Download Fire regimes and fire effects in Chilean Araucaria Forests.

VIII SOUTHERN
CONNECTION CONGRESS
18-23 January 2016
Punta Arenas, Chile
ABSTRACTS
2
CLIMATE INFLUENCE ON SEED PRODUCTION AND WATER-USE EFFICIENCY (δ13C) OVER 27 YEAR
IN NOTHOFAGUS OBLIQUA IN SOUTHERN CHILE
AGUILERA-BETTI, ISABELLA1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL1, MURÚA, ROBERTO2, TOLEDO-GUERRERO,
ISADORA1, JIMÉNEZ-CASTILLO, MYLTHON3, BERRIEL, VERÓNICA4, PERDOMO, CARLOS4,
1
Laboratorio de Dendrocronología y Estudios Ambientales, Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Valparaíso.2Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de
Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de la Frontera.3Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y
Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.4Centro de Aplicaciones de Tecnología
Nuclear en Agricultura Sostenible (Uruguay), Universidad de la República.
High precipitation reductions have been observed in south central Chile during the last 50 years, however
the effect of climate variability on the processes and functions of tree species is still not well understood.
Utilizing 27 years of seed production records and δ13C from growth rings, we evaluated the effect of
precipitation variability on seed production and water-use efficiency on Nothofagus obliqua trees in the
San Martin Experimental Forest (BESM) (39° 38’ S y 73° 07’ W) in Chile. Seed production was positively
correlated with precipitation during summer months of two years before the seeds fall to the forest ground.
Moreover, the water-use efficiency inferred from δ13C in the growth rings of N. obliqua, was also positively
correlated with the summer months during one and two years prior to the ring formation. These results
suggest that precipitation reduction in this area could have a strong effect in reproductive and functional
processes of N. obliqua. More information about changes in water availability and its relationship with the
resources allocation in N. obliqua forests would help to estimate its responses to projected climate change
scenarios for this region. (Sponsored by CATNAS - Centro de Aplicaciones de Tecnología Nuclear en Agricultura Sostenible (Uruguay); Universidad Austral
de Chile)
3
FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF EPIPHYTIC LIVERWORT COMMUNITIES: PATTERNS AND DRIVERS
ALONG A TROPICAL ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT
AH-PENG, C1, MEEK, SARAH2, HEDDERSON, TERRY2, WILDING, NICHOLAS2, STRASBERG ,
DOMINIQUE1, FLORES, OLIVIER1, 1UMR PVBMT, Faculty of Science, Human and Environment, University
of La Réunion.2Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town.
Analysing functional traits along environmental gradients can improve our understanding of the
mechanisms involved in plant community assembly. Elevational gradients as major environmental gradients
provide model systems to study the factors that generate and structure biodiversity. While literature
has explored community-level trait responses to environmental changes for vascular plants, functional
diversity and the role of functional traits of bryophytes in ecosystem services and processes remain largely
unexplored. In this study, we measured species abundance and the distribution of 12 traits related to
vegetative growth of epiphytic liverworts along an elevational gradient (350-2750 m) on La Réunion island
(Mascarenes). We use functional diversity indices (Villéger et al., 2008) and related them to elevation
and climatic variables along the gradient. Processes implied in community assembly were investigated
using both the mean and variance of trait values weighted by species abundance and compared to a null
model based on species abundance randomizations. Results of this study will shed light on the drivers
of community assembly of liverworts on islands and the role of this plant group in insular ecosystem
processes. This work is embedded in a large- scale research program across tropical and subtropical
islands (MOVECLIM) aiming at studying the different components of diversity (species richness, functional
and phylogenetic diversity) to better understand the current and future distribution of bryophytes under a
changing environment.
(Sponsored by Era NetBiome Project (ANR MOVECLIM))
4
EVIDENCE OF WIDESPREAD POLLINATION-MEDIATED FACILITATION IN SOUTH ANDEAN PLANT
COMMUNITIES BASED ON POLLEN TRANSFER NETWORKS
AIZEN, MARCELO1, TUR, CRISTINA2, SÁEZ, AGUSTÍN3, TRAVESET, ANNA4, 1Departamento de
Ecología, Centro Regional Universitario Bariiloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue - INIBIOMA.2Institut
Mediterrani d´Estudis Avançats (CSIC-UIB) IMEDEA.3Laboratorio ECOTONO-INIBIOMA, Centro Regional
Universitario Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue.4Institut Mediterrani d´Estudis Avançats (CSICUIB) IMEDEA.
Although plant-plant facilitation via the nurse effects seems to be common in Alpine environments, similar
information for plant-plant facilitation via shared pollinators is limited. Pollinator sharing often implies
interspecific pollen transfer (IPT). We studied IPT among a total of ~50 plant species distributed across
three high-Andean communities at 1600, 1800 and 2000 m a.s.l. in Cerro Challhuaco (Nahuel Huapi NP)
to construct networks depicting plant-plant, pollinator-mediated interactions. We analysed the relation
between the (a) number of conspecific and number of heterospecific pollen grains deposited on stigmas
(quantitative effect), and (b) proportion of germinated pollen and number of heterospecific pollen grains on
stigmas (qualitative effect). Using GLMMs, we estimated the sign (positive, neutral or negative) of quantity
and quality effects of pollinator sharing for each recipient species and each recipient-donor species pair.
Communities were characterized by the presence of pollen hub-donors acting as “magnet species”. In
general, facilitative and neutral pollinator-mediated interactions among plants prevailed over competition.
Thus, the benefits from pollinator sharing (i.e. increased visitation and conspecific pollen deposition) seem
to outweigh the costs (i.e. heterospecific deposition and conspecific pollen loss). The largest proportion of
facilitated species was found in the highest elevation community, suggesting that facilitation can be even
more common at lower plant densities and under unfavourable conditions for pollination. This evidence
indicates that widespread facilitation in stressful environments can not only occur via increasing availability
of limited abiotic resources, but also increasing attraction of scarce mutualists. 5
THE APPLICATIONS OF TEPHROCHRONOLOGY FOR ENHANCING PALEOENVIRONMENTAL
RECONSTRUCTIONS IN CONO SUR
ALLOWAY, BRENT1, MORENO, PATRICIO2, 1School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences Victoria
University of Wellington.2Department of Ecological Sciences and Millennium Institute of Ecology and
Biodiversity Universidad de Chile.
Ongoing tephra studies in Southern Chile and Argentina (Cono Sur) are currently focused on two important
aspects: 1) Elucidating eruptive records and assessing associated hazards for a particular volcano, and
2) Utilisation of tephra as a chrono-stratigraphic marker in wide-ranging Quaternary paleoenvironmental
studies. Recent Andean eruptions (i.e. Puyehue-Cordon Caulle (2011), Chaiten (2008/9) and Hudson
(1971/91)) have all clearly shown that hazards associated with these eruptions not only pose a risk to
adjacent communities but also that ash-fall (tephra) can be quickly distributed over exceptionally large
areas and pose a significant and wide-ranging hazard to civil aviation, agriculture and communities located
distally. Since a tephra can be extensively distributed through the landscape in a geological instance of
time, its value as an isochronous-stratigraphic tool has increasingly been recognised to the point where
tephra are now routinely utilised in diverse paleoenvironmental research that focus on high-resolution
lake, glacial and marine records. The construction of such records in Cono Sur is fraught with difficulties
including: mineralogy and weathering susceptibility that impedes geochemical characterization as well
as, pervasive and repeated Andean glaciation that has removed and/or obscured older tephra records. In
this presentation, we will provide a number of examples from Cono Sur, where despite these limitations,
the utility of tephra can still be clearly demonstrated to assist with the assessment of eruptive records
and associated hazards but also, the correlation of equivalent-age sequences for paleoenvironmental
comparisions – something of which has great relevance to this forum. (Sponsored by a Victoria University of Wellington Science Faculty Research Grant (to BVA); Chilean Fondecyt 1151469 and ICM
Grants P05-002 and NC120066 (to PIM))
6
THE UTILITY OF TEPHROCHRONOLOGY TO PALEOENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: EXAMPLES FROM
EQUATORIAL ASIA, TROPICAL AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHERN MID-LATITUDE NEW ZEALAND AND CHILE
ALLOWAY, BRENT1, School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences (SGEES), Victoria University of
Wellington.
Tephra is an all-embracing term for the explosively erupted, loose fragmental (pyroclastic) products of a
volcanic eruption. The term tephra includes fall deposits (commonly called tephra-fall or tephra fallout)
and unconsolidated deposits derived from pyroclastic flows or surges. Tephra deposits have two special
features: (1) they are erupted and deposited over very short time periods, geologically speaking, usually
a matter of only hours or days to perhaps weeks or months; and (2) they can be spread widely over land
and sea to form a thin blanket that (unless reworked) has the same age wherever it occurs. Once a tephra
is recognised and dated, it has the ability to effectively connect equivalent-aged sequences in a variety of
terrestrial to marine environments wherever it is found. On this basis, tephrochronology has tremendous
utility for a wide variety of paleo-environmental studies particularly in, and adjacent to, volcanic regions.
In this presentation I will outline ongoing work in Flores, Indonesia, where tephras have been essential for
determining the timing of initial human colonisation to the region, as well as the potential speciation from H.
erectus to H. floresiensis. I will also show the potential of utilising tephra in long-sediment records retrieved
from tropical Australia even though the tephras themselves are not locally sourced. Finally, I will talk about
the applications of tephra in paleoenvironmental studies taking place in southern mid-latitude NZ and Chile
– countries with similar geological settings and which are more closely connected in a paleoenvironmental
sense than one could possibly imagine.
(Sponsored by Victoria University of Wellington Science Faculty Research Grant and Chilean Fondecyt Grant 1151469)
7
CLIMATE VARIABILITY, TREE-GROWTH AND DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN A NOTHOFAGUS
PUMILIO TREELINE ECOTONE FROM NORTHERN PATAGONIA
ALVAREZ, CLAUDIO1,2, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN 2,1, VELASQUEZ-ALVAREZ, GONZALO2, VEBLEN,
THOMAS3, 1Center for Climate and Relience Reseearch (CR)2, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y
Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile2Laboratorio de Dendrocronologia y Cambio Global, Facultad de
Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.3Biogeography Lab, Department of
Geography, University of Colorado Boulder.
Our research examines the relationships between climate variability and tree growth, and the potential
colonization of tree individuals above the present treeline in a Nothofagus pumilio forest at the Choshuenco
volcano (40o S) in the northern Patagonian Andes. Based on treeline control theory which indicates that
the low temperatures determines the altitudinal position worldwide, we would expect a temporal increment
in the establishment of N. pumilio above the present treeline as a result of increasing temperatures in the
Andes of northern Patagonia. We address the following questions: 1) are the temporal patterns of climate
(temperature and precipitation) influencing the establishment of N. pumilio above the present treeline?
2) If so, is the relation between tree establishment and climate conditions the same than tree-growth and
climate? To answer these questions, we dated the establishment of seedlings, saplings and small trees of
N. pumilio (n=664) collected above the present adult treeline. Preliminary results indicate that the N. pumilio
establishment above treeline has been continuous over the last three decades. This period coincide with
an increase of temperatures, decrease of precipitation and a decrease on tree growth at the adult forest
in the treeline. This finding would indicates that responses of tree growth and treeline advance to climatic
conditions were not similar at the Choshuenco volcano, and it supports the idea that temperatures increase
and precipitation decrease in northern Patagonia may be producing a successful establishment of N.
pumilio above treeline but decreasing tree growth. (Sponsored by FONDAP1511009, FONDECYT 1120965)
8
CROSS-TAXONOMIC INSIGHTS FROM BIOGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSES, AND THE
INTERPLAY BETWEEN TEMPERATE AND TROPICAL ZONES
ANTONELLI, A1, ZIZKA, ALEXANDER1, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of
Sciences, University of Gothenburg.
No single taxon gives a pattern: the historical assembly of the world’s biomes can only be inferred through
cross-taxonomic analyses. In this talk we will present our recent work in ‘comparative biogeography’,
focusing on i) data-driven identification and delimitation of biogeographical regions instead of opiniongenerated classifications; ii) spatial coding of species into regions and altitudinal ranges for biogeography
and macroecology; and iii) the estimation of historical range shifts and region-specific diversification.
Our studies indicate that the application of network methods on species occurrence data can extract
considerably stronger biogeographical signal than hitherto realized; that bioinformatic tools are able to
provide rapid assessments of biodiversity patterns; that Neotropical angiosperms have speciated and gone
extinct at significantly higher rates than in other tropical regions; that the Great American Biotic Interchange
occurred millions of years earlier than assumed; and that fossils play a major role in reducing uncertainties
in biogeographical analyses. Tropical America has acted as a species pump to the rest of the world, but it
also received considerable input from temperate regions in South and North America. Likewise, the tropical
and temperate Andes have exchanged a substantial amount of plant and animal lineages with Amazonia
in the last 30 million years, with peaks correlating in time with major phases of mountain uplift. These
examples showcase how old questions can be addressed by new methods and more data, and identify
future directions in biogeographical research. 9
HOLOCENE VARIATIONS IN PRODUCTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN GLACIER ACTIVITY
AND FRESHWATER FLUX IN THE CENTRAL BASIN OF THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN
ARACENA, C1, KILIAN, ROLF2, LANGE, CARINA6, BERTRAND, SEBASTIEN3, LAMY, FRANK4, ARZ,
HELGE5, DE POL-HOLZ, RICARDO6, BAEZA, OSCAR2, PANTOJA, SILVIO6, KISSEL, CATHERINE7,
1
Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnologicas, Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Lehrstuhl fur
Geologie, Fachbereich VI, Geowissenschaften, Universitat Trier, University of Trier.3Renard Centre
of Marine Geology, Sciences, University of Gent.4Am Alten Hafen 26, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany
AWI.5Marine Geology, Seestrasse 15, D 18119 Rosto Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research
Warnemundeck.6Department of Oceanography, Faculty of Science, University of Concepción.7Av de la
Terrasse, 91198 Gif-sur Yvette Cedex, France Lab. Sc. Climat et de l Environnement/IPSL.
One of the most important factors controlling fjord primary production in southernmost Patagonia is the
variability in the thermohaline structure of the water column. In the present day environment, thermal
stratification is related to freshwater input and in particular to the seasonal melting of glaciers. Here we
assess whether this relation between fjord productivity and freshwater input holds true for the Holocene,
using a sediment record from the central basin of the Strait of Magellan (MD07-3132, 53 ◦44.17’S; 70 ◦
19.03’W). Our approach relies on a proxy based reconstruction of fjord sea surface temperature (SST),
paleosalinity, freshwater input, and paleoproductivity. The results indicate that, during the early Holocene,
productivity was low (accumulation rates of marine organic carbon (AR marOC) (≦ 20 kg m−2 kyr−1), likely
due to high freshwater contribution resulting in low salinity and low SSTs. After 8.5 kyr BP and during the
mid and late Holocene all the productivity proxies increase. The AR marOC (˜30 kg kg m−2 kyr−1), CaCO3 (˜60
kg kg m−2 kyr−1) and opal (425 kg kg m−2 kyr−1) reached the highest values during the last millennium. This
increase was probably driven by the marine transgression during which marine macronutrient-rich waters
entered into the central basin. The late Holocene rise in productivity was interrupted by a low salinity phase
between 3.2 and 2.2 kyr BP, during which productivity returned to early Holocene conditions in response to
increased input of glacial clays from Cordillera Darwin, as suggested by high values of K/Si ratio (˜1.2).
(Sponsored by PROYECTO DID-UACh S-2015-28)
10
MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING USING DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS: EXAMPLES FROM CHILE AND
ANTARCTICA
ARATA, J1, SQUEO, FRANCISCO2, GAYMER, CARLOS3, 1ASESORIA PROCIEN INACH.2Departamento
de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena.3Departamento de Biología Marina
Universidad Católica del Norte.
The Antarctic continent is the most isolated continent; yet, it is subject to rapid changes due to
anthropogenic impacts such as ozone depletion and climate change. Introduction of alien species and
increasing economic uses such as fisheries and tourism are also a matter of concern. The signing of the
Antarctic Treaty first and the Madrid Protocol later, which seeks the ‘comprehensive protection of the
Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems’, suggest a clear framework for its
conservation. However, recent analyses suggest that current system of protection may not be sufficient,
with protected areas needing revision, as they are not inclusive of all habitats or communities and are
not as large as to provide resilience to ongoing changes derived from global warming. This diagnosis
is even more so for the marine realm. Increasing pressures from human activities requires a change in
conservation paradigm, from an approach case-by-case towards a holistic one. Here we illustrate the use of
a marine spatial conservation planning process for identifying important areas for ecosystem conservation
for the Maritime Antarctica. Results have significance for the resilience of the marine ecosystem, mainly the
krill-based ecosystem, under climate change and fisheries.
11
A GONDWANAN PERSPECTIVE FOR RESEARCH IN ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY ARMESTO, JUAN J.1, SEGOVIA, RICARDO2, 1Departamento de Ecología, Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto
de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.2Departamento de Ecología, Ciencias
Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Since the inception of modern biogeography and ecology in the late 19th century, theoretical interpretation
of diversity and distribution patterns was strongly influenced by concepts derived from the seminal works
of Darwin, Wallace and later Darlington and Simpson. Under this perspective, centers of origin for most
lineages and community assembly processes were driven by evolutionary divergence and migration from
the larger northern continents. This view, which emphasizes the notions of competitive displacement
and dispersal rather than diversification and fragmentation of biotas, dominated the first half of the 20th
century, despite early alternative views of Earth history based on the distribution of austral floras (Hooker,
Skottsberg) and criticism of the ‘centers of origin’ concept from a South American perspective. The northcentric view was also challenged by geological evidence of the breakup of the ancient southern continent
of Gondwana, where much diversification of ancestral biotas also took place. Contemporary analyses of
distribution patterns of living and fossil taxa, and molecular evidence of evolutionary radiations of major
lineages point to the need for a Gondwanan-based perspective to ecology and biogeography. We propose
a re-assessment of altitudinal and latitudinal diversity gradients in relation to new models of tropical and
extra-tropical diversification processes in South America. These models highlight the pivotal role for the
Antarctic cradle in the history of South American lineages. A biogeographic synthesis from a southern
perspective is presently growing under the stimulus of new evidence and discussions at the Southern
Connection meetings since the 1990s.
(Sponsored by PFB-23 (CONICYT), P05-002 (ICM) CONICYT Postdoctoral Fellowship (RS))
12
CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF ESCHSCHOLZIA CALIFORNICA: COMPARING ALKALOID CONTENT
BETWEEN NATIVE AND INVADED RANGES ARREDONDO-NÚÑEZ, A1, CHRISTEN, PHILIPPE2, CRETTON, SYLVIAN3, TAPIA, JORGE4, MUÑOZ,
ORLANDO4, BUSTAMANTE, RAMIRO1, 1Laboratorio Ecología Terrestre, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad
de Chile.2Group of Pharmacognosy, Section des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, University of Geneva.3Group
of Pharmacognosy University of Geneva.4Química, Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
Invasive plants can generate significant impacts on biodiversity. The understanding what determine
their invasiveness is a central issue in Ecology. When one exotic plant arrives to a new range, they are
chemically defended against native predators. If they cannot be recognized by native predators, chemical
defenses are no longer adaptive. Then, they can allocate energy to other functions. These responses
can vary among different parts of plants as herbivores can be selective. We have worked in the chemical
ecology of Eschscholzia californica and invasive plant of Central Chile. We examined total alkaloid content
of different plant parts (leaves, shoot and root), comparing native (California) and invasive populations
(Central Chile). We found non-significant alkaloid differences between native and invasive populations.
However, we found significant differences among populations of Central Chile. Herbivory was almost
absent in leaves but some damage can be observed in the flowers. Roots had the highest alkaloid content
both in the native and in the invaded range. The absence of regional differences (native vs invaded)
suggest that alkaloid concentration is a constitutive defense. Thus, alkaloid content is a conserved trait that
does not change irrespective of herbivory pressure.
(Sponsored by the Iniciativa Científica Milenio (P05-002))
13
THE HIGH ELEVATION FLORA OF THE SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICAN ANDES: RECENT, RICH, AND
AT RISK UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE
ARROYO, MARY T.K.1, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de
Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Historical records show high altitude species can escape from global warming by migrating into cooler
conditions. However, in seeking cooler conditions, the amount of suitable habitat available for many species
could become reduced on account of the geometry of mountainous terrain, the orientation and degree of
isolation of mountain ranges and their peaks, and regional changes in precipitation. High elevation, abovetreeline or bioclimatically-equivalent habitats in the north-south trending South American Andes, found at
progressively higher altitudes toward the lower latitudes, support a rich flora. Dated phylogenies and the
nested positions of some genera within larger clades indicate a fairly recent origin for many clades. An
ongoing distributional modelling effort employing Ensemble Forecasting (BIOMOD), two climate models
and two climate change scenarios on a pool of high altitude species (presently >300) from the southern
Andes (27°-56°S), predicts there will be both winners and losers, but far more losers, even when unlimited
dispersal capacity is assumed and a more conservative temperature increase is considered. Whether the
severe habitat loss predicted for many species by these models becomes fully manifest will depend on the
ability of high altitude species to hold on at the trailing edge and reach favorable thermal microsites within
their present altitudinal ranges. Better knowledge of the responses of individual species at the trailing edge
and of establishment success at the leading edge is critical to our understanding of the impacts of global
warming on high altitude species in the southern Andes.
