Biotic Factors Affecting the Abundance of Vascular Epiphytic Bromeliads Growing in Cloud Forest in Reserva Biologica Los Cedros, Ecuador
Journal Title: Annual Research & Review in Biology - Year 2015, Vol 6, Issue 6
Abstract
Aims: In this paper we investigate whether the abundance of epiphytic bromeliads growing in cloud forest was affected by: (1) phorophyte family; (2) phorophyte size; and (3) the abundance of other epiphytes. Study Design: The abundance of bromeliads was compared on 35 random trees from each of the three most abundant tree families (Burseraceae, Moraceae and Clusiaceae) present within a study site consisted of a 25 m x 25 m riverine area, situated along the Rio Los Cedros, within the Reserva Los Cedros Biological Reserve. All trees and bromeliad species within the study area had previously been identified by staff from the National Herbarium of Ecuador and this information was made available to the authors. Verification of botanical identification was further supported on-site. Place and Duration of Study: A one month study at Reserva Biologica Los Cedros, near the town of Chontal, Pichincha Province NW Ecuador. Methodology: For each of the 105 trees sampled we recorded the following data: total number of bromeliads, number of each of the five most abundance species of bromeliads in the study area; tree family, tree diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, percent cover of vascular epiphytes; percent cover of non-vascular epiphytes. Data were collected non-invasively from ground level by using binoculars. Results: The results showed no evidence of phorophyte specificity amongst epiphytic bromeliads. However, larger phorophytes held more bromeliads irrespective of phorophyte family and even when supporting high abundances of other vascular epiphytes. Conclusion: We conclude that it is tree size and not the phorophyte species that is most important in driving high abundance and diversity in bromeliad communities. We also conclude that the bromeliad component of epiphyte communities is not affected by competition from other co-occurring epiphytes. Further research is needed to understand how species interactions within epiphyte communities drive epiphyte community assembly, dynamics and diversity.
Authors and Affiliations
M. Brown, A. Mariscal, M. A. Chinchero
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP353399
- DOI 10.9734/ARRB/2015/16044
- Views 93
- Downloads 0
Feeding Preferences and Control of a Pakistani Termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae)
Background: Feeding preferences of Odontotermes obesus on five different commercial wood species were studied under choice and no choice trials both in laboratory and field conditions. Feeding preferences as a quantitati...
Physiological Reaction of Erythrocytes’ Micro Rheological Peculiarities in Milk Fed Piglets after the Negative Impact of the Environment
One of physiologically significant and vulnerable stages of productive animals’ (including pigs) ontogenesis is the phase of milk feeding. Microcirculation is very significant for the common functional welfare of a body....
Molecular Characterization of Penicillium Isolates Using Rapd Technique
Molecular analyses were performed on 14 isolates of Penicillium species. The Penicillium isolates examined were collected from different localities and habitats of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and maintained on Czapek Dox's and...
Histopathologic Patterns of Adipocytic Tumours in University of Benin Teaching Hospital; a Twenty Year Retrospective Study
Introduction: Adipocytic (lipomatous) tumours have been described as soft tissue neoplasms composed of adipocytes at different stages of maturity. The predominant benign varieties are usually managed by surgical excision...
Photochemical oxidation of γ-exachlorocyclohexane and 4,4’- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene
Objectives: Utilization of the forbidden organochlorine pesticides demands searching of new ways of their neutralization. In such way there can be a photochemical oxidation of pesticides. As a re...