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Deciduousness Influences the Understory Community in a Semideciduous Tropical Forest |
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| Authors: | Flaviana M. Souza Sergius Gandolfi Ricardo R. Rodrigues |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Forest Ecology, Forestry Institute, , S?o Paulo, CEP 02377‐000 SP, Brazil;2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of S?o Paulo ‐ ESALQ, , Piracicaba, CEP 13418‐900 SP, Brazil |
| Abstract: | We investigated how deciduousness of overstory tree species influences the community structure and species composition in the understory. The results suggest that deciduous overstory trees have positive effects on light‐demanding species, and that the processes underlying such effects may involve reduced competition for light or facilitation through increased water availability. |
| Keywords: | Brazil competition ecological filter ecological group facilitation light plant‐plant interaction tropical forest |