(Sponsored by Fondecyt 1140541, ICM-MINECON P05-002 IEB, PBF-23, CONICYT. Diego Alarcón is gratefully acknowledged for
his collaboration with the modelling work)
14
SPATIAL PATTERNS OF PHYLOGENETIC DIVERSITY IN NATIVE TREES SPECIES AND
CONSERVATION EFFORT IN THE CHILEAN BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT ARROYO, MARY T.K.1, PINOCHET, CONSTANZA1, JARA-ARANCIO, PAOLA1, FAITH, DANIEL2, 1Instituto
de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.2Australian
National Museum Sydney, Australia.
Phylogenetic diversity (PD) provides a quantitative measure of evolutionary potential. PD also measures
“option value” – the value of diversity in providing future benefits for humans. PD is calculated on a
phylogeny as the sum of the branch-lengths of the taxa of interest starting at the root of the phylogeny.
Conservation of PD option value focusses on total PD of a region, but conservation of evolutionary potential
will focus on maintaining high PD locally. State protected areas in the Chilean biodiversity hotspot are
few. We analyzed the spatial distribution of PD for trees and assessed the degree of protection of high
PD locations throughout the hotspot. A phylogeny based on rbcl was constructed for tree species using
sequences obtained in the laboratory and from GenBank. PD was measured for the full set of trees in
each 0.5 x 0.5 degree square. Species richness and generic richness across the grid were obtained from
optimized occurrence data obtained from herbarium records, using a fine-scale vegetation scheme. PD,
species richness and generic richness are concentrated between 34° to 41°S mainly in the coastal range,
with some outstanding pockets in the central valley and southern part of the Andes. PD was strongly
correlated with species richness and generic richness. The distribution of protected areas bears little
relationship to the locations having highest PD levels at the 0.5 x 0.5 ° square scale. Major disparities are
seen in the Coast Range.
(Sponsored by ICM-MINECON P05-002 IEB, PBF-23, CONICYT)
15
RESOURCE BOTTLENECKS EXACERBATE GONDWANA SPECIES’ VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE
CHANGE
BARNARD, P1, MARON, MARTINE2 (Co-conveners) 1South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private
Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa, and the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University
of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa, 2The University of Queensland, Landscape Ecology
and Conservation Group, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, Brisbane,
Queensland 4072, Australia.
We propose a break from the symposium structure of Southern Connection by holding an interactive
workshop on the nature and importance of bottlenecks. Resource bottlenecks for species – periods of
severe restriction in resource availability – are important and little-understood mechanisms through which
climate change affects biodiversity. Triggered by increased climate variability and extreme climate events,
they can tip species into population declines which precipitate local extinction. Our workshop, building on
a recent global review but highlighting Gondwana examples, focuses on global change processes that
exacerbate bottlenecks and their effects on animal populations, and how adaptation responses can help
buffer the impacts. We outline a framework of factors that increase species’ vulnerability to climate-induced
spatial/ temporal bottlenecks in increasingly variable habitats, focusing on the southern hemisphere. Increases in the frequency, severity and/or duration of extreme climate events can trigger bottlenecks
that severely limit populations and can exacerbate other human-induced pressures, such as land use
change. These may become more frequent and severe, with potentially nonlinear increases in impact. More
effective conservation responses include managing protected area networks for complementarity in spatial/
temporal resources. 16
ON THE EDGE: LONG-TERM AND LARGE-SCALE DATA TO ESTIMATE VULNERABILITY OF AFRICA’S
SOUTHERNMOST ENDEMICS BARNARD, PHOEBE1,2, LEE, ALAN1,2, 1Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, FUniversity
of Cape Town.2Climate Change BioAdaptation, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National
Biodiversity Institute.
Species at the southern edges of Gondwana’s major continents share the same kinds of vulnerabilities to
extinction as those at the polar edges of northern continents, but with the added problem of intense human
settlement in many areas. In Africa, the fynbos global biodiversity hotspot of South Africa is the world’s
smallest and richest floral kingdom, with a Mediterranean-type winter rainfall-summer drought system. Six endemic passerines and one endemic quail, which evolved under mostly cool, moist conditions, face
multiple global change drivers which jeopardize their future survival along the southern tip of the continent. These drivers include climate change (including changing rainfall seasonality and frontal systems; changing
fire regimes and increasing CO2-driven woody encroachment), land use change (urbanization, agricultural
transformation) and biotic invasion. My team has been using the long-term, large-scale citizen science
datasets of South Africa, as well as detailed survey, behavioural and epidemiology studies as a basis for
climate range modelling, population density and viability assessment. Several of the fynbos endemics show
evidence of intolerance to warming temperatures in experimental chamber experiments, and red data list
assessment is highlighting increasing concern about their conservation status. 17
EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF TECTONICS ON THE GENETIC LINEAGE DISTRIBUTION OF
NOTHOFAGUS IN CONTRASTING AREAS OF THE PATAGONIAN ANDES
BECHIS, FLORENCIA1, ACOSTA, CRISTINA2, MATHIASEN, PAULA3, PREMOLI, ANDREA3, THOMSON,
STUART4, RAMOS, VICTOR5, 1IIDyPCa CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro.2IMBIV CONICET
- Universidad Nacional de Cordoba.3Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA CONICET - Universidad Nacional del
Comahue.4Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona.5IDEAN CONICET - Universidad de Buenos
Aires.
The Northern and Southern Patagonian Andes show important differences regarding their geological
evolution during the Cenozoic Era, which began 66 million years ago. These include important variations
in the altitude, style and timing of the mountains’ uplift, and the Pacific vs. Atlantic origin of marine
connections, among others. Coincidentally, the geographic distribution of the genetic lineages and
haplotypes found for all species within the genus Nothofagus also show important variations between the
southern and northern sectors of the Patagonian Andes. Molecular dating has revealed that divergences of
the ancestral lineages took place in different times during the Cenozoic associated with paleogeographic
changes related to geologic and climatic factors. These previous studies proved that there is a strong link
between the tectonic and biological evolution in Patagonia. In this contribution, we outline major latitudinal
differences in the geologic evolution of the Patagonian Andes in order to identify key paleogeographic
elements that could have acted as barriers, filters or corridors for the dispersion and divergence of
Nothofagus species during the Cenozoic. Furthermore, we explore if the available genetic data could
help to evaluate competing geological hypotheses, including the location of the Atlantic-Pacific marine
connections, or the timing of the Andean uplift. We will particularly focus on the segment between 41° and
42°S, where a complete set of previous and new ages obtained from different techniques (apatite fission
track thermochronology and U-Pb LA-ICPMS geochronology) allows a precise dating of the tectonic and
paleogeographic evolution, favoring its comparison and integration with the genetic data. 18
ECOLOGY, EDUCATION, AND CONSERVATION IN TROPICAL AND SUB-ANTARCTIC PROTECTED
AREAS OF SOUTH AMERICA
BERCHEZ, F1, CONTADOR, T.2, MASSARDO, F2, GHILARDI-LOPES , N3, SCHWINDT, E4, LEITE, K5,
CABALLERO, P6, RENDOLL, J6, OJEDA, J7, MANSILLA, A8, KENNEDY, J9, JIMÉNEZ , J10, ROZZI, R10,
1
Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.2Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad, Parque Etnobotánico Omora, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile.3Centro de Ciências
Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, SP, Brazil.4Grupo de Ecología em Ambientes Costeros
Centro Nacional Patagónico (CENPAT, CONICET), Argentina.5Estação Ecológica Tupinambás ICMBio,
Brazil.6Parque Etnobotánico Omora Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Chile.7Laboratorio de Macroalgas
Antárticas y Subantárticas, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile.8Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad,
Laboratorio de Macroalgas Antárticas y Subantárticas, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile.9Departament
of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, USA.10Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Parque
Etnobotánico Omora, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile and University of North Texas, USA.
South American coastal habitats include a wide range of terrestrial, freshwater, and benthic ecosystems,
many of which are unique and constitute hotspots of biodiversity. Biosphere reserves, and other categories
of protected areas (PA), instituted mostly during the second half of the 20th Century, are considered a
key management tool to conserve regional biodiversity. Educational actions to promote changes in basic
values, principles, and attitudes, although considered as a main objective for PAs, frequently have a
poor conceptual basis. Together with the evaluation of their effectiveness by long-term, site-based socioecological research, efforts should be direct towards a holistic approach, with the development and testing
of environmental practices that integrate ecology, economy, ethics, and conflict resolutions on the different
uses of biodiversity. However, ecological long-term studies, socio-economic long-term evaluation, and
the integration of education and ethics are still incipient. With the recent creation of some independent
networks in different South American countries, mainly related to the assessment of biological communities,
concern is related to (1) sharing methodologies and data to facilitate comparative and integrated continental
analyses, and (2) integrating social components, including not only economic but also ethical values and
participatory approaches. Toward this aim, the research network based at Omora Park in the Cape Horn
Biosphere Reserve, Chile, has developed the Field Environmental Philosophy methodological approach,
which has been adapted to research, educational, and conservation programs in protected areas of other
regions of the world. ReBentos Network and CNPq.
19
HOLOCENE FLUCTUATIONS OF CORDILLERA DARWIN GLACIERS RECONSTRUCTED FROM
ALMIRANTAZGO FJORD SEDIMENTS
BERTRAND, SEBASTIEN1,3, LANGE, CARINA2, PANTOJA, SILVIO2, HUGHEN, KONRAD3, SMITH
WELLNER, JULIA4, VAN TORNHOUT, EVI1, GHAZOUI, ZAKARIA1, VAN DIJCK, TOON1, HERNÁNDEZ,
ÁLVARO1,5, 1Renard Centre of Marine Geology Ghent University.2Department of Oceanography and COPAS
Sur-Austral Universidad de Concepción.3Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution.4Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston.5Department of Geology,
Universidad de Chile.
Most outlet glaciers of the Cordillera Darwin Icefield (CDI; Patagonia, 54⁰S) are currently transitioning from
calving to land-based conditions. Whether this rapid retreat is due to changes in temperature, precipitation,
or a combination of both, remains unclear. Here, we investigate the Holocene fluctuations of outlet glaciers
from the northern flank of the CDI using a multi-proxy sedimentological and geochemical analysis of a
13.5 m long sediment core from Almirantazgo fjord, in view of assessing the response of CDI glaciers to
Holocene climate variations. Our results demonstrate that sedimentation in Almirantazgo fjord started with
glacier-proximal deposits at the end of glacial stage E (13–12 kyr cal BP). After 12 kyr cal BP, sediments
show periods of ice-calving rapidly alternating with IRD-free conditions, which we interpret as glacier termini
periodically reaching the fjords. Two periods of higher ice-calving are identified at 4 and 2.5 kyr cal BP.
They are followed by significant meltwater pulses, indicative of glacier retreat, at 3 and 2–1.5 kyr cal BP, as
shown by increases in non-biogenic Ca and Sr concentrations and in grain-size mode. This interpretation is
additionally supported by concomitant decreases in Cl (salinity) and Br (marine organic matter) counts, and
by similar, although less pronounced, changes during the last century. Our record therefore suggests that
CDI outlet glaciers rapidly advanced from and retreated into their valleys twice during the Neoglaciation.
Future analyses will focus on quantifying the amount of IRDs and comparing our glacier mass balance
reconstruction with regional precipitation and temperature records.
(Sponsored by EU Marie Curie FP6 Fellowship (to S.B.), National Geographic Grant 8379-07 (to S.B.), US NSF Office of Polar
Programs Grant NSF/OPP 03-38137 (to J.S.W.), COPAS Project 150100007 - Research Program 6 (to C.L))
20
POSTGLACIAL EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTHERN WESTERLIES RECONSTRUCTED FROM SEDIMENT
DRIFTS IN LAGO CASTOR, NORTHERN CHILEAN PATAGONIA
BERTRAND, SEBASTIEN1, VAN DAELE, MAARTEN1, MEYER, INKA1, VANDOORNE, WILLEM1,
TANGHE, NIELS1, GRANON, EMMA1,2, SIANI, GIUSEPPE3, MOERNAUT, JASPER4, URRUTIA,
ROBERTO5, DE BATIST, MARC1, 1Renard Centre of Marine Geology, Ghent University.2Earth Sciences
Lille, University of Science and Technology.3UMR 8148 CNRS Université Paris-Sud 11.4Facultad de
Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.5EULA, Universidad de Concepción.
Lago Castor (45.6°S; 71.8°W) is a glacigenic lake located within the suggested postglacial pathway of the
core of the southern westerlies, which migrated from ~42°S during the LGM to ~52°S at present. The lake
sedimentary infill was investigated during two field expeditions in 2009 and 2011, during which a network
of high-resolution reflection-seismic profiles was acquired and a 15 m long composite sediment core was
retrieved. The core chronology shows that the sediment record is continuous over the last 19,500 years.
Between 19.5 kyr BP and 18.4 kyr BP, the core is composed of rapidly accumulating (~3mm/yr) clays
coeval with the retreat of outlet glaciers from the Patagonian Ice Sheet. After 18.4 kyr BP, the sediment
evolves into organic-rich silt, typical of a temperate lake. The postglacial part of the record also contains
48 tephra layers, mostly from the nearby Hudson volcano. Changes in organic matter content and grainsize during the last 18 kyr suggest increased precipitation during the mid-Holocene, with a return to drier
conditions after 4 kyr BP. Seismic profiles reveal that most of the postglacial sediments of Lago Castor
were deposited as draped to mounded sediment packages. The mounded packages are interpreted as
sediment drifts deposited under the influence of westerly-driven bottom currents. Changes in the geometry
of the sediment packages therefore provide an additional indicator of westerly wind variability that will
be compared to the sediment proxies to discuss the postglacial evolution of the southern westerlies in
southern South America.
(Sponsored by FWO-Vlaanderen CHILT Project (to MDB))
21
EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF BRYOPHYTES IN ANTARCTICA
BIERSMA, E1,3, JACKSON, J2, LINSE, K3, GRIFFITHS, H1, CONVEY, P3, 1Departament of Plant Sciences,
University of Cambridge.2Ecosystems Team, British Antarctic Survey.3Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation
Team, British Antarctic Survey.
How long have bryophytes been present in Antarctica? Glaciological reconstructions of the Last Glacial
Maximum (LGM; ~22–18kya) as well as of previous glaciations suggest that thick ice sheets covered most
terrestrial areas of the Antarctic, implying that no terrestrial life could have survived in Antarctica throughout
these periods. Additionally, the bryoflora’s low richness (~112 species), low endemism levels (5-10%), and
distribution patterns (with most species confined to the relatively milder Maritime Antarctic) suggest that
bryophytes are recent (post-LGM) colonists. However, recent studies of other Antarctic terrestrial groups
strongly support long-term presence through multiple glacial cycles and, alternatively, bryophytes may have
had a long and previously underestimated persistence in Antarctica. Here, focusing on several species of
bryophytes (including Polytrichum juniperinum, P. strictum and Bryum argenteum) and using population
genetics combined with Bayesian inference and dating methods, we reveal a mixed pattern of persistence
in Antarctica. Although some Antarctic populations are of seemingly recent (post-LGM) arrival, others reveal
the first evidence of long-termsurvival, with genetic dating methods revealing multi-million year persistence
in Antarctica. This study suggests that, despite the harsh polar climate during glaciation periods, bryophytes
may have had a much longer presence in Antarctica than previously thought. 22
USING SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELS TO ASSESS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPECIES
TRAITS AND INVASIVENESS IN NEW ZEALAND
BIZAMA, GUSTAVO1, BUSTAMANTE, RAMIRO1, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de
Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
What attributes make species more or less invasive?. This basic question has oriented most of invasion
ecology research and a set of diverse attributes have been proposed as predictors. Species distribution
models (SDMs) are useful to estimate invasiveness, given that they provide potential distribution in invaded
ranges as a proxy of invasive success. We studied 69 exotic species occurring in New Zealand to assess
the relationship between 8 functional attributes and invasiveness occupying as response variables:
potential area predicted by ​​NZ model, rate of invasion and the proportion of stable populations (assessed
as the intersection between global and NZ distribution model. Results indicate that seed size, the number
of biome that species occur and relatedness between species resulted the best predictor for potential area,
and invasion rate. No attributes were related with the proportion of stable populations. The importance of
relatedness suggest that there are phylogenetic lineages more or less sensitive to these attributes; we
reinforce the general idea that seed size and niche breadth are one of the best predictors of invasiveness. (Sponsored by ICM-P05-002 (IEB); PFB-23; Fondecyt 1140009)
23
COLONIZATION OF SOUTHERN PATAGONIA BY HUMANS
BORRERO, L1, IMHICIHU, CONICET.
Archaeological research related with the early human peopling of southern Patagonia was concentrated
in a few regions, particularly Ultima Esperanza near the Pacific Ocean and the Pali-Aike Volcanic Field.
Recent studies of archaeological lithic assemblages, archaeological and paleontological bone assemblages
and new chronologies change some of our central ideas about the process and timing of Late Pleistocene
human exploration and colonization of those lands. Together with recent paleocological and geological
results obtained by different teams in the same regions they propitiated an advance in our understanding of
the processes of adaptation to the very different environments of the southern cone.
24
FIRST RESULTS OF THE HIGH-RESOLUTION ANALYSIS OF PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN
THE UPPER JURASSIC TO LOWER CRETACEOUS IN CENTRAL CHILE BRYSCH, SVEN1, JÄGER, HARTMUT1, SALAZAR SOTO, CHRISTIAN2, STINNESBECK, WOLFGANG1,
1
Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Heidelberg.2Geología y Minería, Servicio Nacional de Geología
y Minería.
A multidisciplinary, high-resolution analysis of the palaeoenvironmental development of the upper Jurassic
(Tithonian) to lower Cretaceous (Hauterivian) shelf system of central Chile is done, based on lithofacies
and palynofacies analysis in two sections in the Cajón del Morado with a special focus on sea level and
palaeoenvironmental changes in this carbonate shelf system. Carbonate microfacies analysis, providing
detailed information on lithofacies and depositional environments, shows proximal to open marine platform
interior conditions for the lower part of the sections. This is followed by a transgressive phase leading to
deep shelf depositional conditions in the middle part of the sections. The upper shows slope to platform
interior sediments indicating a regressive phase towards the top. Palynofacies analyses shows, that the
whole succession is dominated by terrestrial organic matter with only minor amounts of marine organic
matter. Basic geochemical analysis gives evidence, that the terrestrial input is dominated by land plant
material. Total organic carbon is highest in the middle part of the section, indicating the development of
euxinic environments within this carbonate shelf during the transgressive phase. In palynofacies samples
also microscopic glendonites crystals are found, indicating cold-water environments. In shallow marine
shelf environments, like the studied sections, it indicates cold surface temperatures also. Micro-glendonites
are recorded in the lower and upper part of the sections, indicating a climatic input on the facies and sealevel changes in the upper Jurassic to lower Cretaceous shelf system of central Chile, which was never
recorded for the southern hemisphere before. 25
EFFECT OF FLORISTIC NICHE WIDTH ON COMMUNITY-LEVEL ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION IN THE WET
TROPICS
BURLEY, HUGH1, MOKANY, KAREL2, LAFFAN, SHAWN3, FERRIER, SIMON2, 1BEES University of New
South Wales.2Land and Water CSIRO.3BEES UNSW.
Aim: Conserving different spatio-temporal dimensions of biological diversity may be necessary for
maintaining ecosystem functions under global environmental change. Recent work has highlighted
the importance of diversity at macroecological scales (β- and γ-diversity), emphasising links between
ecological specialisation and ecosystem functions. We test whether the ecological specialisation of
vascular plants in environmental space (environmental β-diversity) influences a key site-level ecosystem
function - gross primary productivity (GPP) - under current environmental conditions. Location: Wet Tropics
biogeographic region, Australia (WT). Methods: We summarised herbarium records for 4300 vascular
plant species from the Australian Wet Tropics. For each species, we calculated the environmental niche
width (95th -5th percentiles) in three key environmental dimensions, using interpolated climate surfaces
at 250m resolution (2001-2012): mean annual rainfall (mm), maximum temperature of the warmest period
(°C) and topsoil nitrogen fraction (%). We then calculated the average environmental niche width for all
species occurring at 527 ecological survey sites (i.e. site-ENW). Structural equation modelling was used
to quantify relationships between remotely sensed GPP (2001-2012), environmental conditions and siteENW in all three environmental dimensions. Potential implications: The influence of β-diversity on current
GPP is less important than direct environmental effects. However, ecological specialization may impact
ecosystem functions more prominently over longer time scales under rapidly changing environmental
conditions. Assessing these relationships at broad spatio-temporal scales will help incorporate
macroecological processes into the management of biodiversity and ecosystem functions under global
change scenarios.
