Resumen

GARCIA-GARCIA, Samuel Alberto et al. Spatial distribution of Pinus and Quercus in an altitudinal gradient of temperate forest in Guadalupe y Calvo, state of Chihuahua. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2024, vol.15, n.81, pp.33-58.  Epub 13-Mayo-2024. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v15i81.1426.

The objective of the study was to determine the spatial distribution patterns of Pinus and Quercus species along an altitudinal gradient in a temperate forest in northwestern Mexico. Individual uniformity (W i ), species mixture (M i ), and size dominance (U i ) were analyzed using structural parameters based on the relationships with the four nearest neighbors. Data were obtained from 37 sampling sites at three different altitude levels (Level 1: 2 200-2 600 m, Level 2: 2 600-2 800 m, and Level 3: 2 800-3 200 m), generating a total of 979 structural groups for all species. Pinus contributed 191, 51, and 41 groups at levels 1, 2, and 3, while Quercus contributed 192, one and zero, respectively. Pinus showed a tendency towards randomness, as did the oaks at Level 1; although, in this analysis, it was observed that at higher altitudes, Pinus tends towards a regular distribution. The species mix was medium to high for Pinus, which indicates that its individuals are surrounded by trees of different species, unlike Quercus. Size dominance revealed that Pinus specimens are taller than those of the Quercus genus throughout the gradient, especially at Level I. This approach provides an accurate understanding of the role of species in forest ecosystem dynamics.

Palabras llave : Altitude; conservation; size dominance; tree structure; neighborhood indexes; species mix.