Effect of Fire on Plant Biodiversity in the Brazilian Savannas

这个项目将研究火灾对巴西中南部塞拉多热带稀树草原地区植被生物多样性和异质性的影响。生态学的目的不仅仅是描述自然界的模式，还要解释导致这种模式的机制。为了评估火灾对生物多样性和异质性的影响，本研究将结合种群和群落生态的分析。社区层面的数据将在重复的试验地取样中收集，这些试验地要么经常被烧毁，要么不被烧毁。种群水平的数据将集中于火灾对9种常见物种、3种草和6种树的繁殖、生长和生存的影响。与其他热带稀树草原地区相比，巴西塞拉多地区拥有异常丰富的植物物种多样性。火灾是塞拉多植被发展的重要力量，但火灾对塞拉多物种多样性的确切影响尚不清楚。虽然火通常被牧场主用作管理工具，但这种做法的长期影响与物种保护有关。此外，人们对火灾作为生态保护区和国家公园管理工具的重要性仍然知之甚少。本研究将提供火灾对巴西这一物种丰富地区的群落多样性和物种生存影响的实验数据。＊＊＊

9312590 Solbrig This project will study the effects of fire on vegetation biodiversity and heterogeneity in the cerrado, a savanna region in south-central Brazil. The aim of ecology is not just to describe pattern in nature, but to explain the mechanisms that contribute to that pattern. To assess the effects of fire on biodiversity and heterogeneity, this study will incorporate analyses of population and community ecology. Community level data will be collected in transects sampled across replicated experimental plots which are either burned frequently or left unburned. Population level data will focus on the effects of fire on the reproduction, growth and survivorship of nine common species, three species of grass and six tree species. %%% The cerrado region of Brazil has an unusually high diversity of plant species compared to other savanna regions. Fire has been an important force in the development of cerrado vegetation, but the precise effects of fire on species diversity in the cerrado is unknown. Although fire is commonly used as a management tool by ranchers, the long-term effects of this practice are relevant to species conservation. In addition, the importance of fire as a management tool in ecological reserves and national parks is still poorly understood. This study will provide experimental data on the effects of fire on community diversity and species survival in this species-rich region of Brazil. ***