26
SPINESCENCE IN THE NEW ZEALAND FLORA: PARALLELS WITH AUSTRALIA
BURNS, K1, School of Biological Sciences Victoria, University of Wellington.
Prickles, thorns and spines deter herbivory by large mammals. However, New Zealand lacked large
mammals prehistorically and was instead home to large browsing birds. Perhaps as a result, very little
research has been conducted on the production and function of prickles, thorns and spines in New Zealand
plants. Here, I evaluate the ontogeny of spinescence in New Zealand and how it differs in taxa inhabiting
offshore islands that never housed large browsing birds. I then review similar work on the ontogeny and
biogeography of prickles, thorns and spines in Australia, where spinescence has been shown to deter
herbivory by large vertebrates. Results show that a variety of New Zealand plant species deploy prickles,
thorns and spines in similar ways to spinescent plants in Australia, suggesting that spinescence may have
defended plants against large, avian herbivores. Results also highlight differences in the deployment of
spinescence between the two floras, which may represent specific adaptations to avian browsers. 27
CONNECTIVITY AMONG POPULATIONS OF MARINE MACROALGAE: THE IMPORTANCE OF
DISTANCE, INTERVENING HABITAT, AND CURRENTS
DURRANT, HALLEY3, BARRETT, NEVILLE1, COLEMAN, MELINDA2, EDGAR, GRAHAM1, BURRIDGE,
CHRISTOPHER3, 1Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania.2Department of Primary
Industries, NSW Fisheries.3School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania.
Seascape genetics investigates the influence of habitat and other environmental variables on spatial
population genetic variation and population connectivity. Seascape genetics can identify environmental
factors that inhibit or facilitate dispersal, and this knowledge is vital to the success of Marine Protected
Areas (MPAs) and conservation strategies such as translocations, as population connectivity is essential
for the exchange of genes and maintenance of ecosystem resilience. Although population connectivity
within networks of MPAs has been assessed, the influence of specific environmental factors on connectivity
is rarely investigated. We used seascape genetics to understand the influence of distance, intervening
habitat, and hydrological processes (particle dispersal probability models) on the dispersal of the
macroalgae Lessonia corrugata in the Derwent Estuary, Tasmania. We genotyped individuals for seven
polymorphic microsatellite from 14 sites separated by varying amounts of reef, sand, and open water.
The proportion of intervening habitat significantly explained population genetic structure, more than raw
geographic isolation alone. Particle dispersal probability models had low explanatory power, which may
reflect differences between how dispersal is realised in this species and the modeling of passive particles,
and other inadequacies in particle modeling. Based on these results, planners need to consider the types of
habitat intervening potential MPAs when assessing the likely connectivity of resident biota. (Sponsored by Australian Research Council Linkage Grant LP100200122)
28
PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF LONG-TERM INVASIONS BY NON-NATIVE TREE SPECIES BURROWS, LARRY1, PELTZER, DUANE1, DICKIE, IAN2, GREENAWAY, ALISON3, 1Ecosystem Dynamics
& Climate Change, Landcare Research NZ Ltd.2Bio-Protection Research Centre, Bio-Protection Research
Centre, Lincoln University.3Governance & Policy, Governance & Policy, Landcare Research NZ Ltd.
Biological invasions affect global change through effects on species, communities and ecosystems.
Three phases of the invasion process are recognised: initial naturalisation, spread, and long-term
persistence. Few studies have considered these stages in concert. We synthesised information on nonnative coniferous tree species in New Zealand as a model system. Current estimates of area invaded by
non-native coniferous tree species are ca. 1.8 million ha, about 7% of the total land area of New Zealand.
Area invaded has increased by about 5% per year over recent decades despite management efforts. The
most widespread invaders are Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus contorta, but invasion by other pine
species (e.g. P. nigra, P. sylvestris, P. mugo, and P. radiata) is also occurring. P. contorta was introduced
for erosion protection and first became naturalised in 1906. P. menziesii was introduced in the1880s, is
the second most important plantation species by area in NZ, and is now NZ’s most widespread invasive
coniferous species. Although there are important ecological differences between these two species,
this is overshadowed by differences in anthropogenic propagule pressure and public perceptions. Late
stage invasions require a broader approach to invader impacts; management, native/non-native species
interactions, landscape-scale spatial processes, cost-benefits of management and impacts, cultural values,
trajectories of future change and social desirability. Key words: adaptive ecosystem management, biological
invasions, New Zealand, non-native tree species, succession. 29
IS ESCHSCHOLZIA CALIFORNICA CONSTRAINED IN PERIPHERAL POPULATIONS? A
DEMOGRAPHIC APPROACH FOR AN INVASIVE PLANT OF CENTRAL CHILE BUSTAMANTE, RAMIRO O1, PEÑA GOMEZ, FRANCISCO 1, ALVES, LUA1, CASTILLO, MARIA
LORETO1, MORALES, JAEL1, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity,
Universidad de Chile.
Peripheral populations are faced with abiotic stress which constrains their performance compared with
central populations. In thecase of invasive species, this is critical as conditions existing in peripheral
populations (the front of invasion) define the potential expansion of species across landscapes. During
2010 and 2013, we studied demographicresponses of Eschscholzia californica, an invasive plant originally
from north-west USA. We used matrix population models to estimate the finite rate of population growth
(‫ )ג‬along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients in Central Chile. The objective of this study was to examine
the hypothesis that peripheral populations should have lowest population growth. Our results show that
populations are in demographic equilibrium across altitudinal and latitudinal gradients; northern ph eripheral
populations did not show a negative growth; during 2013 population growth was negative at the southern
edge. Precipitation was the main driver of population dynamics. Because this species has a long history of
invasion in Chile, we suggest that it is no longer expanding altitudinally and latitudinally.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1100076, FONDECYT 1140009, ICM P05-002)
30
VEGETATION CHANGE OVER THE LAST 17,000 CAL YR BP AT QUEBRADA INCAHUASI, SOUTHERN
ATACAMA DESERT (25°36’S) RECONSTRUCTED FROM RODENT MIDDENS
BUSTOS, MANUEL1,2, LATORRE, CLAUDIO2, OJEDA, KARLA2, DÍAZ, FRANCISCA3, 1Instituto de
Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.2Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.3Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Chile.
Large-scale hydrological changes had major impacts on the vegetation of the Atacama Desert during the
late Quaternary. Rodent middens (accumulations of feces, plant remains, insects and bone) have proven
fundamental for reconstructing the magnitude and chronology of these impacts. To date, the vast majority
of these studies come from the northern and central Atacama Desert with little data from the southern
portion, which has a stronger winter rainfall influence. We collected 31 middens from Quebrada Incahuasi
(QIN, 25°36’S, 3600 masl) a high elevation valley that sits across the boundary between the Andean steppe
and the absolute desert. We identified plant macrofossils: fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves as well as plant
cuticles from rodent pellets. AMS radiocarbon dates reveal that the QIN middens span the interval between
17 ka to the present almost continuously. A total of 16 taxa were identified, many of which are extralocal.
Just three species occur in a midden dated to 17 ka implying a cold and arid climate. Diverse assemblages
indicated increased available moisture at 15 ka and lasting until 10 ka. These data replicate the timing
of the Central Andean Pluvial Event (CAPE) and extend its influence south of the central Atacama. Only
minor changes in midden assemblages occurred during the Holocene with the most important changes
seen at 2 ka, when modern assemblies were established. By comparing the QIN midden series to similar
records from lower elevation, we reconstruct the migrational history of high Andean steppe during the late
Quaternary.
(Sponsored by IEB Grants ICM P05-002 and PFB-23)
31
NO SINGLE PLANT BREEDING SYSTEM AT HIGH ELEVATIONS - LIFE-FORM CONSTRAINTS GET IN
THE WAY: RESULTS FROM THE ANDEAN GENUS CHAETANTHERA
CABEZAS, JOSEFINA1,3, PÉREZ, MARÍA FERNANDA2,1, ARROYO, MARY T.K.3,1, 1Instituto de Ecología
y Biodiversidad.2Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.3Departamento de
Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
Although conditions for pollination at high elevations predict the evolution of autogamy cross-species
comparisons of breeding systems at different altitudinal levels and comparisons of populations of the
same species along altitudinal gradients have revealed that many species are strongly adapted for
outcrossing. The wide range of breeding systems at high altitude could be affected by phylogenetic and
life-form constraints. We studied the evolution of breeding systems and life-form in a phylogenetic context
in 22 species of the Andean South American genus Chaetanthera (Asteraceae), distributed from close to
sea level to >4000 m.a.s.l. A wide range of breeding systems, ranging from strong autoincompatibility to
strong autonomous selfing was found. Parsimony analysis revealed autogamy and autocompatibility as the
ancestral breeding system; however results were equivocal with Maximum Likelihood. Breeding system
showed low phylogenetic signal; life-form and breeding system were significantly correlated. PICs revealed
no significant relationship between breeding system and pollination conditions expressed as temperature
during flowering. Both at high and low altitudes in Chaetanthera, the strong effect of life-form on breeding
system leads to a mix of strongly outcrossing perennial species and highly autogamous anual species. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1140541, ICM - MINECON P05 - 002 - IEB, PFB 23, CONICYT)
32
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE KELP MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA: A GLOBAL CONTEXT
CANETE, J1, Sciences and Natural Resources, Sciences, University of Magallanes.
The ecosystem services provided by the kelp Macrocystis pyrifera around the world are described based
in a vast revision in order to: i) to validate the definitions of goods and services applied to other aquatic
ecosystems, ii) to fill some gaps in knowledge and difficulties in quantifying goods and services using
a local example of the Magellan Region (cold temperate eco-region), iii) to identify and to quantify the
ecosystem goods, functions and services provided by this large kelp bioengineer species following the
proposal of De Groot et al. (2002) and others authors, and iv) establish comparison with other important
marine and estuarine bioengineering ecosystems. Results shows that ecosystem services related to
biodiversity are the most cited. Those services provided by factoring raw materials, industrial applications,
and others with economical projections, could to have the greatest negative impacts on Macrocystis kelp
forest and subsidiary benthic/pelagic communities from shallow and deep waters. We concluded that
the kelp M. pyrifera around the world sustains 27 ecosystem services today, including those services of
knowledge and information, being the second in importance in relation to ecosystems services provided by
other marine bioengineering habitats. Special ecological, oceanographic and biogeographic features of the
Magellan Province highlight the importance of estuarine communities where M. pyrifera inhabit. (Sponsored by Dirección Investigación UMAG- IEB)
33
IS TEMPERATURE A DRIVER OF DIATOM COMMUNITY STRUCTURE CHANGES OVER THE PAST 700
YEARS?
CARREVEDO GOYTIA, MARIA LAURA1,2,3, ALFARO, FERNANDO1,2, FUENTEALBA, MAGDALENA1,3,2,
FRUGONE, MATIAS4,2,3, VALERO GARCES, BLAS4,3, LATORRE, CLAUDIO1,2,3, 1Department of Ecology,
Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile.2Paleoecologia, Institute of Ecology and
Biodiversity (IEB), Santiago, Chile.3PUC-CSIC Laboratorio Internacional de Cambio Global (LINCGLOBAL),
Chile-Spain.4Paleoambientes Cuaternarios, Pyrenean Institute of Ecology.
Important changes in diatom species composition occur in lake cores globally. Laguna del Maule(LdM),
located in a volcanic field (Chilean Andes, 36°S-70°W, 2.160masl) offers an opportunity to investigate if
changes are responses to regional temperature or other variables. We quantified species fingerprints by
using in diversity and evenness correlated to multiproxy summer (winter) surface air temperature field
reconstructions for southern South America. Using a species relative abundance data that spans >700
years (1300 – 2011 AD) we found that Shannon-H diversity (H) and Evenness-J (J) index of the community
show the following patterns when compared with austral summer (winter) surface air temperature. A rapid
cooling during the Little Ice Age (LIA) since end of 1300’s until beginning of 1900’s is coeval with a drop in
H and J, although these peak at mid-1600’s. From c. 1850 until 1900 AD, a warm period, H and J are low.
Community parameters rise afterwards and peak at beginning of 1900’s, when temperatures decreased;
but then these descend until mid-1900’s when temperature were higher. Since then, parameters rised
until today. Anthropogenic impacts like dam construction (1945 AD) and increasing temperatures could be
responsible for the increasing diversity. These results suggest that diversity and evenness increase when
temperatures were lower and decrease with warming. Fluctuations of H and J during LIA indicate rapid
changes within this relatively colder/wetter period. Our results highlight the importance of regional climate
drivers on LdM diatom community structure and suggest a significant role for temperature at centennial and
decadal scales. (Sponsored by FONDECYT (Chile; Grant No. 3120012), the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain; Grant No.
CGL2012-32501) to HOLOCHILL and the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (Chile) through (grants ICM P05-002 and PFB-23))
34
EFFECT OF SEED SIZE ON SEEDLING EMERGENCE AND PERFORMANCE OF MYRCIANTHES
COQUIMBENSIS
CARVAJAL, DANNY E1, GARCÍA-GUZMÁN, PATRICIO1, LOAYZA, ANDREA P1, SQUEO, FRANCISCO
A1, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena & Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB),
Chile.
Seed size is a key component of the life history of plants, as it can influence seedling emergence and
performance (i.e., seedling growth), which in turn affects regeneration dynamics. In the southern limit of the
Atacama Desert Myrcianthes coquimbensis (Myrtaceae) is an endangered desert shrub endemic of Chile
that has recalcitrant seeds, which can vary in seed size by an order of magnitude. To determine if seed size
affects seedling emergence and growth, we used an experimental approach using four categories of seed
size defined according to differences in seed weight (0.5±0.08g, 0.7±0.09g, 1.7±0.21g, 4.1±0.59g). Seeds
were sown separately in 3.5-L pots filled with sandy soil at Universidad de La Serena and maintained well
irrigated for seven months. During this period, we periodically counted the number of seedlings emerged
and recorded initial plant height of each seedling. At the end of the experiment, we recorded final plant
final plant height and total biomass and estimated the relative grow rate (RGR) of each seedling. Our
results revealed that seed size affects the temporal dynamics of seedling emergence, but not the final
proportion of emerged seeds. Moreover, seed size affected final plant biomass; that is, plants from bigger
seeds achieved higher biomass that plants from smaller seeds. No significant effect of seed size on the
RGR of seedlings was detected. In conclusion, seed size affected seedling emergence and performance
of M. coquimbensis, and may thus be a key factor influencing the recruitment dynamics of this threatened
species.
(Sponsored by Projects FONDECYT 11140400, ICM P05-002, CONICYT PFB 23, CONICYT Doctoral Fellowships 21140050 &
21120854)
35
THE INTRODUCTION OF EXOTIC PLANT SPECIES AND ITS IMPACTS ON PHYLOGENETICDIVERSITY PATTERNS IN PLANT COMMUNITIES
CARVALLO, GASTON1, CASTRO, SERGIO2, 1Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.2Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile.
The introduction of exotic plants is a characteristic of the Anthropocene, which have impacted the native
biodiversity and ecosystems functioning. Among components of biodiversity, phylogenetic diversity (PD),
the evolutionary relatedness among species in a community, encompass information about ecological
processes (e.g. biotic interactions, habitat filtering) as well as processes over evolutionary scale (e.g. trait
evolution, speciation). In the context of biological invasions, PD can contribute to infer the fate of introduced
species based on the study of phylogenetic similarity between exotic and native plants. In spite of PD
importance, it has been scarcely studied for communities of the Southern hemisphere. Here, we show two
studies based on ecoregions of Chile that aim to reduce this paucity: the coastal matorral (a Mediterraneantype ecosystem from Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests hotspot) and South-Eastern Pacific islands. For the
first study, we characterized the PD of plant communities with different degree of exotic species dominance
and we are still investigating whether climatic factors and/or plant traits contribute to understand the PD.
For the second study, we compared the phylogenetic properties of island flora between pre-European
colonization and current flora. Our results show that plant introductions increased the phylogenetic α- and
β-diversities and favored a phylogenetic clustered structure which is attributable to an over-representation
of some families of exotic flora (Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae). These results encourage
us to determinate the relationship between PD and the mechanisms of invasions by understanding the role
of traits (functional diversity) and the factors that could act as environmental filters.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT PD 3130399; DICYT Nº 243; FB0807)
36
THE IMPORTANCE OF FACILITATIVE INTERACTIONS ON THE DIVERSITY OF ALPINE PLANT
COMMUNITIES
CAVIERES, L1,2, 1Departamento de Botánica, Universidad de Concepción.2Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad.
Alpine habitats are expected to be prone to facilitative interactions among species. Although the
consequences of facilitation at individual and population levels are well known, the community-level
consequences of these processes have received much less attention. Using a dataset spanning 78 sites
and 5 continents, we assessed the relative importance of biotic interactions in determining plant diversity
in alpine ecosystems. We focused on plant communities dominated by cushion plants, a particular
growth form that act as nurse plant for other plant species. Through rarefaction curves we assessed the
effectiveness of community sampling, and estimated the number of species present within and outside
cushions. Samples from cushions and open areas were combined in a single matrix accounting for the
difference in cover between both microhabitat, and through rarefaction curves we assessed how many
more species are added to the community due to the presence of cushions. Samples taken within cushions
always contained more species than equivalent samples in open areas. Inclusion of samples from cushion
and open areas in synthetic analyses - where differences in cover were accounted for - indicated that the
presence of cushions consistently increased species richness at the entire community level. The magnitude
of these increases in species richness varied with habitat severity, with lower values at both extreme of the
environmental severity gradient. Similar positive effects were observed at the genera, family and endemic
species level indicating that facilitative interactions are pivotal in the maintaining diversity in these harsh
environments.
(Sponsored by F ICM P05-002 & CONICYT PFB-023)
37
CHIRONOMIDS AS PROXIES FOR PALEOCLIMATE RECONSTRUCTIONS: A SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE PERSPECTIVE
CHANG, JIE1, MORENO, PATRICIO2, SHULMEISTER, JAMES3, 1Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad,
Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile.2Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Faculty of Sciences,
Universidad de Chile.3School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science,
University of Queensland.
Subfossil head capsules of chironomid larvae (non-biting midges) preserved in lake sediments are wellestablished proxies that can provide quantitative estimates of past temperature change. This is usually
achieved by applying a transfer function inference model which is based on an observed strong relationship
between air temperatures and the modern distribution of chironomid taxa. This relationship stands from
the subpolar to tropical regions in both Northern and Southern hemisphere. We will discuss the results and
progress of recently established and emerging studies that focusing on the development and application of
chironomid-based transfer functions in the Southern Hemisphere. These are from temperate to wet tropics
of eastern Australia (including Tasmania, Rees et al. 2008) (Chang et al., 2015a,b), eastern Patagonia
(Argentina) (Massaferro and Larocque-Tobler, 2013) and recently initiated work from western Patagonia
(Chile). North-western Patagonia is located at critical latitudes to examine past variations of the Southern
Westerly Winds (SWW). We will develop a high resolution chironomid-based record from Lago Pichilaguna,
41°S extending back to the glacial period. This will promote regional comparison of the temperature
fluctuations during critical periods including the deglaciation and Antarctic Cold Reversal. The results will
contribute to our understanding on the long-term dynamics of the SWW in the mid-latitudes of Southern
Hemisphere and potentially on the global climate. (Sponsored by ICM Grants P05-002 and NC120066, Fondap 15110009, Fondecyt 1151469)
38
EFFECTS OF POWER PLANT EFFLUENTS ON FISH FINGERLING DISTRIBUTION SURROUNDING
UPSTREAM TIDAL RIVER OF THE LOWER GULF OF THAILAND
CHESOH, SARAWUTH1, Department of Science, Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University.
This study aimed to investigate the adverse ecological impact of the 1,572 MW combined cycle power
plant located in lower gulf of Thailand. Monthly water quality was monitored and fish fingerling was
sampled from January 2008 to December 2013. Standard methods were used. Species and amount of
fingerling were examined and categorized. Factor analysis was used to group the number of species
and produced four interpretable factors. Finally, linear regression was used to investigate the association
between each of the four factors and determinants. A total of 45 aquatic animal fingerlings was commonly
trapped in average density of 2,652 individuals per 1,000 cubic meters of water volume (1,235–4,570).
However, 25 predominantly caught species were selected to calculate. The results revealed that factor 1
was represented by the largest group of freshwater fish, factors 2 represented a medium-sized group of
mesohaline species, factor 3 represented brackish species and factor 4 was a few euryhaline species.
