Plant community structure and function in a swamp forest within the Atlantic rain forest complex: a synthesis
ABSTRACT This paper synthesises a decade of research on a swamp forest within the Atlantic forest complex in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I propose that this swamp is a fragile ecosystem, since its diversity and functioning are highly dependent on a specific interaction between two functiona...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
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| Series: | Rodriguésia |
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| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2175-78602006000300491&lng=en&tlng=en |
| Summary: | ABSTRACT This paper synthesises a decade of research on a swamp forest within the Atlantic forest complex in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I propose that this swamp is a fragile ecosystem, since its diversity and functioning are highly dependent on a specific interaction between two functional groups: shade-providers (locally rare trees) and providers of safe germination sites (terrestrial bromeliads). This conclusion is based on a broad set of data regarding plant ecophysiology, population and community ecology and phytogeography, which I review here. I discuss the implications of these findings for conservation and restoration of swamps at the Atlantic forest complex. |
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| ISSN: | 2175-7860 |