Abstract

HERNANDEZ-PEREZ, Ezequiel; GONZALEZ-ESPINOSA, Mario; TREJO, Irma  and  BONFIL, Consuelo. Distribution of the genus Bursera in Morelos state (Mexico) and its relation to climate. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.3, pp.964-976. ISSN 2007-8706.

The influence of climatic variables on the distribution of 15 species of Bursera in Morelos Mexico, was analyzed. Data on the presence of species and climatic variables from 47 meteorological stations were obtained, and maps of actual and potential distribution were made using a GIS; the influence of the main climatic variables on the distribution was analyzed by principal component and cluster analyses. The species of Bursera are found in an altitudinal range of 800-2 800 m; species richness is higher in the warm, relatively dry areas south of the state. Two main groups of species were distinguished: a), those having a restricted distribution, found mainly in warm sites and, b), those having a wider distribution, including relatively cool sites. Precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures, evapotranspiration and its seasonality, all influenced the distribution of the species. Bursera bicolor, B. bipinnata, B. cuneata, B. copallifera, B. fagaroides, B. grandifolia and B. glabrifolia are found on sites having a relatively low minimum temperature (5-10° C) and high precipitation, while B. aptera, B. ariensis, B. lancifolia, B. linanoe, B. longipes, B. morelensis, B. schlechtendalii and B. submoniliformis are found in areas experiencing higher minimum temperatures (≥ 14° C) and relatively drier conditions.

Keywords : copal; diversity; climatic niche; rainfall; temperature; tropical dry forest.

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