1. The Local Biome – The Atlantic Forest Dr. James A Danoff-Burg Columbia University

2. Module 2 – The Local Biome Characteristics of the Atlantic Forest Definition of Ecology Local differences in distribution of species Orientation methods

3. Atlantic 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

4. ...and now for something completely different How would you define ecology?

5. Definition 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

6. 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?

7. Factors Influencing Local Distribution 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…

8. Orientation Methods: How do I find 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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