visando contribuir para o conhecimento das estratégias devida de espécies em fragmentos florestais, foram determinadas as estruturas de tamanho e espacial de 13 espécies arbóreas do remanescente de floresta ciliar no Estado do Paraná, no Sul do Brasil (23"16'S e 51"01'W). Foram analisadas as espécies: Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg., Astronium graveolens Jacq. e Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms, (emergentes); Alseis floribunda Schott, Ruprechtia laxiflora Meisn. e Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (dossel, intolerantes à sombra); Machaerium paraguariense Hassl, Myroxylum peruiferum L. e Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler exMiq.) Engl. (dossel, tolerantes à sombra); Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) Bürger, Trichilia casaretti C. Dc, Trichilia catigua A. Juss. e Actinostemon concolor (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. (subosque). Analisou-se a estrutura de diâmetro de cada espécie. Para a análise do padrão espacial e correlação com adeclividade foram utilizados o Índice de Autocorrelação espacial de Moran e o Teste Parcial de Mantel, respectivamente. Os grupos das árvores emergentes e das espécies de subosque apresentaram as maiores e as menores variações na altura e no diâmetro e maior e menor área basal, respectivamente. Diferenças nas estruturas de diâmetro foram observadas entre as espécies emergentes e entre as espécies de dossel intolerantes à sombra. O padrão espacial variou entre as espécies de todos os grupos, exceto as espécies de subosque tolerantes à sombra. A topografia estava relacionada com a distribuição espacial de A. polyneuron, A. graveolens, A. floribunda, R. laxiflora, M. peruiferum e T. casaretti. A análise dos resultados indicou que para cada espécie a maioria dos indivíduos ocorriam em locais específicos, sugerindo que a diferenciação de nicho pode estar relacionada à estruturação desta comunidade arbórea.