Factor 1 reached the maximum peak in August and was significantly associated with a season, sites and
water transparency. Factor 2, with a season, sites, water turbidity and dissolved oxygen. Factor 3, only
season and sites. Factor 4 with season, site and water turbidity. All three factor reached maximum levels
during May and October. Total numbers of fish fingerling caught at the outflow showed greater than those of
other sampling sites. Impact of heated pollution from power plant effluents did not clearly detected. Natural
phenomena exhibit greater factor influencing. Continuous ecological monitoring is strongly recommended. (Sponsored by Research and Development Office, Prince of Songkla University and SAT-ASEAN Fund)
39
PINUS CONTORTA INVASION CHANGES FOREST FUEL PROPERTIES AND COULD IMPACT FIRE
REGIMES IN PATAGONIA
CÓBAR-CARRANZA, ANA1,2, GARCÍA, RAFAEL1,2, PAUCHARD, ANÍBAL2,1, PEÑA, EDUARDO2,
1
Biological Invasions Lab, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB).2Facultad de Ciencias Forestales,
Universidad de Concepción.
Invasive woody plants can change fire regimes through modifications of fuel properties, these changes
in fire-prone environments, could potentially impact the fire regime. In south-central and south Chile the
invasion of the non-native Pinus contorta is affecting Araucaria araucana, Nothofagus antarctica forest
and the steppe, modifying the ecosystem by reducing the biodiversity and changing micro-environmental
conditions. Several fuel properties were evaluated including fuel load, vertical and horizontal fuel continuity,
and flammability of native and invasive tree species. The flammability was addressed by analyzing the foliar
characteristics, and proportion of fuel by sizes. In the steppe the invasion of P. contorta have increased fuel
load, by adding a structural element in the ecosystem (tree cover); and in the Subalpine Andean forests
vertical fuel continuity, and flammability has increased. The invasion in the Patagonia is under progression
and if the process of invasion continues the effects on fuel properties will increase. These results suggest
that wildfires will be more intense and severe, and that the fire regime will change from a mixed and
ground fire regime to a crown fire regime. These changes will affect plant regeneration, and a positive
feedback that favours the P. contorta invasion could emerge. Long-term studies to understand the effect of
invasive woody plants on the fire regime are essential for the control of these invasions, especially for the
conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem processes in the Chilean Patagonia.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1140485, CONICYT PFB-23, ICM P05-002)
40
A LONG-LIVED LIFE IN THE SOUTHERN POLE: PHENOLOGY, DISTRIBUTION, AND THERMAL LIMITS
OF PAROCHLUS STEINENII ACROSS THE SUB-ANTARCTIC AND THE ANTARCTIC
CONTADOR, TAMARA1, KENNEDY, JAMES2,3, GAÑAN, MELISA3, ROZZI , RICARDO4,1, RENDOLL,
JAVIER1, ARRIAGADA, GONZALO3, 1Programa de Conservación Biocultural Subantártica, Instituto
de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Magallanes.2Biological Sciences, University of North
Texas.3Programa de Conservación Biocultural Subantártica, Universidad de Magallanes.4Philosophy and
Religion Studies, University of North Texas.
Antarctic and sub-Antarctic freshwater ecosystems are highly dynamic, and their responses to climate
change may be more immediate than in their terrestrial counterparts. Among freshwater fauna, insects
are strongly affected by thermal variation. Studying their natural history and physiological limits provide
valuable tools to predict changes on species distributions and phenological patterns. We focused on
the autoecology of the little studied chironomid midge Parochlus steinenii (Diptera: Insecta), which is
found in both the maritime Antarctic (MA) and the sub-Antarctic (SA). We aimed towards 1) contributing
to the current knowledge on its distribution through the MA and SA, and 2) determining and comparing
its phenological patterns and critical thermal limits. Thermal patterns are similar in high-altitude SA lakes
and sea-level MA lakes. Nonetheless, temperatures in SA lakes are significantly higher, allowing for the
accumulation of almost 1200 degree-days in one year, versus 380 in the lakes monitored in the MA. From
laboratory rearing, we show that P. steinenii has a merovoltine (three years) and a univoltine life cycle (one
year) in the MA and SA, respectively. Its thermal range is wide for all life stages, ranging from -3 to 30ºC,
thus a possible expansion on its distribution could be hypothesized in a global warming scenario. As more
knowledge is gained, we aim towards using P. steinenii as and indicator of climate change in MA and SA
freshwater ecosystems through long-term research, generating models that will allow for the prediction of
changes in its distribution and phenology. (Sponsored by FONDECYT Grant 11130451, INACH (Fl_03-13), Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program, Universidad de
Magallanes, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad)
41
REVISITING TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY IN THE ANTARCTIC REGION: CHALLENGES TO
UNDERSTANDING ITS HISTORY, AND TO ITS CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION
CONVEY, P1, Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation Team, British Antarctic Survey.
Even today, terrestrial life in Antarctica is surprisingly poorly known in detail. It is clear that most currently
ice-free ground in Antarctica and on at least some of the surrounding sub-Antarctic regions would have
been covered and scoured by glacial advances at the Last Glacial Maximum and previous maxima.
However, as new baseline survey data have become available, in combination with modern molecular
biological analysis, it has become clear that long-term persistence and regional isolation is a feature of the
Antarctic terrestrial biota whose generality has not previously been appreciated. This biota is dominated by
cryptogams, microarthropods and other microinvertebrates, and microbial groups. Many of these have high
levels of endemism, and all show strong evidence of long-term presence in Antarctica. As well as creating
a new paradigm in which to consider the evolution and adaptation of Antarctic terrestrial biota, this opens
important new cross-disciplinary linkages in the fields of understanding the geological and glaciological
history of the continent itself, and of the climatic and oceanographic process that can both lead to isolation
and support colonisation processes. This new and more complex understanding of Antarctic biogeography
also provides important practical challenges for management and conservation in the region, as required
under the Antarctic Treaty System.
42
THE THREAT OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS FOR ANTARCTIC BIOTA
CONVEY, P1, Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation Team, British Antarctic Survey.
Most ice-free habitats on land in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic are effectively islands surrounded by
hostile ice and ocean. Terrestrial ecosystems are extremely isolated, and have developed unique and
striking features. True terrestrial vertebrates are generally absent, meaning that most foodwebs consist only
of invertebrates. Ecosystem structure is generally simplified, with few true native herbivores or predators
present, and the predators in particular having very limited impact on their prey species. Over the last two
centuries human activities have led to the accidental introduction and establishment on land of many nonindigenous species of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant, particularly to the ecosystems of the sub-Antarctic
islands. These introductions have encompassed a range of trophic functions, some of which are poorly
or not represented in indigenous ecosystems, in some cases leading to drastic alterations in ecosystem
structure and function. A smaller number of introductions are already apparent in parts of the Antarctic
Peninsula, and the sub-Antarctic provides a direct warning of the likely trajectories of these and any future
establishment events. This presentation will consider the impacts of non-indigenous biota in Antarctic
ecosystems to date, and their implications in a future where these ecosystems are also faced by some of
the most rapid rates of environmental change on the planet. It will also identify urgent challenges faced by
the authorities responsible for conservation and governance in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, if
the Antarctic is to remain the only continent globally that is largely unaffected by biological invasions.
43
ATMOSPHERIC LINKAGES AND THE DISPERSAL OF BRYOPHYTES BETWEEN REMOTE
TERRESTRIAL ‘ISLANDS’ IN THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA REGION AND SOUTH ATLANTIC
CONVEY, P1, BRACEGIRDLE, TOM2, 1Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptation Team, British Antarctic
Survey.2Climate Team, British Antarctic Survey.
Antarctic terrestrial habitats are typically ‘island like’, isolated on various geographical scales. Along the
Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Arc, some terrestrial biota are widely distributed. As the majority, although
not all, of these ‘islands’ probably became exposed from ice during post-Pleistocene glacial retreat, it is
clear that successful dispersal events must be reasonably frequent, although few biological studies have
addressed this directly. In contrast, other biota have very restricted distributions, a particularly striking
example of this being given by the bryophytes specifically associated with geothermal ecosystems of
the South Sandwich Islands and Deception Island (South Shetland Islands), where some species may
be restricted to a single fumarole system. Bryophytes are well known to produce different dispersing
propagules, and spores in particular are thought to be amenable to passive dispersal in the air column.
However, very few studies have addressed even the basic aerobiological questions of how frequently
such aerial transfer events occur in the Antarctic and across the Southern Ocean, while ecophysiological
data relating to spore survival of the potentially extreme stresses experienced during transfer or viability
on arrival are currently unavailable. Here, we provide an overview of the importance of spore production
in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Island bryophytes, and an initial assessment of the level of potential
aerobiological connectedness between different locations within the Antarctic Peninsula, the remote South
Atlantic islands, and lower latitudes.
44
PHOTOSYNTHETIC COMPENSATION ALONG ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN THREE LATITUDINAL
CONTRASTING HIGH ELEVATION ANDEAN FORESTS
COOPMAN, RAFAEL1, ROJAS, ROKE1, DUNCAN, CHRISTIE2, JARAMILLO, DAVID1, OÑATE, BASTIAN1,
1
Laboratorio de Ecofisiología para la Conservación de Bosques, Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y
Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Laboratorio
de Dendrocronología y Cambio Global, Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de
Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.
In high elevation forest in the Chilean Andes, there are three ecoregions for which significant climate
changes have been described during the last century and at the same time represent biogeographical
landmarks. With the aim to compare photosynthetic mechanisms through latitudes and environments,
which could explain the performance of tree along elevations. We perform a photosynthetic and microclimatic characterization through an elevational and latitudinal gradient in three high elevation Andean
forests: P. tarapacana, (18°LS) and N. pumilio (40 and 55°LS). In which, we evaluated how photosynthetic
key traits (net CO2 assimilation (AN); stomatal conductance (gs); mesophyll conductance (gm); RuBP
maximum regeneration rate (Jmax); Rubisco maximum carboxylation rate (Vc,max); photorespiration (Pr)and
leaf mass area (LMA) respond to environmental gradients?. While air temperature, relative humidity, and
vapour pressure deficit (VPD), were recorded in the middle of the grow season covering the last month of
foliar expansion, gas-exchange measurements were carried out in recently full-expanded leaf. Through the
latitudes, different metabolic compensation mechanisms explain the similar AN values across elevations.
In particular, at low latitudes the CO2 diffusional components gs and gm compensate for AN. while gs was
not important at higher latitudes, gm and Vc,max were responsible for the elevational compensation of AN.In
conclusion, we found a common photosynthetic compensation along elevational gradients, exerted by
different metabolic adjustments which, indeed respond to each latitudinal environmental gradients of dailyintegrated air temperature and VPD. (Sponsored by FONDECYT-1120965)
45
COLOR POLYMORPHISM ON SELKIRKIELLA SPIDERS (THERIDIIDAE) FROM THE JUAN FERNáNDEZ
ARCHIPELAGO AND THE VALDIVIAN TEMPERATE RAINFOREST
COTORAS, D1, LINDBERG, DAVID2, GILLESPIE, ROSEMARY3, 1Ecology and Evolutionary Biology /
Entomology & Center for Comparative Genomics, University of California, Santa Cruz / California Academy
of Sciences.2Museum of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley.3Environmental Science, University
of California, Berkeley.
Convergent evolution occurs on a wide variety of traits present on different groups of organisms. The
convergence in color polymorphisms has been widely studied, as it corresponds to a unique situation
where convergence leads to diversity. In the spider family Theridiidae, the independent evolution of the
abdominal color polymorphism has been well described in at least four species: Enoplognatha ovata
(Europe), E. latimana (Europe), Theridion grallator (Hawai’i) and T. californicum (California). Among the
shared characteristics on these cases of color polymorphism are: (1) the presence of “Yellow” as the double
recessive and more common variant, (2) single loci Mendelian inheritance (except in Big Island population
of T. grallator and some populations of E.ovata/E.latimana), (3) constant frequencies of variants among
poorly connected populations and (4) evidence of the action of natural selection. The genus Selkirlkiella
from the temperate rainforest of southern South America has several species with some degree of color
polymorphism. Here, we characterize quantitative and qualitative the color polymorphisms of S. alboguttata
(Robinson Crusoe Island) and S. luisi (Valdivia, Chile). Also, based on a molecular phylogeny using two
mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and three nuclear (28S, 18S and H3) genes we show the position of the
genus within the family. The presence of color polymorphism in this genus appears to be an event of
convergent evolution at the family level, while between species it is likely due to common ancestry. Finally,
it is speculated that this phenomenon could be associated with been part of the “under leaf community”.
(Sponsored by Fulbright/CONICYT Doctoral Fellowship and Tinker Grant (Center of Latinamerican Studies, UC Berkeley))
46
A SYNTHETIC PHYLOGENY OF THE FRESHWATER CRAYFISH AND IMPLICATIONS FOR
CONSERVATION
CRANDALL, K1, STERN, DAVID1, 1Computational Biology Institute, George Washington University.
Phylogenetic systematics is heading for a renaissance where we shift from considering our phylogenetic
estimates as a static image in a published paper and taxonomies as a hardcopy checklist to treating both
the phylogenetic estimate and dynamic taxonomies as metadata for further analysis. The Open Tree of Life
project (opentreeoflife.org) is developing synthesis tools for harnessing the power of phylogenetic inference
and robust taxonomy to develop a synthetic Tree of Life. We demonstrate this approach and the insights
that come from such a synthetic tree using freshwater crayfish. With over 20 years of effort to estimate
phylogenetic relationships, build and revise taxonomies, and integrate phylogenetic work by researchers
from around the world, we use these newly developed synthesis tools to estimate a comprehensive
phylogeny for the crayfish, document areas in need of future phylogenetic work, and explore diversity
patterns through time and space for the major lineages, including the significant diversity in the Southern
Hemisphere. We explicitly map IUCN Red List categories across crayfish phylogeny to examine
conservation assessment efforts and phylogenetic distribution of species of concern.
47
THE GALAPAGOS EXPERIENCE ON ECO-TOURISM, CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE. FELIPE CRUZ,
NATURALIST AND CONSERVATIONIST GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
CRUZ, F1, Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation.
The Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve are globally unique and extraordinary
ecosystems. These two protected areas have large numbers of endemic species and are among the best
conserved of the world’s tropical archipelagos. This has led to their recognition as World Heritage Sites as
well as an eco-tourism destination. Like other oceanic island systems, the Galapagos Islands are fragile. To
date, Galapagos biodiversity has been remarkably well conserved thanks to concerted efforts to study and
protect it, and relatively low levels of interaction between the islands and global human processes, which
produce changes in fragile island ecosystems. Today, Galapagos is undergoing an accelerating cycle of
economic and population growth pushed by the tourism industry. In the early stage of the organized trips,
the activity counted for only few thousands visitors per year; they were individuals interested in nature and
conservation of protected areas. Today, visitor’s numbers have grown in a way that allowed for substantial
economic growth within the sector. The Galapagos Islands constitute a microcosm of social, political,
ecological and economic changes occurring on a larger scale around the planet. Islands evidence impacts
that are not as readily visible on larger landmasses. In this context, addressing the challenge of integrating
economic interests and conservation in Galapagos will provide an important model for the world. The
lessons learned in managing the flow of visitors for over 50 years with unique regulations and controls
could be of help to other iconic tourist destination such as Cape Horn.
48
A HIGH-RESOLUTION RECORD OF OCEANIC CHANGES OFFSHORE SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA
SPANNING THE LAST 55,000 YEARS; IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WESTERLIES DE DECKKER, PATRICK1, MOROS, MATTHIAS2, PERNER, KERSTIN2, BLANZ, THOMAS3, SCHNEIDER,
RALPH3, JANSEN, EYSTEIN4, 1Research School of Earth Sciences, Ocean and Climate Geoscience
Cluster, Australian National University.2Geology, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research.3Department of
Geology, Kiel University.4Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen.
We have chosen to study in great detail 2 deep-sea cores located offshore southern Australia for their
records of sea-surface temperature, the structure of the thermocline at the core sites and the occurrence of
aeolian dust. The 2 cores are under the pathway of the Leeuwin Current [LC] which is an unusual poleward
surface current that partly originates in the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool in the tropics and circumnavigates
Western Australia and that at times can travel as far as Tasmania. The waxing and waning of the LC
offshore southern Australia is directly linked with the position of the westerlies south of Australia. When
the westerlies are close to Australia, the LC’s influence is minimal and southern Australia benefits from
abundant rain [with large lakes filling up] and cooler temperatures. The opposite occurs when the LC is
predominant and SST are generally warmer and the water column offshore southern Australia is more
stratified. We already demonstrated for the upper portion of one of the cores that when the LC is strong
and SST are warmer, this coincides with cold Heinrich events in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, the bipolar seesaw is well defined in our cores and this relies and good chronologies. We now document such
changes back to Heinrich event 5. We will compare our records with others in the Southern Hemisphere
and document the overall importance of the westerlies in controlling surface ocean currents, sea-surface
temperatures, and even glacial activity on land. 49
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE LATITUDINAL GRADIENTS IN ATMOSPHERIC RADIOCARBON DURING
THE ANTHROPOCENE
DE POL-HOLZ, RICARDO1, DOS SANTOS, GUACIARA2, SOUTHON, JOHN2, LARA, ANTONIO3,
CHRISTIE, DUNCAN3, ARAVENA, JUAN CARLOS1, COLLADO, SILVANA4, 1GAIA-Antártica, Universidad
de Magallanes.2Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine.3Instituto de Conservación,
Biodiversidad y Territorio, Universidad Austral de Chile.4Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción.
Atmospheric radiocarbon concentrations during the Anthropocene (1850 AD to the present) experienced
dramatic changes associated with an early progressive reduction in 14C between 1850-1950 AD due to the
Suess effect (resulting from the addition of 14C-free CO2 from fossil fuels) and then followed by a dramatic
increase post 1950 AD due to atmospheric nuclear bomb test detonations in the northern hemisphere,
which doubled the atmospheric 14C content in less than a decade. Since the ban on atmospheric testing
from the mid 1960’s and after peaking in 1964 AD the radiocarbon concentration in the atmosphere has
been decreasing steadily towards the present as a consequence of oceanic radiocarbon uptake. The
bomb spike in atmospheric radiocarbon has open the possibility to further use radiocarbon as a dating
tool of terrestrial material post-1950 AD given the distribution of the 14C tracer is well known around the
planet. Dendrochronological cross-dated tree rings from different latitudes and direct atmospheric 14CO2
measurements has been used to generate ”regional” radiocarbon calibration values. For the Southern
Hemisphere however, there is a clear scarcity of data and it is well known that the Southern Ocean
upwelling of old 14C-poor waters decrease the Southern hemisphere atmospheric values significantly. Here
we present annually resolved radiocarbon concentrations in dendrochronologically cross-dated tree rings
from a large latitudinal transect along Chile covering from 1850-2010 AD. Our results from mid-latitudes
match well with the current calibration datasets, however, the Altiplano and Magellan region might justify the
application of new radiocarbon regions. (Sponsored by Fondecyt 1140536, ICM NC120066, FONDAP 15110009)
50
FUEGIAN PEATLANDS: RECORDERS OF HOLOCENE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
DE VLEESCHOUWER, FRANCOIS1, VANNESTE, HELEEN1,2, BERTRAND , SEBASTIEN3,
PIOTROWSKA, NATALIA4, CORONATO, ANDREA5, ROLAND, TOM6, VON SCHEFFER, CLEMENS7,
PARAD, TEAM1, 1EcoLab, Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle Environnement, CNRS.2Laboratoire
de Géologie de Lyon Now at: Ecole normale supérieure de Lyon.3Renard Center of Marine Geology,
Ghent University.4Department of Radioisotopes, Institute of Physics - CSE Silesian University of
Technology.5CADIC CONICET.6Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of
Exeter.7GEOMAR University of Kiel.
Little attention has been given to Holocene pre-anthropogenic dust records in terrestrial environments,
especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Yet they are important to 1/ better understand variations in particle
provenance, 2/ tackle the linkage between atmospheric dust loads and climate change and 3/ better
understand the impact of dust onpalaeoclimate and palaeoenvironments in an area critical for ocean
productivity. Here, we explored the use of trace elements and radiogenic isotopes (Pb, Nd) as dust proxies
in three peat bogs from southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego to assess dust-climate interactions in
southern South America since the deglaciation. The distribution of trace elements within the cores indicates,
besides tephra layers, episodes of increased mineral dust deposition during the Holocene and beyond. Our
main results show that the glacial-interglacial transition can be observed in the oldest record (at ca. 11,500
cal yr BP), marked by a drop in dust flux from 102 g.m-2.yr-1 to 10 g.m-2.yr-1. The most significant episode
of mineral dust deposition during the Holocene is concentrated at ~1,600 cal yr BP with a maximum dust
flux of 108 g.m-2.yr-1. Its neodymium isotopic signature of -1 suggests crustal admixing, compared to the
εNd values of ~2 for tephra layers. This episode is related to neoglacial activities in the Cordillera Darwin
(southern Andes). Our results show not only that Fuegian peatlands are efficient recorders of dust fluxes
over time, but also that variations in the dust fluxes and provenance can provide clues on paleoclimatic and
paleoenvironmental changes.
