POPULATION STRUCTURE AND DENSITY OF Attalea phalerata MART. EX SPRENG. (ARECACEAE) IN A SEMIDECIDUOUS FOREST
Resumo
The structure of a population can be seen as the result of biotic and abiotic interacting forces. The studies of population characteristics are vital to improve the understanding of ecosystem functioning. In this study, we attempted to answer the two following questions: What are the population structure of Attalea phalerata? and Are there any influence of reproducers presence, canopy openness, declivity, basal area and soil coverage on recruitment of individuals in this population? We distinguished four ontogenetic stages in A. phalerata. Reproducers and virgins were sampled by using 25 plots (400 m²), juveniles and seedlings were sampled in sub-plots (100 m²). We found 2,328 Attalea phalerata individuals per hectare, first two ontogenetic stages accounted for 89.8% of the total, describing a relatively stable population. None of the analyzed factors were affecting the natural regeneration of Attalea phalerata in the fragment. The density and distribution pattern found for the population are probably signs of formation of oligarchic forests, moreover, the species seems to be able to colonize clearings and open areas.
Keywords: Canopy openness, Hemispherical photography and Population ecology.
Downloads
Publicado
Como Citar
Edição
Seção
Licença
Todos os autores concordaram com a submissão do trabalho à Revista Árvore e concederam a licença exclusiva para publicação do artigo. Os autores afirmam que se trata de um trabalho original, e que não foi publicado anteriormente em outros meios. O conteúdo científico e as opiniões expressas no artigo são de responsabilidade total dos autores e refletem sua opinião, não representando, necessariamente, as opiniões do corpo editorial da Revista Árvore ou da Sociedade de Investigações Florestais (SIF).