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Abstract
We investigated relationships between population dynamics and microclimate, physiology, and the degree of mycorrhizal colonization, for three species (Piscidia piscipula L.(Sarg.)) (Fabaceae), Bunchosia swartziana Griseb. (Malpighiaceae) and Psidium sartorianum (Bergius) Nied. (Myrtaceae)) of a tropical sub deciduous forest in Yucatan, Mexico that were growing in plots of different successional ages. We hypothesized that abundance and persistence were related to increased plasticity in CO2 assimilation. We found that Piscidia piscipula had greater abundance in intermediate plots (18 to 21 years), presented higher levels of plasticity in CO2 assimilation (greater variability among individuals, plots, and seasons), presented the highest CO2 assimilation rates, and presented greater drought resistance (higher water potentials and capacitance). Conversely, Psidium sartorianum had greater abundance in older plots (more than 50 years of secondary succession), lower assimilation rates, and low levels of plasticity in CO2 assimilation. Bunchosia had intermediate values. Locally, the degree of mycorrhizal colonization was consistent with abundance across plots. Regionally (but not locally), plasticity in CO2 assimilation was consistent with abundance. We found differences in microclimates among plots and within plots among species. Physiological adjustments appeared to play an important role in the capacity to regenerate and in the successional persistence of these species in this tropical dry forest.
Highlights
Over 90% of existing tropical dry forests are at risk, and pressures differ among regions, for tropical dry forests in the Americas, climate change has been found to be one of the major threats [1].Given their ecological and economic importance, there is an urgent need for more information on these systems, especially during stressful periods such as droughts [2].Tropical dry and sub deciduous forests present considerable variability in the timing, intensity, and amount of annual rainfall they experience [2], and forecasts of global change indicate this variability will only become more extreme [3]
In this study we examined three species, in three families: Piscidia piscipula L.(Sarg.), Fabaceae; Bunchosia swartziana Griseb., Malpighiaceae; and Psidium sartorianum (Bergius) Nied., Myrtaceae
The combined characteristics of Piscidia piscipula, a deciduous species, are consistent with a pioneer species [37] or a “long lived pioneer”. This designation is consistent with data on its population structure (Yazmín Martínez Téllez, unpublished Masters’ thesis) and population dynamics found in our study
Summary
Tropical dry and sub deciduous forests present considerable variability in the timing, intensity, and amount of annual rainfall they experience [2], and forecasts of global change indicate this variability will only become more extreme [3]. In these forests, water availability plays a strong role in ecosystem functions [2,4,5], and seasonal drought is a common factor. ‘Uso del suelo y vegetación, escala 1:250000, serie I (continuo nacional)’, escala: 1:250000
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