Diversity has been given a central role in attempts to develop a general theory of ecology (Johnson and Raven, 1970). Much attention has been focused on large-scale trends, such as the increase in species diversity with decreasing latitude (Pianka, 1966; Mac Arthur, 1965; Fischer, 1960; Tramer, 1974), but there is surprisingly little documentation of the equally striking changes in diversity within the tropics. Moreover, additional information on tropical plant species diversity patterns is critically needed because of their potential importance in resolving some of the fundamental and theoretically significant differences of opinion as to the nature and manner of regulation of species diversity.

On the Number of Tree Species in Amazonian Forests

Patterns of neotropical plant species diversity.

Energy-diversity theory has gained currency as an explanation for global patterns of species richness. We examine the suggestion of Currie and Paquin (1987; Nature 329: 326-327) that variation in evapotranspiration - a function of moisture availability and temperature that is directly related to plant production - predicts tree species richness in global comparisons. We present contrary evidence: the number of tree species on 26 large (17-7401 kmz) areas of moist temperate forest show continental differences unrelated to geographical patterns in evapotranspiration. Tree species richness of 128 samples of ca 1ha within moist-forest biomes of the world reveal patterns of variation amone continents. and with latitude. that likewise cannot be attributed to eeoeraohi

Global patterns of tree species richness in moist forests : energy-diversity theory does not account for variation in species richness.

Comparative feeding ecology of the Uakari and Bearded Saki, Cacajao and Chiropotes

We studied golden-backed uacaris, (Cacajao melanocephalus ouakary) in the late-wet season of 1999 and in the mid-dry season of 2000 in Jau National Park (JNP), Brazil. Additional observations were taken by other scientists working in JNP. Group counts range from 2 to 30 in the wet season and from 1 to > 100 in the dry. In the wet season, we recorded uacaris only in flooded forests (igapo). During the dry season they were in igapo, campinarana, and terra firme forests. We supplemented observations via interviews with local informants on seasonal use of the forest types and of particular small patches of different habitat types that exhibit high temporal patchiness in fruit availability. We recorded a total of 13 food plant species (dry season, 4; flooded season, 9), and a further 55 were provided by interviews. We noted the physical dimensions and hardness of 26 fruit species. Despite accepted specializations of the uakaris on hard unripe fruit, we recorded incidents of insectivory and folivory. Patterns of food availability, and therefore the seasonal habitat-use patterns by golden-backed uacaris, appear to be more complex than previously realized.

On the Number of Tree Species in Amazonian Forests

Citations

Patterns of neotropical plant species diversity.

Global patterns of tree species richness in moist forests : energy-diversity theory does not account for variation in species richness.

Comparative feeding ecology of the Uakari and Bearded Saki, Cacajao and Chiropotes

Diet, Habitat Selection and Natural History of Cacajao melanocephalus ouakary in Jaú National Park, Brazil1

American tropical forests

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