Can we define leaf exchange functional groups in seasonally dry tropical forest trees? a test using leaf temporal trait

• Grant number: 24/01680-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Leonor Patricia Cerdeira Morellato
• Grantee: Nattália do Prado Neves
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10639-5 - Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/07332-6 - Phylogenetic Patterns in Leaf Phenology of Dry Tropical Ecosystems, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The use of repeated photographs taken by digital cameras provided fine temporal resolution to the observation of plant phenology, allowing the detection of functional groups and species based on temporal sequences of the green color channel (G). Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) trees cover almost a third of our planet and the trees are generally considered to be in the deciduous functional group, while recent work says otherwise. In fact, defining leaf exchange strategies is considered difficult among tropical forest species, but also requires further studies in all SDTFs. Therefore, we need a more refined analysis to reveal the continuum from deciduousness to various evergreen strategies among STDFs, as indicated in recent studies using fenocams and long-term ground-based observations. Here we propose to answer this question by analyzing the functional and temporal characteristics of the leaves of STDF tree species with the aim of detecting whether there are well-defined functional groups (deciduous, semi-deciduous, evergreen, etc.) or a continuum of strategies between individuals and species. We will use data on leaf characteristics and phenology collected for Caatinga and Cerrado available in the e-Phenologia database (phenocams) and in the Cerrado Long-Term Project (direct observations on the ground). We will apply cutting-edge approaches in phenology and functional diversity to compare the strategies of plant species. We seek to answer the following questions: What defines the leaf change strategy of SDTF species? Is there a gradient of leaf functional groups from the Savanna to the Caatinga - Dry Forest? How does this affect vegetation resilience to climate change?