51
FOREST WILDFIRE EMISSIONS AND CARBON UPTAKE IN CENTRAL ANDEAN-PATAGONIA,
ARGENTINA
DEFOSSÉ, GUILLERMO1, BERTOLÍN, MARÍA2,3, URRETAVIZCAYA, FLORENCIA4,5, 1Departamento
Forestal - Ecología de Ecosistemas Terrestres, Ingeniería Forestal. Cátedra de Ecología Forestal,
Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia.2Ecología de Ecosistemas Terrestres, Universidad Nacional de la
Patagonia.3Ecology of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia “San Juan Bosco”
y Centro de Investigación Forestal Andino Patagónico “CIEFAP”.4Ecología de Ecosistemas Terrestres,
Centro de Investigación Forestal Andino Patagónico. 5Ecología de Ecosistemas Terrestres, Centro de
Investigación Forestal Andino Patagónico “CIEFAP” y Subsecretaría de Bosques, Chubut, Argentinas.
Wildfires are one of the main sources of CO2 and other greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. In central Andean-Patagonia, Argentina, warm and dry summers are conducive to burning of Nothofagus
forests in most years. As any other forest ecosystem, Patagonian forests emit greenhouse gases during
wildfires, and also remove carbon from the atmosphere during post-fire succession. This study reports fire
emissions and C uptake in three Nothofagus pumilio stands burned 40, 32 and 8 yr ago. Following IPCC
protocols, we determined forest structure and aboveground biomass and litter compartments in burned
and adjacent unburned stands, C stocks and GHG released by the fires, CO2 removals, and mean annual
C uptake. Total (aboveground plus root) C stocks per site before fires were 301.8, 270.7 and 258.13 Mg C
ha-1, while C losses due to burning were approximately 35% per site. The C balance still remains negative
for all three sites. Considering current growth rates, the estimated C recovery time is 105.5, 94.2 and 150.2
yr for the sites burned 8, 32, and 40 yr ago, respectively. By using variable C uptake rates (which decrease
as succession proceeds), C recovery time will take 182, 154, and 162 yr for the sites burned 8, 32, and
40 yr ago, respectively. Post-fire environmental and site conditions appeared to have a greater influence
on biomass recovery than initial fire effects. There is a need for similar studies to determine the same
parameters for other Patagonian forest types affected by wildfires.
52
VARIATION IN SHRUB ROOTS TRAITS ALONG AN ARIDITY GRADIENT IN THE ATACAMA DESERT
DELPIANO, CRISTIAN A1, CASTILLO, ORNELLA E1, CARVAJAL, DANNY E1, LOAYZA, ANDREA P1,
SQUEO, FRANCISCO A1, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena & Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad (IEB), Chile.
In arid ecosystems, water scarcity is the main factor limiting plant productivity. In these regions, the
amount of water available for plants strongly depends on their radicular systems. Root biomass allocation,
architecture and distribution are traits that determine plant strategies to survive and grow. It’s been
hypothesized that water availability represents an environmental filter that can change the attributes of
these traits due to species turnover and/or phenotypic variation. Moreover, it is expected that traits will vary
less in sites where resources are more limiting. We examined variability of root traits in shrub assemblages
along a water availability gradient within the Atacama Desert. Specifically, we asked 1) How biomass
allocation as well as the horizontal and vertical distribution of roots varies along the gradient and 2) whether
the variation of these traits is smaller in the more arid end of the gradient. Results show that root:shoot
ratios increase with higher aridity. Root distribution also changed along the gradient; in sites with less water
availability, plants had both more lateral roots and fine roots in the first soil profiles than those in more
mesic sites. Finally, there was less variation in the root architecture of shrubs in the most arid areas. These
results suggest that plants in the driest part of the gradient depend more of water pulses provided by rain
events than in water stored in deep soil profiles, they also support the hypothesis that water availability acts
as a filter on shrub root traits.
(Sponsored by Projects FONDECYT 1151020, ICM P05-002, CONICYT PFB 23, CONICYT Doctoral Fellowships 21150334 &
21140050)
53
A PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL RECONSTRUCTION SINCE 18 KA BASED ON DIATOM ANALYSIS FROM
LAGO LEPUé (~43°S), CHILOé, CHILE
DÍAZ, C1, Gerencia Amakaik Consultoría Ambiental Spa.
We report a high resolution diatom record from Lago Lepué (~43°S) that spans the last 18,000 years to
identify past changes in pH, trophic status and lake level (LL). At multimillennial scale weidentify an initial
stage between16.3-19 ka characterized by low LL, deep and turbulent enough for the development of
the alkaliphilous Aulacoseira granulata, along with abundant Fragilariaceae which includes colonizing or
disturbance-favoured species. This was followed by a rapid increase in LL at 16.3 ka indicated by a shift
to an Aulacoseira distans and A. alpigena-dominated assemblage. A prominent LL lowering and increase
in nutrient concentration, indicated by the predominance of Discostella stelligera, is evident between 7.811.2 ka, contemporaneous with peak fire activity and declines in hygrophilous trees. At 7.8 Ka LL rose
again along with establishment of the modern acidophilous community. Finally, in the most recent 3500
years there is a decline in LL and an increase in the abundance of the acidophilus diatoms. We note that
progressive acidification of Lago Lepué correlates with changes detected in the upland vegetation revealed
by the pollen record, which suggest to us that changes in precipitation and temperature were the primary
controls on vegetation, fire-regime changes, LL, water quality, and diatom communities since 18 ka.
(Sponsored by ICM grants P05-002 and NC120066, Fondap 15110009, Fondecyt 1151469)
54
VARIATION IN LEAF AND STOMATAL MORPHOLOGY IN THE GENUS NOTHOFAGUS ALONG A
CLIMATIC GRADIENT
DIAZ, STEPHANY1, HINOJOSA, LF2, 1Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de
Chile.2Laboratorio de Paleoecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
Morphological characteristics of leaves correlated strongly with weather (temperature and moisture), and
paleobotanists have long used this correlation as a model to reconstruct paleoclimate. Also, the stomatal
density and size, in some species, change according to temperature and precipitation as result of balance
between CO2 gain and water loss. This study analyzes the variation in leaf morphology and morphophysiological stomatal traits in three species of the genus Nothofagus (N. dombeyi, N. obliqua y N. nítida)
distributed along a latitudinal gradient in Chile, to evaluate the effect of climate in these variables. To do so,
individuals from different localities (between 35.8°to 42,9° S and 70,9° to 73,6°W) were studied, measuring
21 leaf-traits, stomatal density and size. For stomatal traits, the leaves were put in Sodium hipochlorite
(2,62% NaClO) for 4 to 5 days to separate the cuticles, wich were later stained with blue methylene and
mounted with gelatin-glycerin. In each sample was measured: large and whidth of 20 stomata, and stomatal
density of 10 different sections of leaf. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1150690, IEB)
55
EVOLUTION OF THE CLIMATIC NICHE IN THE GENUS ESCALLONIA (ESCALLONIACEAE)
DIBÁN, MARÍA J1, HINOJOSA, LUIS1, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Chile.
Broad-scale richness gradients of angiosperm families are closely related with actual climate. Meanwhile,
phylogenetic studies suggest that related species tend to grow in similar biomes, latitudes and climates,
which would indicate that ecological requirements are phylogenetically conserved. Also it is proposed
that ecological and evolutionary processes leading to a strong correlation between climate and richness,
given that angiosperms probably have a tropical origin. Some of these families have developed freezing
tolerance, which allowed them to colonize areas with low temperatures. South America has a biogeographic
and climatic context associated to breakup of Gondwana, the uplift of Andes, emergence of the cold
Humboldt Current, and Atacama Desert, which lead to disjunct distribution of diverse genus, like Escallonia,
with 39 species distributed in South America, mostly along the Andes from Costa Rica to Tierra del Fuego.
In this way, this genus habit in different climates: tropical, mediterranean, and temperate. So the following
questions arise: (1) in which climate Escallonia genus was originated?, and (2) as we have its actual
distribution and its phylogeny, how the climate niche of this genus evolved? To answer these questions, we
performed an ecological niche modelling using the actual genus occurrences, and incorporing phylogeny
we studied how the climate has varied associated with it, to evaluate the evolution of Escallonia climatic
niche.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1150690, ICM-MINECON P05-002-IEB & PFB23)
56
LEAF AND FLOWER HEATING IN COLD CLIMATE PLANTS
LORD, JANICE2, LITTLE, LORNA2,1, BRONKEN EIDESEN, PERNILLE1, MÜLLER, EIKE1, DICKINSON,
KATHARINE2, 1Department of Arctic Biology, University Centre in Svalbard.2Department of Botany,
University of Otago.
Globally, biotically-pollinated species of cold climate floras tend to show reduced floral pigmentation and
smaller stature. However, some herbaceous species in cold climate regions with low variation in mean
annual temperature and high cloud cover, exhibit giant growth forms and brightly pigmented flowers. In
the Himalayas and tropical alpine regions, these “megaherb” features are thought to increase internal
temperatures and insulate floral apices thus providing diurnal protection. Some subantarctic island plant
species also exhibit giant growth forms, with leaves up to 60cm in diameter, and densely packed, brightly
coloured inflorescences up to 30cm in diameter. The inflorescences and leaf features of subantarctic
megaherbs suggest thermal benefits similar to those documented in giant tropical alpine plants. We used
thermal imaging and direct temperature measurements to assess the influence of solar radiation, ambient
air temperature, wind speed, wind chill and humidity on leaf and floral heating for six subantarctic megaherb
species on Campbell Island, latitude 52.3°S, New Zealand Biological Region. Leaf and inflorescence
temperatures of all study species were higher than simultaneously measured ambient temperatures.
Greatest heating was seen in Pleurophyllum speciosum (Asteraceae),with leaf and inflorescence
temperatures 9°C and nearly 11°C higher, respectively, than ambient temperature. Heating was highly
correlated with solar radiation and the presence of hairy, corrugated leaves and darkly pigmented, densely
packed inflorescences. We suggest that leaf and flower features of these unique species could provide
thermal benefits like those seen in tropical alpine megaherbs, representing a case of convergent evolution
in response to fluctuating energy inputs.
(We thank the Department of Conservation, South and Eastern South Island Region, for permits and logistic support on Campbell
Island)
57
RARE BIOSPHERE IN HIGH ALTITUDE WETLANDS: EXTENDING THE MICROBIAL DIVERSITY IN
EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
DORADOR, C1,2, MOLINA, VERONICA3, HENGST, MARTHA4, HERNANDEZ, KLAUDIA5, DOCMAC,
FELIPE6, 1Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos,
Universidad de Antofagasta.2Centro de Bioingeniería y Biotecnología (CeBIB), Universidad de
Antofagasta.3Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de
Playa Ancha de Ciencias de la Educación.4Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta.5Centro de
Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés
Bello.6Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos
Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta.
The high altitude wetlands of the Chilean Altiplano are unique, remote aquatic ecosystems considered
as part of the cold biosphere. Typically, these ecosystems contain organisms with a high level of
endemism that thrive under extreme environmental conditions (e.g. broad range of daily temperatures;
high solar radiation; aridity). The microbial diversity in different saline closed evaporitic basins is notably
high and characterized by the frequent presence of previously undescribed clusters of Archaea and
Bacteria. The concept of the ‘rare biosphere’ includes low abundance and highly diverse taxa that, like
other microorganisms, can vary temporal and spatially. We described the rare biosphere in microbial
mats of Salar de Huasco by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes of each layer (5) of a microbial mat (5
mm depth) as well as metagenomic analysis (454 Roche, Illumina) of microbial mat samples. Oxygen
microprofiles were performed in situ using a microprofilling system (Unisense). Microbial diversity was
characterized by the presence of groups of low relative abundance and also low sequence identity with
sequences of available databases. At the phyla level, rare bacteria from the microbial mats (1.6-0.05% of
relative abundance) were affiliated with Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, Chlorobi, Acidobacteria, SR1,
Armatimonadetes, OD1, BRC1 and others. Particular rare groups could be associated with the specific
conditions in each layer of the microbial mat, providing clues to their likely metabolic function, highlighting
these environments as model extreme ecosystems for microbial ecology studies at global level. (Sponsored by Fondecyt 1110953, 1140179, 1110824, 1140356, FB0001)
58
COMPATIBLE APPROACHES ACROSS THE TEMPERATE AMERICAS: CONNECTING ECOLOGY WITH
RHETORIC FOR BIOCULTURAL CONSERVATION IN THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
DRUSCHKE, CAROLINE1,2, HYCHKA, KRISTEN1, REMILLARD, JAMIE2, SKRIP, MEGAN1, FISHER,
ALISON2, 1Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island.2Writing & Rhetoric, University of Rhode
Island.
Rozzi et al. (2008) described an approach to field environmental philosophy at Omora Ethnobotanical
Park that framed ecosystems as constituted by habitats (where we live), habits (how we live), and
inhabitants (who we are), while encouraging place-based, direct encounters with human and non-human
inhabitants. This poster describes a compatible approach of field environmental rhetoric that grounds
the work of the Society, Ecology and Communication (SEAcomm) lab at the University of Rhode Island.
Field environmental rhetoric encourages SEAcomm to engage with habitats, habits, and inhabitants,
while attending to the strategic, relational, and material components of language and argument. Here we
describe a suite of SEAcomm’s projects in temperate ecosystems of the northeastern United States that
build from this orientation and from many of the same principles for biocultural conservation identified by
Rozzi et al. (2006), including interinstitutional cooperation, participatory and interdisciplinary approaches,
media communication, and outdoor education. Through relationships with and funding from a variety
of local and federal partners, SEAcomm lab members employ ethnographic, quantitative, and spatial
approaches to investigate community advocacy around migratory fish passage, decision making about
dams, management of invasive species, and restoration of coastal wetlands. SEAcomm also contributes to
formal and informal education efforts about coastal processes, watershed management, public engagement
with science, social-ecological river restoration, and science communication. We hope to connect with
an international network of teacher-researchers working to encourage and learn from place-based, direct
encounters with human and non-human inhabitants.
(Sponsored by National Park Service Task Agreement P13AC00875 of Cooperative Agreement Number P09AC00212, National
Science Foundation Awards 1545275 And 1539071, US Environmental Protection Agency Tracking Number ORD-008938)
59
TWO NEWS CHRONOLOGIES OF ARAUCARIA ARAUCANA IN THE NORTHERN EDGE OF
PATAGONIA, CHILE DUARTE-PRISSING, FERNANDO1, LE QUESNE, CARLOS1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL1,2,3, ROZAS, VICENTE4,
ROJAS, MOISES1, 1Laboratorio de Dendrocronología y Cambio Global, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales
y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Instituto de Geografía, Facultad de Ciencas del
Mar y Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.3Centro de Estudios Ambientales CEAM,
Universidad Austral de Chile.4Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales Universidad de Valladolid.
Mountain ecosystems show a great interest to understand the impact of climate change on tree growth.
Dendrochronology is a widely used technique to investigate the response of forests and trees to climatic
variations. In this work we studied two new tree-ring chronologies of Araucaria araucana, a long-living
conifer endemic from the mountains of southern South-America. The sampled sites Icalma and Batea
Mahuida, are located in the Araucanía region, Chile, in a transitional area between the Mediterranean and
the rainy temperate climates. Our findings showed that growth rates decreased by 0.6-0.8 mm per year on
average when trees were younger. In Icalma, this decreasing trend was evident up to an age of 40-yr old,
while in Batea Mahuida the decreasing trend lasted during the earlier 150 years. Standardized tree-ring
chronologies revealed a similar periodicity of interannual growth variation for both sites, as a below-average
growth in 1685-1710 and since 1940, with the exception of the 1990’s decade. Both tree-ring chronologies
showed common characteristic years of reduced growth, such as 1718, 1892, 1936, 1955, 1967 and
2008. A. araucana showed to be a useful species to study long-term tree growth variation. However, our
understanding of the impact of past climate on the growth of this species in both study sites is reduced.
This is a consequence of the limited availability of meteorological data in these mountain areas. Our next
step in this research will be the compilation of appropriate meteorological series to evaluate the response of
this species to past water availability.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1121106, High Resolution Hydroclimate Variability in the central Andes of Chile and Argentina during
the last Millennium: A Tree-Ring and Modelling Perspective)
60
AN OLDEST RECORD OF RETROPHYLLUM RELATED LEAVES IN THE LATE CRETACEOUS OF
SOUTHERN CHILE (DOROTEA FORMATION, MAGALLANES BASIN) DUTRA, TÂNIA1, LEPPE, MARCELO2, WILBERGER, THIERS3, 1Graduate Program in Geology, Geology,
Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS.2Scientific Department Instituto Antartico ChilenoINACH.3Independent Research, Vale do Rio dos Sinos University - UNISINOS.
Retrophyllum Page is a podocarp genus represented by four extant species of disjunct distribution in
tropical South America and Pacific islands. The molecular analysis attests a good correspondence between
geography and phylogeny in the genus and the relationships between the four Pacific Islands forms and
the South American species. However, recent phylogenetic analysis diverges about the relations between
Retrophyllum, Nageia and Afrocarpus and which was their ancestral, yet proposing its common divergence
from other Podocarpaceae at near 60 Ma. To Retrophyllum an origin in the Paleogene is proposes, in
accord with the scarce fossil record until now known that shows a first appearance in the Eocene-Oligocene
boundary of southernmost Argentina and West Australia, followed by those forms from the Early Miocene
of New Zealand. Here we report new Retrophyllum-related axes identified in the upper sandstones of
Dorotea Formation, where isotopic data indicates ages between 67–69 Ma. The preserved apical shoots
exhibit a heterofacially-flattened disposition, bearing pairs of elliptic-oblong leaves, spirally inserted but
opposite disposed in two row and in a single plane. Together with the clear midvein in the leaves, such
morphology confirms its affinity with modern Retrophyllum representatives, by its unique features between
the Podocarpaceae. The new discovery extends the record and the divergence time of the early forms of
the genus to the Upper Cretaceous and have important implications in confirm its dispersal strategies and
the paleogeography of austral areas at this time interval.
(Sponsored by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas -CNPq, Brazil/ Instituto Antartico Chileno- INACH, Chile)
61
NEW VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE REMAINS OF PODOCARPACEAE FROM KING GEORGE
ISLAND, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
FONTES, DAIANA1, DUTRA, TÂNIA2, 1Center for Tropical Paleoecology and Archaeology, Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute, STRI.2Graduate Program in Geology, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos UNISINOS.
Plant fossils related to Podocarpaceae are a significant component in the Antarctic Peninsula paleofloras
and important proxies in the reconstruction of the paleoclimate and paleoenvironment. Remains of these
conifers can also show the influence of the Gondwana breakup in their modern distribution. Reproductive
and vegetative structures of Podocarpaceae, most preserved as pyritized plant debris, occur in the
sedimentary and mostly volcanogenic successions of Mount Wawel slopes (Admiralty Bay) and in Fossil
Hill and Rocky Bay (Fildes Peninsula) at King George Island, South Shetland Islands. According to
comparison with other austral paleofloras and taking into account the K-Ar ages obtained, the plant fossil
levels ranges between the late Paleocene?-middle Eocene, preceding the ice-sheets establishment. The
analysis and morphological descriptions show that, associated with the well-known imbricated leaves found
in extant forms of Dacrydiums.l., five other distinct morphotypes, with broad and scale-like leaves, are
present.They shows affinities with modern representatives of Podocarpus L’Hér. Ex Pers., Saxegothaea
fuegianus Lindl., Microcachrys tetragona (Hook) Hook f., Lepidothamnus intermedius (Kirk) Quinn and L.
fonkii Phil. A female cone similar to that found in L. fonkii and a seed related to M. tetragona completes
the assemblage. This attests that members of the Podocarpaceae, found in the modern vegetation of
southernmost Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia (Tasmania), were part of the Northern Antarctic
Peninsula vegetation during the Paleogene, where grows under mild temperate conditions and humidity
(Sponsored by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas - CNPq)
62
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF MASS FLOWERING DISPLAYS IN SOUTH AFRICAN DESERTS
ELLIS, A1, Botany and Zoology, Science, Stellenbosch University.
Plant reproduction in arid areas is confined to a narrow temporal window, resulting in spectacular mass
flowering displays such as those that occur predictably during spring in the winter rainfall deserts of
South Africa. My talk highlights the unique challenges plants face when flowering en masse in diverse
communities and the strategies they have evolved to overcome them, drawing on a decade of research on
the annual daisy flora of the South African deserts. Contrary to expectation, competition for pollinator visits
is not the main reproductive challenge in dense multispecies flowering displays. Rather, heterospecific
interference and mate limitation appear to most strongly influence fecundity. The evolution of selfing as
a means to overcome these obstacles is not common. The majority of species are entirely dependent
on pollinators, but they do have limited dispersal capacity resulting in aggregated dispersion patterns,
which itself alleviates these challenges. Despite the easily accessible rewards in daisies, species within
these complex communities strongly partition pollinators, reducing heterospecific interference. Whether
this pollination specialisation results through filtering of the messiest flower visitors, is the focus of our
current work. Also contrary to expectations from other deserts, is the limited contribution of bees, with
flies providing the overwhelming pollination service. Turnover of fly species (with different innate colour
preferences) correlates with changes in the dominant colour of flowering displays at the landscape level
and gradients in fly density have resulted in spectacular floral differentiation within daisy species. Is this
complexity and its consequences unique to the south African deserts?
