Gradients in a tropical mountain ecosystem of Ecuador

A tropical mountain ecosystem in one of the ‘hottest’ biodiversity hotspots worldwide was investigated by some 30 research teams of numerous disciplines inthe natural and social sciences. Ecosystem analysis followed two gradients: an altitudinal gradient and a gradient of land-use intensity and ecosystem regeneration, respectively. This volume addresses a multitude of ecologically relevant aspects: macro- and microclimate; physics, chemistry and biology of soils; water relations, matter turnover and nutrient availability; plant growth andbiomass partitioning; floral composition and plant life forms; vegetation structure and dynamics; organismic interactions, diversity and population biologyof birds, moths and microarthropods; forest management, and reforestation with indigenous species; ethnobotanical and social aspects. New hypotheses are presented with regard to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, as well as sustainable management of an ecosystem in a biodiversity hotspot. A comprehensive study on one of the ‘hottest’’ biodiversity hotspots worldwide INDICE: Part I Introduction.- Part II Gradients in ecosystem analysis.- Part III The altitudinal gradient.- Part III.1 Gradual changes along the altitudinal gradient.- Part III.2 Processes along and within the gradient.- Part III.3 Gradient heterogeneities.- Part III.3.A Spatial heterogeneities.- Part III.3.B Temporal heterogeneities.- Part IV Gradients of disturbance Part IV.1 Natural disturbances.- Part IV.2 Disturbance by human activities.- Part IV.2.A Planned disturbance as strategies for a sustainable use.- Part IV.2.B Disturbance by clearing the forest.- Part V Gradients of Regeneration.- Part VI Synopsis.

• ISBN: 978-3-540-73525-0
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 540
• Fecha Publicación: 01/01/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés