A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Geological control of floristic composition in Amazonian forests
Authors: Higgins MA, Ruokolainen K, Tuomisto H, Llerena N, Cardenas G, Phillips OL, Vasquez R, Rasanen M
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
Publication year: 2011
Journal: Journal of Biogeography
Journal name in source: JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
Journal acronym: J BIOGEOGR
Number in series: 11
Volume: 38
Issue: 11
First page : 2136
Last page: 2149
Number of pages: 14
ISSN: 0305-0270
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2011.02585.x
Abstract
Main conclusions Our findings suggest that Amazonian forests are partitioned into large-area units on the basis of geological formations and their edaphic properties. The evolution of these units through geological time may provide a general mechanism for biotic diversification in Amazonia. These compositional units, moreover, may correspond to broad-scale functional units. The existence of large-area compositional and functional units would suggest that protected-area, carbon sequestration, and other land-use strategies in Amazonia be implemented on a region-by-region basis. The methods described here can be used to map these patterns, and thus enable effective conservation and management of Amazonian forests.
Main conclusions Our findings suggest that Amazonian forests are partitioned into large-area units on the basis of geological formations and their edaphic properties. The evolution of these units through geological time may provide a general mechanism for biotic diversification in Amazonia. These compositional units, moreover, may correspond to broad-scale functional units. The existence of large-area compositional and functional units would suggest that protected-area, carbon sequestration, and other land-use strategies in Amazonia be implemented on a region-by-region basis. The methods described here can be used to map these patterns, and thus enable effective conservation and management of Amazonian forests.
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