Gradients in a Tropical Mountain Ecosystem of Ecuador [Hardcover]

A fascinating work that provides a wealth of information on one of the worlds most biodiverse ecosystems. This is the result of investigations by almost 30 groups of researchers from various disciplines. They performed ecosystem analyses following two gradients: an altitudinal gradient and a gradient of land use intensity and ecosystem regeneration following human use. Based on these analyses, this volume discusses these findings in a huge variety of subject areas.

A tropical mountain ecosystem in one of the hottest biodiversity hotspots worldwide was investigated by some 30 research teams of numerous disciplines in the 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 and biomass partitioning; floral composition and plant life forms; vegetation structure and dynamics; organismic interactions, diversity and population biology of 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.

Part I Introduction1 The Ecosystem (Reserva Biol?gica San Francisco)E. Beck, F. Makeschin, F. Haubrich, M. Richter, J. Bendix, C. Valerezo2 Mountain rain forests in southern Ecuador as a hotspot of biodiversity - Limited knowledge and diverging patternsG. Brehm, J. Homeier, K. Fiedler, I. Kottke, J. Illig, N.M. N?ske, F. Werner, S-W. Breckle3 The people settled around Podocarpus National ParkP. Pohle4 Ecuador suffers the highest deforestation rate in South AmericaR. Mosandll“7