Abstract
The Amazon is a Neotropical region that features various types of phytophysiognomies subject to multiple environmental filters. The Amazonian Savanna and Ombrophilous Forest areas support complex ecosystem functions and are sensitive to biotic and abiotic disturbances. The low availability of nutrients and water, along with the high solar exposure these vegetations experience, impose rigorous environmental filters that affect species distribution. Plant species with structural and functional adaptations can occur in specific locations due to environmental characteristics. We investigated potential variations in the functional leaf traits of congeneric species of Tachigali and Pouteria in different tree community vegetation types in savanna and forest areas in Central Amazon. For this purpose, using standard optical microscopy techniques and statistical models, we analyzed 9 congeneric species, with 3 individuals per species, of woody congeners from Ombrophilous Forest and Amazonian Savanna, both located in the state of Pará, Brazil. Fifteen anatomical traits, both quantitative and qualitative, possessing functional significance were evaluated by comparing tissues between forest and savanna plants, employing ANOVA and ordination analyses. The results indicate that variations in environmental conditions within different vegetation types might be linked to morphophysiological adjustments and strategies in leaves to resist environmental conditions. Species from the Amazonian Savanna present traits more related to conservative characteristics related to water retention and drought resistance, demonstrating a degree of leaf xeromorphism with greater thickness of leaves, palisade parenchyma and epidermal cells. On the other hand, forest species exhibited traits more related to acquisitive and diversified resource strategies, which may be characteristic of the greater availability of light, water and nutrients existing in this environment. The results show considerable variation in leaf traits among forested and savanna formations, and variations in leaf characteristics are expected to be essential for the survival and development of tree species within each type of vegetation.
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