Evaluation and comparison of phenological, morphological and ecophysiological features of 4 different species of Quercus, typical of tropical dry forests (Miraflor-Moropotente Park - Nicaragua)

Authors

  • Pablo Zuccarini IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon. Caldes de Montbui.
  • José Araujo Alves UTAD. Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Vila Real
  • Beatriz Grau IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon. Caldes de Montbui
  • Immaculada Funes IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon
  • Xavier Aranda IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon. Caldes de Montbui
  • Felicidad de Herralde IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon
  • Guillermo Peguero CREAF. Cerdanyola del Vallès
  • José Maria Espelta CREAF. Cerdanyola del Vallès
  • Alejandrina Herrera UNAN-Managua/FAREM-Estelí
  • Verónica Ruiz UNAN-Managua/FAREM-Estelí
  • Carmen Biel IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon. Caldes de Montbui.
  • Robert Savé IRTA. Àrea Medi Ambient i Canvi Global. Torre Marimon. Caldes de Montbui

Abstract

Phenological, morphological and ecophysiological variables were analyzed in winter (dry season) and in summer (wet season) for 4 species of Quercus sp. living in the Miraflor-Moropotente Natural Park, Estelì, Nicaragua. Each species has a slightly different altitudinal range of distribution in the studied area, and for each species two populations were chosen, located respectively in a low and in a high part of its range. All the parameters analyzed showed to vary significantly according to species, altitude and season, being the species the main discriminating factor. In particular, species that occupy lower altitudes display adaptation strategies that are typical of lower water regimes, such as more prolonged leaf fall and lower stomatal densities; inside single species such pattern are replicated, even if less markedly, for populations that occupy areas at lower altitude. It can be concluded that climatic factors, connected with altitude, significantly affect plant responses in the dry tropic, and that such responses vary among species as a result of different adaptation strategies These strategies are at the basis of forest structure, composition and biodiversity, and subtend the species’ distribution patterns. Their better knowledge is a crucial tool for a more focused forest management in the frame of the ongoing climate change.

Keywords: dry tropic, gas exchange, phenology, Quercus sp.

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Published

02-12-2017

How to Cite

Zuccarini, P., Araujo Alves, J., Grau, B., Funes, I., Aranda, X., de Herralde, F., … Savé, R. (2017). Evaluation and comparison of phenological, morphological and ecophysiological features of 4 different species of Quercus, typical of tropical dry forests (Miraflor-Moropotente Park - Nicaragua). Revista Científica Estelí, (23), 48–57. Retrieved from https://revistas.unan.edu.ni/index.php/Cientifica/article/view/2849

Issue

Section

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES