Alometric relationships of the arboreal community in different areas of a mixed ombrophylous forest in south Brazil

Abstract

The study of alometry is important for understanding ecological and evolutionary aspects of plant species, and also in understanding the structure and dynamics of forests. This study aimed to assess the tree community allometric relationships of three areas: interior and edge of a more advanced successional stage area, and interior of a less advanced successional stage area of a mixed ombrophylous forest located in the Klabin’s Ecological Park, Telêmaco Borba/Paraná state (24º17´S 50º35´W). A 4 m width transect was established in each area, where 150 individuals with height equal to or greater than 1,5 m were randomly sampled. Individuals had the diameter at breast height, total height and branching height recorded. Analysis of covariance was used to test the allometric differences, and a posteriori Scheffé test. The interior plants invested more in diameter growth in relation to height, and also invested more in diameter growth in relation to branching height. The edge colonization by pioneer species and the presence of understorey species in interior 1 and 2 may be the main causes of differences in the community tree architecture of the three studied areas.