Abstract

GIRALDO-CANAS, D. Richness and Altitudinal Distribution of C₃ and C₄ Grasses in the Venezuelan Guayana. Ciencia en Desarrollo [online]. 2014, vol.5, n.1, pp.77-84. ISSN 0121-7488.

The species richness and altitudinal distribution pattern of C₃ and C₄ grasses from the Venezuelan Guayana were studied. The grasses are represented along the altitudinal gradient by 411 species, of which 170 species are C₃ and 241 species are C₄. The highest species richness is reached in lowlands. The C₃ and C₄ grasses are more diversified in the lowlands, however, the C₃ species show and interesting pattern, which are mainly distributed in understories of lowlands. In the highlands, the C₃ species replace the C₄ species, which diminish their importance. The altitudinal distribution pattern of C₃ and C₄ grasses follows the Rapopor’s rule.

Keywords : Diversity along altitudinal gradients; C₃ and C₄ grasses; Flora of the Guayana; Neotropical grasses; Rapoport’s rule.

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