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 113
- Downloads 0
Evaluation of Dietary Supplementation of Ammonium Sulphate on in vitro Gas Production and Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of WAD Ewes
Ammonium sulphate, a chemical compound was utilized to evaluate its potential through in vitro gas production technique and rumen fermentation characteristics as a rumen stimulator and mitigates methane gas. Four experim...
Effectiveness of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Endophytic Fungi in Soursop Leaves towards the Growth of Mammary Tumor Induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene in Female Rats
Aims: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungi isolated Sir G5 from soursop leaf (Annona muricata L.) in vivo breast tumor growth using Sprague-dawley (SD) female s...
The Effects of a Probiotic Dietary Supplementation on the Amino Acid and Mineral Composition of Broilers Meat
Commercially available probiotic “Vetosporin Active” was used in chicken broilers feed as an additive. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of a dietary probiotic supplementation on the amino acid and mineral...
Assessment of Flax Varieties for Drought Tolerance
Introduction: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the ancient yields cultivated for dual purposes (oil and fibers). Drought stress plays an important role in the productivity of the flax crop in the world. Methodolo...
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Abia State, Nigeria
Aims: The study determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in secondary schools in Abia State, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross-sectional school based survey was conducted among adolescents of Ab...