63
FIRE - CLIMATE INTERACTIONS INTENSIFY THE RISK OF PLANT SPECIES EXTINCTIONS
AND SYSTEM STATE CHANGES IN FIRE-PRONE ECOSYSTEMS AS CLIMATE CHANGES
ENRIGHT, NEAL1, FONTAINE, JOSEPH1, Conservation and Environmental Sciences, School of Veterinary
and Life Sciences, Murdoch University.
Projected effects of climate change across many ecosystems globally include more frequent disturbance by
fire and reduced plant growth due to warmer (and especially drier) conditions. Such changes affect species
– particularly fire-intolerant woody plants – by simultaneously reducing recruitment, growth, and survival.
Collectively, these mechanisms may shorten the fire interval compatible with population persistence,
driving species to extirpation or extinction. I present a conceptual model of these combined effects based
on synthesis of the known impacts of climate change and altered fire regimes on plant demography and
describe a syndrome I term “interval squeeze”. This model predicts that interval squeeze will increase
woody plant extinction risk and change ecosystem structure, composition, and carbon storage, especially
in regions projected to become both warmer and drier. These predicted changes demand new approaches
to fire management that will maximize the in situ adaptive capacity of species to respond to climate change
and fire-regime change. (Sponsored by Australian Research Council and Murdoch University)
64
BIRD POPULATIONS AS ENVIRONMENTAL SENTINELS: LESSONS FROM DESERT VALLEYS AND
ESTUARINE WETLANDS IN CHILE ESTADES, CRISTIÁN1, Gestion Forestal y Medio Ambiente, Fac. Cs. Forestales y Conservación de la
Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile.
Because of their ecological traits and their conspicuousness, bird populations are frequently proposed as
bioindicators in ecosystem monitoring programs. However, traditional funding sources for scientific research
tend to limit the collection of long-term databases that could be applied to such a purpose. Here I show
two of the few examples of long-term (+10y) studies on bird populations currently conducted in Chile. The
first corresponds to a series of Spring population estimates for landbirds in the Azapa valley (Northern
Chile) obtained from point counts (n=486-684/year) for more than a decade (2003, 2006-2015). The
second is a study based on waterbird censuses obtained 8-10 times a year since 2006 in four estuaries in
South-Central Chile (Topocalma, Mataquito, Reloca and Itata). Bird data from Azapa, along with satellite
information on land-cover, show that bird communities are strongly shaped by the types of crops grown
there. Also, during the years of study, crop market dynamics (e.g. replacement of olive groves by annual
crops) and technological changes (e.g. introduction of anti-aphid netting) have produced a rapid evolution
of the agricultural landscape, continuously modifying the composition of bird communities. Waterbird
census data show clear temporal patterns for some species, with populations being influenced by local (e.g.
recreational use of estuaries) to continental scale (e.g. primary productivity along South American coast)
factors. Although very different in terms of methods and ecological conditions, these two studies highlight
the importance of long-term monitoring programs for identifying the species-specific patterns needed for
detailed management and conservation planning. (Sponsored by the Chilean Ministry of the Environment (Landbirds) and Arauco (Waterbirds))
65
HOW PD-BASED MEASURES FOR LINEAGES AND FOR AREAS MAY PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR
UNDERSTANDING A BIODIVERSITY PLANETARY BOUNDARY
FAITH, D1, Biodiversity, Australian Museum.
Phylogenetic diversity (PD) is a measure of biodiversity reflecting evolutionary heritage. PD loss indicates
loss of feature diversity and the loss of future evolutionary or evosystem services. The planetary boundaries
framework is to define a safe operating space for humanity within the Earth System. Phylogenetic diversity
is a possible basis for quantifying a “biodiversity” boundary because it captures both option value (possible
future benefits for humans) and evolutionary potential of organisms. The Project bioGENESIS (Faith
et al 2010) first proposed a planetary boundary for biodiversity based on phylogenetic diversity. Here,
phylogenetic tipping points reflect longstanding pressures, with delayed impacts on biodiversity. Successive
species extinctions each may imply only a moderate loss of PD, until the last descendant species of a
long ancestral branch species goes extinct — and a large amount of PD is lost. A nominated ‘boundary’
could reflect the degree of acceptable risk to evosystem services relative to this tipping point. Phylogenetic
risk analysis can guide decisions that try to reduce risk of these tipping point outcomes. I survey risks
associated with some key clades and key regions in the S. Hemisphere. Based on extinction vulnerability
ratings for species, key clades will be those having a large expected PD loss. Key areas (similar to IUCN
“key biodiversity area”) will be those providing a large gain in expected PD if member species were to be
protected. We also can identify good news stories – clades/lineages, and areas, that currently are secure
and represent a large evolutionary heritage.
66
STUBBORN NOTHOFAGUS: HOW TO MAKE IT FIT INTO TREELINE THEORY
FAJARDO, ALEX1, Centro de Investigacion en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP).
Different taxa dominate alpine treelines around the world. In the Southern Hemisphere, with few exceptions,
species of the Nothofagus genus (Nothofagaceae) thrive at high elevations. Some studies have suggested
that Nothofagus treelines may be climatically depressed, thus representing a genus–specific boundary,
which implies the existence of an elevational gap between the current Nothofagus treeline elevation and a
claimed potential tree limit located at lower isotherms (i.e. higher elevation). This phenomenon has been
coined as the missing taxon hypothesis. Here I first show experimental evidence that Nothofagus species
are not less low temperature-resistant than Pinus (Northern Hemisphere’s most common treeline genus).
Second, I document recent temperature records that fully match those found in other worldwide treeline
studies. Third, I discuss specific cases of lowered treeline elevation in Nothofagus (e.g. Mediterranean
influence). These findings demonstrate that there is little leeway to claim that in the Southern Hemisphere
there is a missing taxon treeline as previously thought. Then, if Nothofagus treeline species are at the
“right” elevation, I ask: is their physiological response to low temperature similar to other treeline taxa?
Deciduous Nothofagus pumilio in the Southern Andes appear to be carbon-limited, whereas conifer species
are growth-limited. These results question the existence of one taxa–independent, global mechanism
responsible for treeline formation, suggesting instead that Nothofagus and Pinus may be differentially
affected by low temperatures. The deciduous character of some treeline species (including N. pumilio,
Larix decidua) may explain this difference.
67
FACILITATION AND KIN SELECTION IN A PATAGONIAN DOMINANT TREE
TILL-BOTTRAUD, IRÈNE1, MOUTERDE, MÉDÉRIC2, TORRES-DÍAZ, CRISTIAN3, FAJARDO, ALEX4,
1
Laboratoire d´Ecologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes.2Laboratoire d´Ecologie Alpine (LECA).
Université Grenoble Alps.3Laboratorio de Genómica y Biodiversidad, Universidad del Bío-Bío.4Centro de
Investigacion en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP).
In plant ecological theory, beneficial interactions occur mostly under stressful conditions (facilitation; in
the context of the “stress gradient hypothesis”). Facilitation is commonly described as an interspecific
interaction in which at least one of the species benefits from the interaction. Among individuals of the same
species and the same cohort, the interaction is reciprocal and all individuals benefit from the interaction
(cooperation). We studied one such case of facilitation in Nothofagus pumilio, a dominant tree species
in Patagonia. The edge of post-fire, even-aged second-growth forests is composed of merged trees. We
showed that seedlings growing in clusters at the edge of the forest facilitate each other (greater survival
than alone) by sheltering each other from the strong winds. Merging of the seedlings occur at a later
stage. We found that merged stems were more closely related than on average in the population. We
also showed, in an experiment where seedlings were planted in clusters, that mortality over 7 years lead
to significantly higherthan average relatedness within the clusters, indicating selection for kin individuals.
This situation is thus an example of kin cooperation in plants, with facilitation being a prerequisite for kin
selection.
68
GENETIC VARIATION IN THE ANTARCTIC HAIRGRASS
FASANELLA, MARIANA1, PREMOLI, ANDREA1, CHIAPELLA, JORGE2, 1LABORATORIO ECOTONO
INIBIOMA CONICET, UNCOMAHUE.2Sistemática y Filogeografía de Plantas, Instituto Multidisciplinario de
Biología Vegetal IMBIV-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Deschampsia antarctica is the only grass with disjunct distribution between Patagonia and Antarctica,
and offers a unique model to examine the relative contribution of vicariance and dispersal. We study the
distribution of genetic polymorphisms along the entire range of D. antarctica to unravel its biogeographic
history. We randomly collected leaf samples from 16 and 6 populations in South America and Antarctica,
respectively. We sequenced a total of 144 individuals by nuclear nDNA ITS and chloroplast cDNA regions.
We quantified genetic diversity (nucleotide and haplotype diversity) and structure (Fst, Mantel tests, and
dated between-region divergence). Patagonia was undoubtedly the most genetically variable area (17
ITS and 8 cpDNA haplotypes) over Antarctica (1 ITS and 4 cpDNA haplotypes). We found a significant
divergence between Patagonia and Antarctica (cpDNA Fst = 0.518 ± 0.012; nDNA Fst = 0.823 ± 0.001)
and ITS sequences fit to isolation by distance. The divergence Antarctica-Patagonia was dated in the
Middle Pleistocene (700.000-130.000 years) probably through bird-aided long-distance dispersal events.
We hypothesize that D. antarctica probably survived the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in ice-free coastal
refugia in Maritime Antarctica, nunataks or adjacent islands and when the climate was relatively favorable,
the species achieved its present distribution range. Future work includes increasing of sampling from other
Southern Seas islands such as Kerguelén or Malvinas islands. (Sponsored by Proyectos de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica Orientados (2010) Préstamo BID PICTO Antártida-2010-0095)
69
HOW SHORT KELP DISPERSAL IS? AND WHAT ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY
CONSEQUENCES HAS IT?
FAUGERON, SYLVAIN1, ARAUJO, FERNANDA1, DESTOMBE, CHRISTOPHE2, TELLIER, FLORENCE3,
VALERO, MYRIAM4, VELIZ, DAVID5, 1Ecology, Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Chile.2UMI3614 Evolutionary Biology and Ecology of Algae, Station Biologique, Université Pierre et Marie
Curie.3Ecology, Universidad Católica de la Santísima, Concepción.4UMI3614 Evolutionary Biology and
Ecology of Algae, Station Biologique, CNRS.5Ecology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
Kelps are largely dominant in the shallow subtidal of temperate ecosystems worldwide, and usually
display extensive distribution ranges. Yet, they often show strong spatial genetic structure, suggesting
short dispersal distances. Even for rafting kelp species, capable of trans-oceanic dispersal, population
connectivity seems predominantly driven by spore dispersal over short distances. The actual scale of spore
dispersal remains however poorly studied. This presentation will integrate different approaches conducted
on the Chilean black kelp, Lessonia, to estimate the dispersal scale. Phylogeography and population
genetics show sharp genetic discontinuities at scales of few km all along the distribution range; paternity
analyses suggest the majority of effective dispersal occurs within 30m, although the dispersal kernel may
have a long tail; genetic and ecological approaches to a colonization processes show a stepwise progress
associated with few tens to few hundreds of meters of spatial expansion per generation and founder effects
that enhance the genetic differentiation. In Chile, major demographic perturbations occur regularly (ENSO,
earthquakes and tsunamis), and the slow spatial recovery may contribute to the strong genetic structure
observed in kelps and other species along the coast. We will show that the associated founder effects
further enhance genetic divergence and ultimately favour speciation.
70
THE SEDIMENTARY RECORD OF GLACIATIONS AND MOUNTAIN DENUDATION ACCUMULATED IN
THE FJORDS OF PATAGONIA AND THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
FERNANDEZ, RODRIGO1, ANDERSON, JOHN2, MINZONI, REBECCA2, WELLNER, JULIA3, HALLET,
BERNARD4, 1Institute for Geophysics, University of Texas at Austin.2Department of Earth Science, Rice
University.3Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston.4Department of Earth
and Space Sciences, University of Washington.
Fjords sediments constitute a record of dynamic changes in the ocean-ice-land-climate coupled system
covering several millennia since deglaciation. We use extensive sedimentary and marine geophysical data
to study the timing and mode of deglaciation of fjords, and to estimate volume-based millennial - timescale
glacial erosion rates (Ē) for glacier-fjords systems from central Patagonia (46°S) to the Antarctic Peninsula
(65°S). We also calculate erosion rates derived from existing thermochronology datasets (apatite fission
track and apatite (U-Th)/He) for both Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula regions to evaluate the long
term effect of glaciation on mountain building processes. Our records indicate that the deglaciation of
Patagonian fjords occurred several thousands of years before their Antarctic Peninsula counterparts (1213 ka 8.5-10.5 ka respectively), coincidently with ocean warming in the SE Pacific (e.g. Lamy et al., 2007)
and atmospheric warming in Antarctica (e.g. EPICA, 2004, 2006). Our seismic records indicate that in
Patagonia glacier grounding line retreat proceeded in a step-wise fashion, while in the Antarctic Peninsula,
retreat was rapid and likely catastrophic. Millennial glacial erosion rates (Ē) span two orders of magnitude,
from 0.02 mm/yr for Illiad Glacier on Anvers Island, Antarctica (65°S), to 0.83 mm/yr for San Rafael Glacier
in northern Patagonia (46°S). Our combined millennial and million-year timescale glacial erosion data,
quantify a significant decrease in rates of glacially-driven denudation at geological (tectonic) and millennial
timescales with increasing latitude, highlighting the influence of climate on the rate of formation of glacial
landscapes.
(Sponsored by National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs Grant Number 03-38137 to John Anderson and Julia Wellner,
and Grant 03-38371 to Bernard Hallet)
71
THE MARINE RECORD OF LATE GLACIAL VARIATIONS IN THE ESTRECHO DE MAGALLANES: NEW
CLUES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE GLACIAL HISTORY OF THE MAGALLANES REGION
FERNANDEZ, RODRIGO1, GULICK, SEAN1, RODRIGO, CRISTIAN2, DOMACK, EUGENE3, LEVENTER,
AMY4, 1Institute for Geophysics, University of Texas at Austin.2Departamento de Geologia, Universidad
Andrés Bello.3College of Marine Science, University of South Florida.4Department of Geology, Colgate
University.
We present results of a geophysical survey that imaged the main submarine sedimentary and geomorphic
features of the central Magallanes Region. The multibeam (MB) data shows drumlins in Seno Almirantazgo,
glacial lineations in Channel Whiteside and iceberg plough marks in Central Estrecho de Magallanes.
The multichannel seismic data shows a complex stratigraphy composed by glacial and glacimarine units,
overlaid by pelagic sediments. We show that the Bahia Inutil Ice Lobe (BIIL) and Estrecho de Magallanes
Ice Lobe (EMIL) left different recessional features indicating some asymmetries on the dynamics of ice
retreat. BIIL and EMIL left a series of ~3-4 recessional moraines between glacial limits ‘E’ and ‘D’ but they
are located at different distances respect to Limit ‘D’. The seismic data show a series of unconformities that
are interpreted as representing different glacial erosional events and the influence of tectonics and bedrock
geology on controlling the dynamic of sediment accumulation. Our main conclusions are: a) the dynamic
of the retreat of BIL and MSI was highly influenced by water depth and bed morphology; and b) there is no
sedimentary nor morphological evidence supporting the readvance of ice lobes during the Antarctic Cold
Reversal (ACR) into Estrecho de Magallanes nor Channel Whiteside nor associated with proposed lateglacial limit ‘E’. We suggest that current land evidence of a standstill represented by limit ‘E’, represents
only a lowering of the retreat rate after Magallanes ice lobes initiated their retreat from glacial limit D around
17 ka into the cordilleran fjords.
(Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs. We are grateful for the assistance of Dr. Jorge Acevedo
(CEQUA) and the team of marine mammals watchers assembled by him. We also thank INACH)
72
CENTENNIAL-SCALE TRENDS IN THE SOUTHERN ANNULAR MODE REVEALED BY HEMISPHEREWIDE FIRE AND HYDROCLIMATIC TRENDS OVER THE LAST 2400 YEARS
FLETCHER, MICHAEL-SHAWN1, BENSON, ALEXA1, BOWMAN, DAVID2, HEIJNIS, HENDRIK3,
SAUNDERS, KRYSTYNA3, WOLFE, BRENT4, ZAWADZKI, ATUN3, 1School of Geography, University
of Melbourne.2School of Plant Sciences, University of Tasmania.3Institute for Environmental Research,
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.4Department of Geography and Environmental
Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University.
The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SWW) are an important component of the global climate
system, driving hemispheric-scale trends in climate, terrestrial ecosystem processes and fire activity,
oceanic upwelling and biogeochemical cycling, as well as modulating global atmospheric CO2
concentration, dust fluxes and thermoclimate. Currently, the SWW are shifting southward and strengthening
over the Southern Ocean in response to stratospheric ozone depletion. This shift is associated with a
positive trend in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the primary mode of atmospheric variability in the
extra-tropics of the Southern Hemisphere, and has the potential to amplify the effects of anthropogenic
climate change via degassing of CO2 from the Southern Ocean. This potentiality has serious ramifications
across a range of natural systems. Critically, considerable uncertainty exists over how this SAM trend
will further impact Southern Hemisphere climates in the coming decades and there is an urgent need for
longer-term proxy data on SWW and SAM dynamics. Here we show synchronous trends between sites
located within Nothofagus/Podocarpaceae forest in Chile and Tasmania over the past 2400 years. The
hydroclimate of both sites is almost entirely dependent on the SWW and we reveal hemisphere-wide
centennial-scale SAM-like shifts of the SWW throughout this time. We compare our results with other SWW
proxy data and reveal a persistent coupling between SWW dynamics and atmospheric CO2 concentration
through the past 2400 years. The pervasiveness of the SWW influence across a range of natural systems
highlights the need to account for SWW variability in models that predict the impacts of global climate
change. (Sponsored by ARC Projects: DI110100019; IN140100050; DP110101950)
73
TASMANIAN MAMMAL DIVERSITY CRASH CAUSED BY AN ISLAND-WIDE MEGADROUGHT 3000
YEARS AGO
FLETCHER, M1, MARIANI, MICHELA2, BRÜNICHE-OLSEN, ANNA 3, 1School of Geography. University of
Melbourne.2Geography, University of Melbourne.3School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania.
Here, we use a synthesis of 14 new palaeofire records across the island of Tasmania, Australia (41-44S), to
identify an island-wide ‘megafire’ that occurred at 3000 +/-500 years before present (yr BP). This palaeofire
period occurs during a phase of amplified activity of the warm phase (El Niño) of the El Niño-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO). We analyse the relationship between this ‘megafire’ and population dynamics inferred
from molecular DNA analysis of fossil remains of the Tasmania Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), a carnivorous
marsupial endemic to Tasmania, and human settlement patterns. We conclude that the extinction the
Tasmanian Devil from mainland Australia and a massive reduction in this species’ diversity in Tasmania was
likely driven by the combined pressure of fire-driven landscape change and human activity.
74
COMMUNITY ASSEMBLY IN FORESTS ALONG ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS: DISMANTLING
BIODIVERSITY SAMPLES TO IDENTIFY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES BASED ON NETWORK
ANALYSIS FLORES, O1, PONCET, R1, WILDING, N1, LOVANOMANJANAHARY, M2, STRASBERG, D1, AH-PENG, C1,
1
UMR PVBMT Université de La Réunion.2Botany, University of Cape Town.
Community ecology aims at understanding how species assemble and coexist in relation with the biotic
and abiotic environment. Ecological communities are traditionally identified through a multitude of methods,
from classification by hand to refined statistical methods based on similarity indices and clustering methods.
A recent review concluded that the tested methods did not lead to comparable results and that the selection
of a classification method, and hence the resulting communities, remains an informed subjective choice
(Lotter et al., 2013). Moreover, species sampled locally may be representative of typical or transitional
ecological conditions, but stochasticity in species assembly often obscures the signal present in biodiversity
samples. We propose a novel method to assemble species into communities based on a network analysis
of biodiversity data. This assembly process avoids the issue of the representativeness of the biodiversity
samples by building communities based on co-occurrence of species. Species assemblages are dismantled
in order to consider species-species interactions based on co-occurrence. Communities are built based
on the network of relationships between species instead of raw samples. We apply this new method to
epiphytic plant communities and compare forests sampled along two elevational gradients on Madagascar
and on La Réunion island. The results are also compared to those obtained from common classification
methods. We show how the identified communities help understand species assembly in relation with the
environment along wide ecological gradients. 75
RESTORATION OF NATIVE FOREST COVER USING NON-HARVEST EXOTIC PINUS PLANTATIONS IN
NEW ZEALAND
FORBES, ADAM1, NORTON, DAVID1, CARSWELL, FIONA2, 1School of Forestry, College of Engineering,
University of Canterbury.2Lincoln Landcare Research.
