Resumen

SANCHEZ-GUTIERREZ, F.; VALENZUELA-GOMEZ, A.; VALDEZ-HERNANDEZ, J.I.  y  GONZALEZ-GONZALEZ, C.A.. Structure and diversity of tree species in the archaeological site "El Mirador", Selva Lacandona, Chiapas. Polibotánica [online]. 2017, n.44, pp.79-94. ISSN 1405-2768.  https://doi.org/10.18387/polibotanica.44.6.

The composition, structure, and diversity of tree species was described on the archaeological site "El Mirador", located in the natural protected area (ANP) Metzabok, northeastern portion of the Selva Lacandona. Three tropical forest types were classified: low semi-evergreen (SBSP), medium evergreen (SMP), and high evergreen (SAP). In each type four sampling units (UM) of 20 x 50 m were established. All trees with normal diameter (DN) ≥ 3 cm were taxonomically identified and measured for their DN and total height. Vertical and horizontal structure was described, and the importance value (IVI) and the modified forest value (IVFm) indices were calculated. Diversity was analyzed using indices of Shannon-Wiener (H'), Simpson (S) importance and forest values Haematoxylum campechianum L. in SBSP, Clusia salvinii Donn Sm. in SMP and Brosimum alicastrum Sw. in SAP. Three vertical layers were identified: below (< 4 m; < 5 m), medium (4 to 9 m; 5 to 8 m) and upper (> 8 m; > 9 m up to 25 and 38 m) in the SMP and SAP, in the SBSP a single layer (12 m) was found. Diversity of tree species was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in SAP (H' = 3.21) compared to SMP (H' = 2.19) and SBSP (H' = 0.91). Floristic similarity among UM was higher in SBSP (IS = 58.5 to 79.9%) compared to SAP (23.5 to 48.1%) and SMP (1.1 to 35%). In this study the major species and the floristic composition for each tropical forest are recognized, which is expected to be useful in future research and thus contribute to define conservation, reproduction and sustainable use strategies of these tropical forests.

Palabras llave : Evergreen and semi-evergreen tropical forests; vertical strata; importance and forest values; Shannon-Wiener index; floristic similarity.

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