Micro‐ or macroscale? Which one best predicts the establishment of an endemic Atlantic Forest palm?

Abstract

Historically, macroecology and microecology have diverged with regard to the niche concept. A better understanding of functioning ecological systems, however, depends on an integrative approach to this concept at different spatial scales. A mixed approach, merging macro‐ and microscale by validating ecological niche modeling (ENM) with the results of in situ experiments and environmental data collection was used to understand if areas identified by ENM as highly suitable for adult palms are also adequate for seedling establishment. Syagrus weddelliana's (Arecaceae) distribution range falls within the Atlantic Rain Forest, and more specifically Serra dos Órgãos region (Rio de Janeiro state), southeastern Brazil. The following steps were performed: (a) ENM to delimit the area of occurrence of S. weddelliana and locate experimental areas; (b) a seed sowing experiment in areas with presence or absence of the species in areas of high or low environmental suitability at 36 experimental stations; and (c) characterization of each microhabitat which was related back to the macroscale results of ENM. Evidence of biotic and abiotic limitations was found for S. weddelliana distribution. Areas of higher suitability had lower seed predation rates and, consequently, higher seed germination rates. On the other hand, areas with low environmental suitability at the macroscale were divided into two types: areas with microhabitat similar to that of areas with high environmental suitability that had some germination despite high predation and areas with different environmental conditions that had no germination and high predation rates. Seedlings and adults had different abiotic requirements. Microhabitat conditions were more important for the initial establishment of S. weddelliana than macroclimatic variables. This finding demonstrates that macro‐ and microecological information works in a complementary way to a better understanding of the distribution of S. weddelliana.

Small-scale variation in a pristine montane cloud forest: evidence on high soil fungal diversity and biogeochemical heterogeneity

“… Catalán, Valdivia & Scrosati, 2020 ; Coleman, 2002 ; Davies et al, 2005 ; Wiens, 1989 ). Therefore, a better understanding of ecosystems depends on an integrative approach at different scales ( Oda et al, 2019 ), from intra-individual to ecosystem level. Since early investigations, heterogeneity in natural systems has been repeatedly documented at small scales such as a single tree level ( Branco, Bruns & Singleton, 2013 ), 36 m 2 ( Štursová et al, 2016 ), and even in less than a meter ( e.g .…”

EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF CURITIBA PRISMATICA (D. LEGRAND) SALYWON & LANDRUM: AN ENDEMIC ARAUCARIA FOREST SPECIES

“…Areas with greater suitability have lower seed predation rates, and consequently higher germination rates (ODA et al, 2019). Therefore, considering the suitable areas, the endemism, and the anthropic pressure on the species, in situ conservation of all-natural populations should be carried out, prioritizing those with the highest degree of conservation.…”

Soil culturable microbial diversity in an undisturbed montane cloud forest of Oaxaca, Mexico

“…The generation and amalgamation of diversity data at different scales is fundamental to develop a broad understanding of ecosystems (Oda et al, 2019). At the large scale, MCFs have been extensively investigated, reporting high heterogeneity and diversity levels circundante a especies vegetales icónicas (Cyatheaceae y Juglandaceae) en una localidad prístina de bosque mesófilo de montaña en México, y exploramos patrones ecológicos a una escala geográfica fina vinculados con variables biogeoquímicas edáficas.…”