Microclimate conditions within mature plantation forest interiors can be suitable for recruitment of native
forest species. We propose there are long-term opportunities for restoration of native forest species
within New Zealand Pinus radiata plantation stands, especially where plantations are not intended to be
harvested. However, a number of factors potentially constrain forest regeneration within plantation forests.
We trialed forest management interventions with the aim of optimising New Zealand non-harvest P. radiata
plantation forest for regeneration of native forest canopy species. We (1) created artificial canopy gaps in P.
radiata forest canopy to accelerate seedling growth of mature native forest canopy species, (2) assessed
both the competitive and facilitative effects of tree fern dominated understoreys on forest succession, and
(3) evaluated underplanting as a restoration technique by survey of a 50-year trial of underplanted native
forest canopy species within a degraded Pinus plantation. Canopy gap interventions significantly increased
seedling growth rates of native mature canopy tree species. Shade cast by tree ferns significantly reduced
native seedling height growth rates, and woody epiphytic seedling abundance on tree fern trunks was
negatively associated with tree fern stand density. Underplanting ensured native canopy dominants within
the forest succession, thereby providing a means of directing and accelerating forest succession. Our
results show that “non-harvest” P. radiata plantations can be “engineered” to optimise ecological conditions
for the regeneration of native mature forest canopy species. These management interventions can be used
to direct and accelerate a secondary forest succession within exotic P. radiata plantation forest in New
Zealand.
76
EVOLUTIONARY DIVERSITY PATTERNS IN THE FLORA OF THE CAPE OF SOUTH AFRICA FOREST, FELIX1, COLVILLE, JONATHAN2, BEALE, COLIN3, ALTWEGG, RES4, BRADSHAW, PETER5,
COWLING, RICHARD6, 1Comparative Plant & Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.2Kirstenbosch
Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute.3Department of Biology, University of
York.4Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town.5Park Planning and Development Unit, South African
National Parks.6Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
In the present study, we investigate the evolutionary patterns in the flora of the Cape region of South
Africa, one of the five Mediterranean-type ecosystems of the world and a centre of high species diversity
and endemism. Previous research using a genus-level phylogenetic tree of the region’s flora showed that
phylogenetic diversity is more clustered in the western part of the region, while it is more over-dispersed
in the eastern part. These patterns were attributed to the fact that the western part acted as a refugium
with high rates of speciation and low extinction, while the eastern part was the scene of more exchanges
with neighbouring biomes. Here, we examine phylogenetic diversity patterns in the region using modelled
species distributions and phylogenetic trees from 21 “Cape floral clades”, groups of plants that have mostly
diversified in the Cape, representing more than 2,500 of the ca. 9,300 species found in the Cape. These
new analyses provide a more refined account of the phylogenetic patterns uncovered in the genus-level
study and identified new ones. These will be discussed in the context of past climatic and geologic events.
77
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR RESTORING NATIVE PLANTS IN AGRICULTURAL
LANDSCAPES
FRANKLIN, HANNAH1, ROBINSON, BRETT2, DICKINSON, NICHOLAS1, 1Ecology, Agriculture and Life
Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand.2Soil and Physical Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences,
Lincoln University, New Zealand.
Worldwide there is an impetus to restore native species into human-modified landscapes to sustain
biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services. The southern hemisphere often is dependent on crop
species and agronomic practices from the north, and has given less attention to the role of native
biodiversity of production landscapes. This paper presents the opportunities and challenges of such
restoration as identified from the New Zealand experience. In agricultural systems native plants may
mitigate environmentally damaging nutrient losses, provide habitat for native fauna, enhance community
awareness and offer economic benefits. Reducing the risks from excess nitrogen in New Zealand’s dairydominated farm systems are vital to maintain high environmental standards associated with our exports.
However, native species are often adapted to comparatively low-nutrient environments and little is known
of their response, particularly at the plant-soil interface. Field survey and experimental data were used to
model farm-scale nitrogen losses for various planting scenarios. Native plantations may reduce nitrogen
loadings due to the reduced area of fertilised and grazed soil. Species-specific nitrogen response traits
were identified and indicate native monocotyledons have potential for planting in riparian zones or as
effluent disposal blocks. While native Myrtaceae are likely to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions following
urine deposition by sheltering stock. A case study, the Punakaiki Coastal Restoration Project, is also
presented to demonstrate indicators of restoration success as farmland is restored adjacent to remnant
native forest. This research provides a first step towards targeted ecological restoration as an integral part
of sustainable agricultural management.
(Sponsored by Lincoln University and South Island Dairy Event (SIDE))
78
ECO-HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTIONS DURING FOREST SUCCESSION IN SMALL WATERSHEDS OF
SOUTHERN CHILE
FRÊNE, CRISTIÁN1,2, DÖRNER, JOSÉ3, ZÚÑIGA, FELIPE3, ARMESTO, JUAN1, 1Ecología, Ciencias
Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.2Long Term Socio-Ecologíal Research Network,
Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity - Chile.3Centro de Investigación en Suelos Volcánicos, Ciencias
Agrarias, Universidad Austral de Chile.
Ecological succession is an orderly process of species replacement through time, based on the modification
of the physical environment by the established vegetation following disturbance. Forest ecosystems support
services that provide welfare to human societies, but their relationship to forest succession is still poorly
understood. We assessed the main ecosystem services provided by nine small watersheds within the
Llancahue basin (40° S), each representing replicates of three different successional stages: old-growth
forest (OG), young secondary forest (SF) and early successional scrub (SC). Ecosystem services assessed
were streamflow regulation, soil protection, and nutrient retention. We recorded streamflow, sediment
transport, and nutrient outflows. Storm events and seasonal hydrologic behavior together with soil water
storage and saturated hydraulic conductivity were evaluated. Results indicate that runoff varied with rainfall,
showing high base flow (90%) with low intensity events and greater surface flows (50%) with high intensity
events. OG watersheds showed greater capacity to regulate streamflow, providing more water over time.
Sediment dynamics showed high variability, with lower values in OG watersheds. Hydrologic nutrient losses
were lower in OG and greater in SC watersheds.Finally, fine pore volume was the highest (25%) in the
SC.Vegetation structure, soil storage capacity and water conductivity are critical to explain the differences
in ecosystem services maximized by different successional stages and can offer guidelines for forest
management.
(Sponsored by Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Chile (PFB-23, Conicyt and ICM P05-002); Red de Sitios de Estudio Socioecológicos de Largo Plazo; Delegación de la Comunidad Europea en Chile)
79
HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND N AND C CYCLES TO LAGO VICHUQUéN SINCE THE SPANISH CONQUEST
INFERRED FROM SEDIMENT BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
FUENTEALBA, MAGDALENA1, LATORRE, CLAUDIO2, FRUGRONE, MATÍAS3, VALERO GARCÉS,
BLAS4, 1Laboratorio de Paleoecología y Paleoambiente, Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.2Laboratorio de Paleoecología y Paleoambiente, Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile.3Geología Universidad de Zaragoza.4Procesos Geoambientales, Instituto
Pirenaico de Ecología-CSIC.
Human activities have significantly increased the biological availability of Nitrogen (N) on a global scale
since the industrial revolution. Yet, human activities have perturbed the natural N cycle at local or regional
scales since the development of agriculture in many regions of the world. Key modifiers include: 1)
land-use changes, 2) the addition of N to improve crop yields and 3) slash and burn practices. We use
biogeochemical evidence from a lacustrine record from Lago Vichuquén in coastal central Chile to examine
how local human activities have changed N input into the lake the SC. Two (2 m) sediment cores were
recovered (Lemal-Vic11-2A-1g-1) in 2011 and 2015 (Vic15-2A-1G). Cores were sampled every 1 cm for
bulk sediment analyses of δ15N, δ13C, Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Carbon (TC) and every 4 mm for XRF
analyses. AMS 14C dating shows that the cores span the last XX cal yr BP. The main results show rapid
increases in TC and C/N ratios during the last centuries, resulting from an increase in allocthonous organic
matter in the catchment. The concomitant decrease in δ13C and δ15N values (from -26.5 to -30.0‰ and
+9 to +4.1‰ between 1700 and 1960 AD, respectively), however, suggests changes in N availability and
enhanced primary productivity. We propose that the decrease of δ15N sediment values is due to significant
anthropogenic influence in the last 150 years, when large-scale agricultural development and deforestation
conspired to change N input into the local watershed. These trends continue to the present.
(Sponsored by IEB; CONICYT-PCHA/Doctorado Nacional/2015-21150224/PMI PUC 1203)
80
SOIL PROPERTIES OF DEGRADED AND NON-DEGRADED PEATLANDS IN SOUTH AFRICA
GABRIEL, MARVIN1, TOADER, CAMELIA1, FAUL, FRANZISKA2, ROßKOPF, NIKO1, PRETORIUS, LULU3,
ZEITZ, JUTTA1, 1Soil Science and Site Science, Life Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.2Institute of
Earth- and Environmental Science, Universität Potsdam.3Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of
the Freestate.
In most parts of South Africa the potential evapotranspiration is several times higher than the precipitation.
Nevertheless, under these generally unfavorable conditions peatlands do occur given certain requirements.
More than 60% of South Africa’s peatlands are situated on the Maputaland Coastal Plain. Water in this
region is precious, wherefore peatlands are important for storage and provision of freshwater. Moreover,
they are special flora and fauna habitats, as well as providers of fertile soils and traditional building material.
On the other hand, peatlands face a lot of degradation through water drainage by inappropriate cultivation
practices and large scale eucalyptus plantations. So far, soil properties of South African peatlands are
clearly underresearched. As part of the AllWet-RES project (Alliance for Wetlands — Research and
Restoration), the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin covers soil related research-objectives to find out
more about the alterations of peat-soil properties, due to degradation; as well as possible responses to
rewetting measures. These investigations should yield a basis for the development of recommendations
on more sustainable cultivation practices and appropriate restoration actions. Altogether seven peatlands
in interdune depressions, unchanneled valley bottoms and channeled valley bottoms were investigated
through 19 transect corings, uncovering peat-depths and substrate stratigraphies. 178 soil profiles were
described in this way. For each transect a representative profile was chosen and physico-chemical
properties were determined for its horizons. Selected properties such as bulk density, saturated hydraulic
conductivity, hydrophobicity and C-content will be presented and discussed.
(Sponsored by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, Förderverein Für Agrar- Und Gartenbauwissenschaften An Der
Humboldt - Universität Zu Berlin E.V)
81
FIRE REGIMES IN CENTRAL-EAST CHILOE ISLAND DURING THE LAST 3000 YEARS
GARCÍA, P1, MORENO, PATRICIO2, GONZALORENA, LUCÍA3, 1Geografía, Facultad de Historia,
Geografía y Ciencia Política, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.2Departamento de Ciencias
Ecológicas e Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de
Chile.3Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas e Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Chile. In this study we examined fire regimes of the central-east of Chiloe Island in the last 3000 years to
contextualize the anthropogenichistorical effect in vegetation and climate natural variability. Our work
is based on microscopics charcoal particles analysis of lakes sediments obtained from Tauco Lake
(42°34’3.60”S- 73°46’9.62”O), Cajunco Lake (42°10’28.90”S – 73°45’21.58”O) and Tarumán Lake
(42°42’27.54”S - 73°55’49.69”O). The fossil charcoal record from Tauco Lake shows high fire occurrence
between 1300-500 yrs cal BP and null occurrence during the last 500 years. Lakes Tarumán and Cajunco
records show a similar response between 500-100 yrs cal BP, suggest a climatic control at regional level.
Increases in the fire activity and the maximum occurrence is during the anomalie “Mediaeval Warm Period”
(1150-650 yrs cal BP).A null occurrence of fire since 500 yrs cal BP, is also coincident with the “Little Ice
Age” (650-50 yrs cal BP). European colonization in Chiloe Island was initiated since 1850 DC (= 100 years
cal BP) which is in a climate anomalies context that suggesting fire occurrence during a warm period at the
end of the last Little Ice Age. (Sponsored by ICM grants P05-002 and NC120066, Fondap 15110009, Fondecyt Grant 1151469) 82
FACTORS CONTROLLING THE ESTABLISHMENT AND GROWTH OF INDIGENOUS TREES UNDER
EXOTIC TREE PLANTATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND AND CHILE GAXIOLA, A1, JIMÉNEZ, MILAGROS2, FORBES, ADAM3, 1Ecología, Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile - Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.2Ecología, Ciencias Biológicas,
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.3New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury.
Recent interest in restoration of indigenous vegetation are related to private and national commitments
and associated with market certification needs. From a forest restoration perspective, it is important to
assess what factors control the regeneration of indigenous species in the potentially “novel ecosystems”
represented by plantations. In this study we examined different factors influencing the establishment of
any indigenous vegetation of temperate forests of Chile and New Zealand under similar types of forestry
plantations (e.g. Eucalyptus, Pinus species). We found that establishment limitations are due to soil
pH (especially under pines), poor nutrients, and shade (high tree density). In Chile lack of understory
vegetation in indigenous forests and plantations allows most trees to regenerate under the forest canopy. In
New Zealand dense understorey of ground ferns and tree-ferns seem to arrest successional development
in some plantation understoreys, and close proximity to indigenous forest is necessary for recruitment
of mature forest canopy species. Although exotic plantation forests might facilitate the establishment of
indigenous forest species some limitations on establishment and recruitment of forest species apply. We
identify that similar factors limit indigenous vegetation establishment in both Chilean and New Zealand
exotic plantation forests. Further research is required into factors influencing indigenous forest regeneration
processes in these exotic plantation forests. (Sponsored by ICM-IEB P02-005, ILTER-Chile, FONDECYT)
83
DEMOGRAPHIC RESPONSES TO LATEST QUATERNARY CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN THE WESTERN
ANDEAN SLOPE
GAYO, EUGENIA1, SANTORO, CALOGERO2, LATORRE, CLAUDIO3, 1Center for Climate and Resilience
Research (CR)2 Universidad de Concepción.2Instituto de Alta Investigación (IAI), Universidad de
Tarapacá.3Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
The integration of archaeological and palaeoclimate records has major implications for understanding
feedbacks between environmental change and human behaviour, societal collapse or resilience. Here,
we evaluate modes and spatial-temporal variations in demographic responses of Prehispanic societies
from the western Andean slope (16°-25°S) to changing palaeoenvironmental settings over the last 14,000
years. Population patterns were inferred by examining the distribution of >1,960 radiocarbon dates
from archaeological sites located across an aridity gradient encompassing from the hyperarid coastal
Atacama Desert to the semi-arid Altiplano. So, this perspective makes possible to fairly compare longterm demographic dynamics among populations that differ either in cultural or ecological backgrounds. We
verified significant variations in demographic patterns at sub-continental and regional scales throughout the
latest Quaternary, which suggest cyclic changes in past population levels soon after the early peopling of
South America. Expect for coastal populations, these demographic changes occurred at the same times as
major shifts in hydroclimate conditions recorded in the area. Actually, population expansions (crushes) are
practically synchronous to positive (negative) anomalies in water availability. Our findings emphasize the
susceptibility of Prehispanic societies-particularly for continental populations- to centennial and millennial
paleoenvironmental fluctuations at different paleoclimate scenarios and subsistence economies (i.e
hunter-gatherers or farming groups). Hence, these kinds of reconstructions have the potential to provide
a consolidated cultural-environmental context from which is possible to discuss the vulnerability of future
societies from arid regions to projected alterations in the large-scale hydrological cycle. (Sponsored by FONDAP #15110009, FONDECYT Project #1120454, Anillo SOC1405)
84
THE PRESENT DAY DUST SOURCES IN SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA AND ITS RELATIONSHIP
WITH PALEO-RECORDS FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
GILI, STEFANIA1, GAIERO, DIEGO1, CHEMALE, FARID2, GOLDSTEIN, STEVE3, 1CICTERRA,
Universidad Nacional de Cordoba.2UNISINOS, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos.3LDEO, Columbia
University.
During the last few decades, dust has become an important component in paleoclimatic studies as it is
employed as a proxy of wind systems characteristics and changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns.
Furthermore, when the chemical and isotopic fingerprint of dust is identified and characterized in different
paleo-climatic archives (i.e., continental and marine records), it serves to link its origin to the source area
and help to understand a variety of processes as for example, to validate atmospheric global circulation
models (AGCM). For Southern South America (SSA), three main persistent source areas stand out:
Patagonia, central-western Argentina, and Puna-Altiplano plateau. One important highlight is that based
on indirect evidence, it was suggested that dust exported from these areas could have implications for
the biogeochemistry of the Atlantic and the Southern Ocean. In order to characterize the geochemical
fingerprint of the potential source regions of SSA and covering a distance of 3,300 km between northern
Argentina (~24°S) and Tierra del Fuego (~54°S), six dust monitoring stations located downwind from
these desert areas were installed. Here, we present new geochemical data for SSA dust samples and a
comparison with similar data obtained from different paleoclimatic records (e.g., Southern Ocean marine
sediments and the Antarctic ice cores). Our preliminary results indicate that the aeolian material deflated
from SSA would be the most important source of dust deposited in these paleo-records during glacialinterglacial times; although the potential importance of Tierra del Fuego remains unclear because of its
geochemical similarities to Patagonia.
85
HIGH-RESOLUTION FJORD SEDIMENTARY RECORDS OF HOLOCENE AND LATE GLACIAL CLIMATE
CHANGE FROM THE SUBANTARCTIC AUCKLAND ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
GILMER, GREER1, MOY, CHRIS1, RIESSELMAN, CHRISTINA1, VANDERGOES, MARCUS2, JACOBSEN,
GERALDINE3, GADD, PATRICIA3, 1Geology, University of Otago.2Paleoecology GNS Science.3Institute for
Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
An important component of global oceanic and atmospheric circulation is the strong zonally symmetric
wind belt located at approximately 50°S known as the Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SHWW). The
SHWW affect climate and CO2 flux in the mid to high southern latitudes. Despite their importance, there
are few highly resolved Holocene and Late Glacial records of past climate change from New Zealand’s
subantarctic Auckland Islands (50.5°S) that can reconstruct past SHWW change. The Auckland Islands
are in a unique location at the core of the modern SHWW belt. Changes in hydrology, temperature, and
vegetation on the islands are driven by SHWW changes, which should be preserved in fjord sediments.
Several sediment cores were collected from Norman Inlet and are being used to reconstruct a highresolution record of climate change spanning the last ~15,000 years. Physical property data and visual core
descriptions indicate the cores capture four primary sedimentary facies: 1) a deglacial facies exhibiting mmscale laminae defined by magnetic susceptibility and density contrasts and 2 to 50 mm clasts interpreted
as dropstones; 2) a lacustrine facies defined by low density and high organic carbon concentrations; 3) a
marine transgression facies with moderate density and moderate bioturbation, and 4) a marine facies that
contains biogenic carbonate. A radiocarbon chronology and ITRAX XRF major element profiles contribute
to building a robust record of climate change since the Late Glacial at the Auckland Islands that can be
compared to existing Southern Hemisphere records to ultimately build a broader picture of SHWW change.
(Sponsored by GSNZ, NZARI, AINSE)
86
PALEO AND NEO-ENDEMISM ALONG THE DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES BELONGING TO THE
NOTHOFAGACEAE FAMILY
GLADE, NATALY1, HINOJOSA, LUIS FELIPE1, Ecología, Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
The species belonging to the Nothofagaceae family have currently a wide and disjunct distribution
throughout temperate regions of the southern hemisphere, being endemic to the areas where they are
located. The family has four subgenera, consistent with the existence of four types of pollen. There is
a fifth type of ancestral pollen whose occurrence dates from the Maastrichtian to Oligocene. As for the
distribution, the subgenus Nothofagus is restricted to South America; Lophozonia is found in South
America, New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania. Fuscospora is found in New Zealand and has one
representative in South America and Tasmania. And finally Brassospora, which is distributed at lower
latituds, is found on the islands of Papua New Guinea (and associated islands) and New Caledonia. The
fossil record shows that three of the four subgenera have an ancestral range of distribution (MaastrichtianPaleocene) and that subgenus Brassospora has a more recent range of distribution, which it dates from the
Miocene-Oligocene. This study evaluated the kind of endemism present in Nothofagaceae species, hoping
to find a distinction between ancient and recent lineages correlative to the biogeography of the family.
20273 occurrences records were evaluated together with the phylogeny of the family using the program
Biodiverse with the method CANAPE (Categorical Analysis of Neo and Palaeo Endemism).
87
DIVERSITY, ASSEMBLAGE AND FUNCTIONALITY OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN TREELINE
NOTHOFAGUS PUMILIO FOREST IN THE ANDES OF SOUTHERN CHILE GODOY, ROBERTO1, MARÍN, CÉSAR1, AGUILERA, PAULA2, OEHL, FRITZ3, PALFNER, GÖTZ4, BOY,
JENS5, 1Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile.2BIOREN, Universidad
de la Frontera.3Agroscope Institute of Sustainability Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland.4Departamento de
Botánica, Universidad de Concepción.5Institute of Soil Science, Leibniz Universität, Hannover.
