Resumen

VALENCIA-G., Sandra M.; PEREZ-Z., Giovanny A.; LIZARAZO-M., Pilar X.  y  BLANCO, Juan F.. SPATIO-TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF LEAF LITTER IN STREAMS OF THE GORGONA NATURAL NATIONAL PARK. Actu Biol [online]. 2009, vol.31, n.91, pp.197-211. ISSN 0304-3584.

This paper estimates the structure and species composition of the leaf litter standing stock in nine streams at Gorgona Island during April and June, 2008. The pácora (Cespedesia macrophylla) contributed most of the biomass island wide, although it was restricted to riparian areas either deforested before the designation of the island as a protected area or to forest gaps created by treefall and bank failure. Nonetheless, >100 morphospecies were recognized, and 22 occurred during both sampling dates. Most of the species made a minor contribution in number of leaves and total biomass to the leaf litter standing stock and are not seemly important for ecosystem function. Riparian forests in different succesional stages differ in terms of dominant species, total biomass, total abundance, and richness. Leaf litter biomass was significantly diminished during the rainy season.

Palabras clave : Cespedesia macrophylla; floristic diversity; Gorgona Island; leaf litter; riparian zones; secondary succession.

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