Frequency and abundance patterns of plant dispersal systems in Colombian forests and their relationships with the geographic regions of the country

Abstract

The study of plant dispersal systems improves our understanding of forest regeneration, the dynamics of plant populations and the ecological relationships that emerge within ecosystems. In this study we analyzed the patterns of seed dispersal systems for Colombia, in relation to the Amazonian, Andean, Caribbean, Upper Magdalena, Middle Magdalena, Orinoco and Pacific geographic regions. Based on information on identity and abundance of plants found in 101 one hectare vegetation plots, we explored the changes in the relative frequency and relative abundance of plant dispersal systems among the geographic regions. Additionally, we explored the floristic affinities between the regions, as well as the representativeness of families and genera per dispersal system. Endozoochory was highly represented at different taxonomic levels (species, genus, family), and its relative importance changed among the different geographic regions. Those changes could be explained by ecological differences between the regions.

Keywords

• abundancia relativa
• anemocoria
• endozoocoria
• frecuencia relativa
• Índice de Valor de Importancia
• afinidades florísticas
• sinzoocoria