Abstract
The objective of this work was to elevate gradient effect on diversity of Collembola, in a temperate forest on the northeast slope of Iztaccíhuatl Volcano, Mexico. Four expeditions were organized from November 2003 to August 2004, at four altitudes (2,753, 3,015, 3,250 and 3,687 m a.s.l.). In each site, air temperature, CO2 concentration, humidity, and terrain inclination were measured. The influence of abiotic factors on faunal composition was evaluated, at the four collecting sites, with canonical correspondence analyses (CCA). A total of 24,028 specimens were obtained, representing 12 families, 44 genera and 76 species. Mesaphorura phlorae, Proisotoma ca. tenella and Parisotoma ca. notabilis were the most abundant species. The highest diversity and evenness were recorded at 3,250 m (H' = 2.85; J' = 0.73). Canonical analyses axes 1 and 2 of the CCA explained 67.4% of the variance in species composition, with CO2 and altitude best explaining axis 1, while slope and humidity were better correlated to axis 2. The results showed that CO2 is an important factor to explain Collembola species assemblage, together with slope and humidity.
Highlights
Altitude is a very important parameter to understand the distribution of plants and animals
The patterns of diversity and distribution of vascular plants, birds, mammals and ants are influenced by altitude. These groups show a clear decrease in species diversity and abundance as one moves up along the altitudinal gradient (Heaney, 2001; O’Donnell & Kumar, 2006)
We studied the Collembola communities in an elevational gradient, on the northeast slope of the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano, in order to understand how those communities are distributed in a temperate ecosystem
Summary
Altitude is a very important parameter to understand the distribution of plants and animals. The patterns of diversity and distribution of vascular plants, birds, mammals and ants are influenced by altitude. These groups show a clear decrease in species diversity and abundance as one moves up along the altitudinal gradient (Heaney, 2001; O’Donnell & Kumar, 2006). Some important studies on altitudinal behavior of microarthropods were done by Sadaka & Ponge (2003) and Jing et al (2005) in Morocco and Tibet, respectively. In these studies, the authors took into account elevation and humidity.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
