Vegetation analysis of understory species in a secondary growth forest along the Northeastern slope of Mt. Makiling.

Date

4-2011

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Ecology Genetics

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ivy Amor F. Lambio

Abstract

The understory imparts basis for inferring the history, function and future of the forest ecosystem, hence, the significance of the study. The research aimed to determine the floristic composition and, to establish and compare derived diversity indices of understories along the northeastern slope (150-950 mast) of Mt. Makiling during dry and wet seasons. The Quadrat method was employed in the nine sampling sites, recording the species name and cover of plants with diameter 20.2 cm but <3 cm and a height <1 m. Quantitative determination of moisture and qualitative analyses of nutrient content were conducted. Analyses on floristic composition showed that species composition changed with altitude and season. Species richness and evenness decreased with altitude and hence diversity. Dominance values were generally low. Based on the similarity values among sites, two zones were established: lower montane forest (150-650 mast) and upper montane forest (750-950 masl), in which species composition differed due to dispersal effects and variation in microclimates. The most abundant species in every altitude varied except in the upper montane forest. Soil analyses showed that there were no significant differences in moisture and nutrient content. Throughout the altitudinal gradient, a great portion of the stratum was composed of tree sapling species indicating a good potential for forest regeneration. There was also high endemicity and diversity that implied high integrity of the local forest community. There is a need to constantly promote awareness on the importance of biodiversity. conservation and sustainable use of forest resources for forest regeneration continuum.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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