The Local Biome – The The Local Biome – The Atlantic ForestAtlantic ForestDr. James A Danoff-BurgDr. James A Danoff-Burg

Columbia UniversityColumbia University

Module 2 – The Local BiomeModule 2 – The Local Biome

• Characteristics of the Atlantic Forest

• Definition of Ecology

• Local differences in distribution of species

• Orientation methods

Atlantic Forest CharacteristicsAtlantic Forest Characteristics

• Tropical Moist Broadleaf Deciduous Forest

• Low & simpler canopy (relative to Amazon)

• High Rainfall

• Seasonal fluctuation in temperatures

• Presently – highly fragmented and reduced in size from past

...and now for something ...and now for something completely differentcompletely different

• How would you define ecology?

Definition of EcologyDefinition of Ecology

• Common impression– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Scientific definition– The factors that explain the current distribution and

abundance of organisms (Krebs 1978)– A formal definition of the things that explain the range

maps

• Factors– Abiotic and Biotic– Abiotic remains our focus here as it was for Module 1

Are Range Maps Inaccurate?Are Range Maps Inaccurate?

• Guidebooks indicate that a species is present throughout the entire given range

• Frequently, we go out and cannot find the species where the guidebook indicates

• Why is this? Is it the types of factors we’ve been talking about thus far? Is there a difference in how they may impact matters?

Factors Influencing Local Factors Influencing Local Distribution and AbundanceDistribution and Abundance

• Smaller-scale (as opposed to regional factors) abiotic factors– Including wind speed and direction, average rainfall

patterns, temperature (avg, max, min)• Also some novel abiotic factors

– Slope (aspect and angle)– Fragmentation (rates and extent)– Soil types and Bedrock type– Soil Characteristics (pH, salinity, drainage, particle

size, compaction, etc.)– Rainfall runoff distribution patterns– Many others…

Orientation Methods: How do I find Orientation Methods: How do I find my way back to my study site?my way back to my study site?

• Marking field sites (flagging, tape, paint, landmarks, etc.)

• Map and Compass

• GPS and GIS

• We’ll be going through all of these steps in class over the next two days

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