Environmental factors shaping structure and their limited influence on floristic composition in tropical montane forests of southern Ecuador
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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5814-8329
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Tropical montane forests harbor high biodiversity and develop under heterogeneous topographic, climatic, and soil conditions. However, the influence of these environmental factors on their ecological dynamics remains poorly understood. This study was conducted to provide baseline information on the mechanisms underlying biodiversity in this complex mountain landscape. Specifically, we aimed to: (i) determine the floristic composition and forest structure of these ecosystems, and (ii) evaluate the effect of environmental gradients on species floristic composition and structural attributes in southern Ecuador. Across six localities, the tree community was sampled (composition, basal area, density, diameter, and maximum height) and edaphic, climatic, and topographic properties were characterized at the subplot level. Four discrete floristic groups and marked structural differences were identified among the evaluated forests. Environmental factors (mainly elevation and pH) explained a minor fraction of the floristic variation. In contrast, slope, elevation (associated with precipitation, temperature, and evapotranspiration gradients), and soil properties (depth, CEC, texture, and acidity) significantly modulated forest structure. We conclude that environmental factors determine density, biomass, and canopy height in these ecosystems. However, their weak influence on floristic composition suggests that community assembly is primarily mediated by biotic interactions or stochastic processes.
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Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución-NoComercial 4.0.
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