Coast Ecosystem: Guánica Dry ForestJustin CottoCamille L. RuizAbneil AliceaSara DíazRoberto Cruz

Enid CruzJose RamosAnibal TornésRamón Colón Jessica Ortiz

Dry Winds

Low Soil Humidity

What is this Ecosystem?More than meets the eye...

● 1970 Most dry forests were severely altered.○ Human impact had its toll.

■ Agriculture■ Fires■ Livestock

● Underground Flora Biomass○ Provides nutrient exchange & Density.

■ Underground Runoff significant effect.● 24 to 43 inches of rain yearly.

■ Wood Production■ Deforestation

Why is it so valuable for the Scientific Community?

● United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)○ State Forest since 1917 due ample species diversity.

■ 16 types of soil● Exemplary Adaptations in Flora

○ “We have found in this region more than 700 species of plants, of which about 48 are endangered or threatened” - Miguel Canals

● 1981 International Biosphere Reserve

What makes this Ecosystem Dry?

● Mountain Effect○ Central Chain of Mountain Range

■ East to West● Blocks wind trades from the North.● When arriving to South they are dry.

○ “Rain Shadow Effect”

El Bosque Seco vs El Yunque1. Less forest levels2. Smaller Trees

a. Exclusive from this Ecosystem3. Less Complex in Flora

a. Abundant especially in lower levelsi. Runoff and Light Energy

Search4. More Underground Biomass5. Smaller and less diameter

1. More forest levels

2. Taller Trees

3. Complex Flora

4. Less Underground Biomass

5. Higher and Wider trees

Diversity on every levelFlora & Fauna

Flora1. Top- open scrub vegetation.

2. Hillside- species lose their leaves during the dry season, closed canopy, light does not penetrate much.

3. Valley- species are always green, closed canopy, light does not penetrate.

Fauna● Nocturnal● Scales● Water in Food● Hibernate in drought

○ Aestivation● Clear colored Skin● Insect Feeders● Birds nest in the soil

○ Guabairo

Evolution in a Nutshell Adaptations & Dwarf Forest

1. Caducitya. Lose leaves in dry periods

2. Freofitesa. Deep roots to reach underground runoff

3. Vertical Leaf Orientationa. Avoid direct Sun Rays

4. Heat Control a. Open during Nighttime

1. Water Conservationa. Hairs, Thorns, Bent Leaves, Dropping

2. Succulentsa. Cactus stores Water

3. Cladofilesa. Trunk can practice Photosynthesis

4. Ephemerala. Conclude cycle quickly

Friends in needSapo Concho cries for help

● Only viable reproductive place for the species.○ Barometer sensor indicated rainfall

■ Their food storage has to be balanced with sensor.

● 2 years until ovulation○ Ponds have to be available

■ Amplexus

References

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJOgWRS1klQ

● http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3353/3615611952_41ab0ef69c.jpg

Thank you for your attention!