Temperate Rainforests of Southern Chile have been floristically stable over the Holocene and are
considered as a pre-industrial blueprint for the biogeochemical functioning of forests, because inputs
by air pollution are still low. A large contribution of mycorrhizal symbiosis to forest nutrition under such
conditions seems likely, especially on nutrient limited volcanic soils in the high Andes. Therefore, we aimed
to establishing vegetational patterns and mycorrhizal status of Nothofagus pumilio forest, to compare the
arbuscular mycorrhiza assemblages in contrasting plots, and to measuring the growth effects imposed
by inoculating N. pumilio with ectomycorrhizal fungi. We found that, i. from 46 described vascular plant
species, 41 form arbuscular mycorrhiza, two are associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi (N. pumulio and
N. dombeyi) and only three are non-mycorrhizal; ii. 26 ectomycorrhizal fungal species were described, of
which 14 belong to the genus Cortinarius; and iii. 18 arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal species were described,
being Acaulospora the genus with the highest relative abundance. The highest species richness was
found in the N. pumilio forest plot, compared to herbaceous and intervened plots. Nutrients as C, Mg and
N in soils had a similar effect in differentiating the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities; finally, iv. we
found that the inoculation of N. pumilio with the fungus Lacaria laccata showed clear growth advantages in
seedling and growth traits. We suggest that mycorrhizal fungiplay an important role for the colonization of
plants in extreme climatic and edaphic conditions. (Sponsored by CONICYT 21150047, DFG BO 3741 3-1, Fondecyt 3150175, Fondecyt 1141060)
88
FIRE REGIMES AND FIRE EFFECTS IN CHILEAN ARAUCARIA FORESTS
GONZÁLEZ, MAURO1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL2, ASSAL, TIMOTHY3, SIBOLD, JASON4, 1Instituto de
Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral
de Chile.2Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.3Fort Collins Science Center,
United States Geological Survey.4Department of Anthropology, Colorado State University .
Fire is the most important disturbance influencing the Andean Araucaria–Nothofagus forested landscape.
In Tolhuaca National Park, these forests have been shaped by a mixed-severity fire regime, including lowseverity surface fires to stand-replacing fires. For the period 1750-2005, the composite mean fire interval
varied from 7 years for all fires to 81 years for widespread events (1759, 1896, 1912 and 2001), with
the latter burning c. 4,232 ha which is more than 65% of the watershed. Changes in land-use practices
had a strong influence on the fire regime. The impact of Euro-Chilean settlers (1883-1960) resulted in
a significantly higher fire fequency compared to the Modern Fire Exclusion period (1961-2005) and the
Native American period (1750-1882). In the summer 2001-2002 forest stands burned at different severities
providing differential opportunities for tree seedlings and understory species recruitment. The recruitment of
the obligate seeders Nothofagus dombeyi and N. pumilio was relatively low following high-severity fire. In
contrast, seedlings and saplings of Araucaria araucana were able to resprout following both medium- and
high-severity fires and also establish from seeds under remnant female trees. In the burned stands the
bamboo Chusquea culeou, colonized the sites densely because of its strong ability to rapidly resprout from
its rhizome system. In 2015 a human-set severe fire burned c. > 60 % of the same area that burned in the
fire season of 2001-2002. This fire pattern implies an increased susceptibility of the post-fire vegetation to
subsequent fires.
(Sponsored by CONICYT/FONDAP 15110009)
89
COMPLETE MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY IN NACELLA (PATELLOGASTROPODA: NACELLIDAE) IN THE
SOUTHERN OCEAN
GONZÁLEZ, C1,7, HÜNE, MATHIAS2, SEGOVIA, N7, SPENCER, HAMISH3, CHOWN, STEVEN4, NAKANO,
TOMOYUKI5, POULIN, ELIE6,7, 1Departamento de Ciencias y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Magallanes - GAIA Antártica.2FI Fundación Ictiológica.3Department of Zoology, Te Tari Matai
Kararehe, University of Otago.4School of Biological Sciences, University of Monash.5Seto Marine Biological
Laboratory, Field Science Education and Research Centre, University of Kyoto.6Departamento de Ciencias
Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.7Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad
de Ciencias, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB).
The biogeography of Southern Ocean biota reflects the complex interaction of geological, climatic,
oceanographic and biotic elements at different temporal and spatial scales. Through mtDNA/nucDNA and
an integrative-biogeographic approach, we determined the underlying processes responsible of the current
distribution pattern of the limpet genus Nacella along its distribution in different provinces of the Southern
Ocean (Antarctica, South America, subantarctic oceanic islands). High levels of genetic divergence
characterize Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic lineages of the genus pointing towards transoceanic historical
discontinuities. Two main clades were recognized including i) Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Islands species
and ii) South American ones. The separation of these lineages occurred during the late Miocene (9 – 5
Ma), long after the physical separation of the continental landmasses. Further analyses recorded two
pulses of diversification in Nacella during the late Miocene and the Pleistocene. Major periods of climatic
and oceanographic change strongly affected the biogeography of the genus and clearly show both the
long- and short-term influence of the ACC on the distribution of limpet lineages around the Southern Ocean.
Our analyses supported the validity of all recognized Nacella species, albeit with considerable corrections
to the registered distribution of some taxa, and permitted the identification of a new species. This work
constitutes the most detailed molecular-based study of an ecologically important invertebrate genus across
the Southern Ocean. Hence, it constitutes an important step to an improved understanding of the rhythms
and trends in the diversification of marine benthic fauna around the globally important Southern Ocean.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT INITIATION PROJECT 11140087, INACH Office Project G_04-11, and C/D GAIA Antártica, UMAG to
CGW. Projects P05-002 ICM and PFB 023 (IEB) and Fondecyt Project 1151336 to E.P and CGW. Programs IPEV Nº 1044 France,
AntEco, CAML, and EBA-SCAR)
90
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL PATTERNS IN SOUTHERN OCEAN GASTROPODS WITH CONTRASTING
DEVELOPMENTAL MODES
GONZÁLEZ, C1,8, DÍAZ, ANGIE2, HÜNE, MATHIAS3, ROSENFELD, S4, SPENCER, HAMISH5,
SAUCÈDE, THOMAS6, MANSILLA, ANDRÉS4,8, GERARD, KARIN4, POULIN, ELIE7,8, 1Departamento
de Ciencias y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Magallanes - GAIA Antártica.
2
Departamento de Zoología Universidad de Concepción.3FI Fundación Ictiológica.4Departamento de
Ciencias y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Magallanes.5Department of
Zoology Te Tari Matai Kararehe, University of Otago.6Biogéosciences, UMR CNRS 6282, Université
de Bourgogne.7Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
8
Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB).
The evolution of the Southern Ocean marine benthic fauna and its biogeography is the result of complex
interactions between abiotic and biotic processes in space and time. Continental drift, major gateway
openings shaped past and present oceanographic circulation. Here, we present new biogeographical
analyses based on mtDNA sequences in different groups of intertidal mollusks with contrasting
developmental modes that are currently distributed in different provinces of the Southern Ocean. We
include direct developers (Neobuccinum, Trophonella, Margarella, Siphonaria) and broadcast-spawners
(Nacella, Mytilius, Aulacomya, and Yoldia). We determined uncorrected p-distances, performed divergence
time estimations using a strict Molecular Clock Hypothesis (MCH) and we constructed Maximum Parsimony
genealogies. Most of analyzed groups (Nacella, Neobuccinum, Margarella, and Trophonella) exhibited a
high degree of genetic divergence between Antarctic and Subantarctic provinces. Surprisingly, Subantarctic
brooders showed a high degree of genetic identity between geographically distant provinces. This study
presents new information about the relationships between Antarctic and Subantarctic lineages. The
effective separation between Antarctic and Subantarctic lineages occurred between 3.7 and 14.5Ma,
long after the physical separation of the continental landmasses or to the initiation of the ACC. In this
scheme, the geodynamic evolution of Scotia Arc with the establishment of a full deep ACC during the
middle Miocene may represent a key driver in the isolation of the marine Antarctic fauna. Finally, current
biogeographical patterns in Southern Ocean mollusks are not related to particular groups but to historical
oceanographic/climatic processes, as well as contemporary ones including the likelihood of long-distance
dispersal.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT INITIATION PROJECT 11140087, INACH Office Project G_04-11, and C/D GAIA Antártica, UMAG to
CGW. Projects P05-002 ICM and PFB 023 (IEB) and Fondecyt Project 1151336 to E.P and CGW. Programs IPEV Nº 1044 France,
AntEco, CAML, and EBA-SCAR)
91
A PROMISCUOUS BUNCH: USING NEXT-GEN DATA TO ASSESS SPECIES LIMITS IN THE
LIOLAEMUS FITZINGERII SPECIES GROUP
GRUMMER, JARED1, MORANDO, MARIANA2, AVILA, LUCIANO2, SITES, JACK3, LEACHÉ, ADAM1,
1
Biology, University of Washington.2Grupo de Herpetologia Patagonica CENPAT-CONICET.3Biology,
Brigham Young University.
Liolaemus is the most diverse lizard genus in the world, with ~10 new species described each year.
Turbulent taxonomy and interspecific gene flow make species delimitation a difficult task in this group.
Here, we assess species limits using two types of “next-generation” datasets within the Liolaemus
fitzingerii species group. This group is comprised of ~15 described species and appears to have multiple
contact zones of hybridization between species based on previous mtDNA and morphological analyses.
With a SNP dataset of 2,500 loci and 160 individuals, different population clustering algorithms identify
between 4-8 “species”. Phylogenies reconstructed with multiple approaches using a sequence capture
dataset consisting of 584 loci and 28 individuals provide evidence for a rapid radiation and little support
for relationships between species, implying potentially 3-5 “good” species with high levels of phenotypic
variation. We will discuss how we integrated results from these disparate analyses and datasets to make
a decision on how many species to recognize in this group, and generally, the broad applicability of these
approaches for other researchers confronting similar problems.
92
AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY OF
COPIAPOA (CACTACEAE), A THREATENED GENUS FROM CHILE’S ATACAMA DESERT
GUERRERO, PABLO1,2, LARRIDON, ISABEL3,4, WALTER, HELMUT5, SAMAIN, MARIE-STEPHANIE4,
1
Departamento de Botánica, Ciencias Naturales y Ocenoagráficas, Universidad de Concepción.2Instituto
de Ecología y Biodiversidad.3Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.4Research Group Spermatophytes & Botanical
Garden, Ghent University.5Cactaceae ex-situ & in-situ conservation, The EXSIS Project.
Copiapoa is endemic to Chile’s Atacama Desert. Many of its species are threatened with extinction. Threats
include restricted distribution ranges, increasing aridity, habitat destruction, illegal collecting, herbivory and
genetic erosion. To study the evolution and diversity of Copiapoa, DNA sequence data were analysed,
and the distribution range of species modelled based on geo-referenced localities and climatic data. The
evolution of character states of four characters (root morphology, stem branching, stem shape and stem
diameter), as well as ancestral distribution areas were reconstructed. The results revealed several clades
and allowed us to delimit 32 species. Recovered relationships are often supported by morphological and
biogeographical patterns. In some cases, genetic diversity proved too low to delimit boundaries between
previously accepted taxa. The results indicate that Copiapoa likely evolved between southern Peru and
the north of Chile, and that the Copiapó Valley limited colonisation between two biogeographical areas.
Apart from forming a geographic barrier, the precipitation regime and bioclimate change in this zone. We
define Copiapoa to include 32 species and five heterotypic subspecies. Thirty species are classified into
four sections and two subsections, while two species remain unplaced. To obtain a clearer picture of the
relationships between some closely related taxa, further study is needed using other lab based techniques.
A microsatellite study is already ongoing to investigate the population genetics of Copiapoa cinerea and C.
gigantea. A better understanding of evolution and diversity will allow allocating conservation resources to
the most threatened lineages and focusing conservation action on real biodiversity. 93
TRAIT-MEDIATED PROCESSES IN THE DYNAMICS OF SOUTHERN TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS GUTIERREZ, ALVARO1, HOLZ, ANDRES2, PEREZ, M. FERNANDA3, READ, JENNIFER4, GAXIOLA,
AURORA5, 1Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y Recursos Naturales Renovables, Universidad
de Chile.2Department of Geography, Portland State University.3Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile.4School of Biological Sciences, Monash University.5Departamento de
Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Comparisons between key plant functional traits can provide insight into ecological processes, such
as demographic rates driving forest dynamics. Based on some biogeographical affinities of southern
temperate rainforests, we hypothesize that some tree species of these forests share functional trait
similarities that converge on similar sets of adaptive strategies promoting tree species coexistence. Here,
we explore this hypothesis by 1) identifying traits relevant for tree species demography, 2) comparing
trait similarities among dominant tree genera in three southern temperate rainforests regions (South
America, New Zealand, Tasmania) and 3) inferring trait influence on forest dynamics in southern temperate
rainforests. We will compare the following traits: seed size and dispersal syndromes, leaf mass per area,
species lifespan, wood density, hydraulic conductance, rate of tree growth, and plant maximum height
of selected tree species. By using this approach we expect to contribute to our understanding of species
assembly processes that shape structural and functional similarities in these forests. (Sponsored by ICM-P02-005.)
94
THE GIANT TREES OF SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA
GUTIERREZ, ALVARO1, DIAZ-HORMAZABAL, IGNACIO1, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y
Recursos Naturales, Renovables, Universidad de Chile.
In temperate rainforests, trees can reach the largest sizes and the highest accumulation in biomass known
on Earth. The loss of giant trees is a recognized concern in these forest ecosystems due to logging, land
clearing, fire and other drivers of global change. Monitoring of giant trees will be essential if we expect to
develop strategies to prevent the loss of natural and cultural heritage represented by these trees. However,
the locations of giant trees in southern South America (south of 35°S latitude) are not precisely known.
Here, we analyze a geospatial database of trees (25,600 trees) to establish the limit of tree size in southern
South America. We hypothesize that giant trees persist in refugees favored by particular climatic conditions,
unfeasibility of logging or protection against natural or human-set disturbances. 95
TRADITIONAL AND MULTICULTURAL APPROACHES TO ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS IN SCHOOL
EDUCATION HARGROVE, E1, Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas.
Translating environmental ethics into something that can be taught at the primary and secondary school
levels may never be feasible. In addition, what needs to be taught may vary in different cultures around
the world. A good noncontroversial starting point may be to begin with the values that are often listed in
the purpose statements of environmental laws. Teachers could teach the history of ideas behind those
values and their relationship to environmental concern. This approach is needed as a counter to the value
approach of modern economics which treats noneconomic values as meaningless expressions of personal
emotion. Comparative value discussion can be used to clarify traditional values and in countries with
indigenous populations with values originating in different histories of ideas, such as the values of the First
Nation peoples in Canada and the Mapuche in Chile, which can be used to promote better understanding
between major social groups. In teaching ethics, care must be taken to avoid both indoctrination and
relativism. Ethical values can best be presented as socially evolved values rather as the invention of each
individual, based on a social history of ideas rather than the arbitrary expression of personal feelings.
Presenting competing socially evolved ethics comparatively avoids indoctrination and does not lead to
relativism. Rather doing so can contribute to the further improvement and continuing evolution of specific
social ethics. 96
PELAGIC-BENTHIC COUPLING WRIT LARGE: BENTHIVOROUS MACROALGAL REEF FISHES ARE
FUELLED BY PELAGIC PRODUCTION IN THE HUMBOLDT CURRENT SYSTEM
HARROD, CHRIS1, DOCMAC, FELIPE1, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt,
Universidad de Antofagasta.
Marine upwelling regions are renowned for their extreme pelagic productivity, but little is known regarding
the effects of upwelling-derived primary production on adjacent non-pelagic ecosystems. Consumers
inhabiting such ecosystems can potentially be subsidised by pelagic-derived energy and nutrients via
pelagic-benthic coupling. The Humboldt Current System of South America supports the World’s largest
industrial fishery, targeting pelagic fishes which, although captured in staggering numbers, are not directly
consumed by humans. Human fish consumption in the region is actually supported by small-scale fisheries
targeting benthic fishes inhabiting rocky coastal macroalgal reefs (kelp forests). These inshore habitats (and
taxa) are typically considered to be fuelled by benthic production i.e. macroalgae and epilithic microalgae,
but are potentially net receivers of subsidies from adjacent productive pelagic habitats. We used δ13C
and δ15N to estimate the relative contribution of pelagic- and benthic-derived C and N to benthic reefassociated fishes of the Mejillones Peninsula (23°S, 70°W) in northern Chile during the Austral summer
and winter of 2012. Six locations were sampled along a ca. 150 km section of coastline to examine spatial
and temporal variation in potential pelagic-benthic coupling. At each location, benthic and pelagic sources
of primary production, as well as grazing gastropods (benthic indicator) and filter feeding bivalves (pelagic
indicator) were collected. Dominant benthic fishes were collected by spearfishing. δ13C and δ15N values
were estimated for all producers and consumers (muscle tissues). Mixing model results (SIAR) showed
that C and N in rocky/macro-algal reef fish were almost entirely (median 98%) of pelagic origin. Our results
not only reveal the importance of pelagic-benthic coupling in the region, but also that these economically
important benthic fish assemblages are functionally part of the pelagic foodweb. This highlights the putative
role of offshore subsidies for nearshore ecosystems, and the need to understand such ecological links in
terms of resource management and sustainable fisheries.
(Sponsored by CONICYT PAI MEL 81105006 / FONDECYT 1151515)
97
LANDSCAPE ASSISTED PROGRESSION FROM INTRODUCTION TO INVASIVE SPREAD: EXAMINING
THE ATTAINMENT OF INVASIVE SPREAD FOR LUPINUS ARBOREUS ON A GLOBALLY RARE DUNE
SYSTEM
HETHERINGTON, JILLIAN1, Geography, University of Otago.
Lupinus arboreus has successfully progressed from an initial introduction to the stage of invasive spread,
and now threatens the ecology of a globally rare mixed sand and gravel dune system. There is evidence
that the landscape matrix and interacting abiotic factors are more important than the plants traits in aiding
the plant species from introduction to invasive spread. We explored the role of the landscape and abiotic
factors in assisting L. arboreus progression from introduction to invasive spread on the globally rare mixed
sand and gravel dune system at Kaitorete Spit, New Zealand. The role of the landscape in facilitating
invasive spread was examined with aerial photographs, using ArcGIS, and field observations. Lupinus
arboreus was introduced in the mid 1970s. The topography of the dune system from 1977 into the early
90s was mobile, influenced by the prevailing SW and NE winds. Progression through colonization to
establishment occurred between the early 1980s to late 1990s, with an evident dispersal pattern following
the prevailing wind directions. During the late 1980s the stands were severally reduced by fungal blight and
not expected to recover. However, the tree did recover, increasing its abundance within the mapped areas
from 12.5 % to 21.9 % between 1989 and 1998. The dispersed distribution that resulted from the fungal
blight aided L. arboreus infiltration invasion. 1998 to 2004 experienced a phase of infilling and spread into
the deflations and blowout, reducing the mobility of the substrate, freezing the dune system topography and
altering the vegetation succession. 98
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WESTERLY WIND VARIABILITY OVER THE LAST TWO MILLENNIA:
INSIGHTS FROM NEW ZEALAND FJORD SEDIMENTS
HINOJOSA, JESSICA1, MOY, CHRISTOPHER2, STIRLING, CLAUDINE3, WILSON, GARY4, EGLINTON,
TIMOTHY5, 1Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology.2Department of
Geology, University of Otago.3Department of Chemistry/Centre for Trace Element Analysis, University of
Otago.4Department of Marine Science, University of Otago.5Geological Institute, D-ERDW ETH Zurich.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the mid-latitude westerly winds are the strongest component of atmospheric
circulation. The strength and position of the westerlies can influence regional hydrology, ocean circulation
patterns, and global climate through regulation of Southern Ocean air-sea CO2 exchange. Despite the
regional and global importance of the westerlies, work remains to understand decadal to millennial-scale
variability of the wind belt, particularly in the understudied southwest Pacific. Here we present a new 1,600year record of wind variability inferred from a marine sediment core collected in Deep Cove, an inner fjord
basin in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. Due to the close regional correspondence between wind strength
and precipitation, we reconstruct past precipitation patterns using proxies for terrestrial delivery into the
fjords and fjord circulation. These proxies include stable carbon isotopes, magnetic susceptibility, and
enrichment of redox-sensitive metals measured in bulk sediments. We find strong evidence for hydrologic
changes associated with the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age, although different proxies
suggest different perturbations of precipitation patterns and thus wind strength. Additionally, our record
displays some in-phase and some anti-phase behavior compared to records of wind strength from similar
latitudes in southern South America. We explore the possible mechanisms to explain this, including
potential North Atlantic teleconnections. 99
FROM GONDWANA INTO THE TROPICS: CLIMATIC NICHE EVOLUTION IN NOTHOFAGACEAE
HINOJOSA, L.F.1, GAXIOLA, A2, PÉREZ, M.F.2, 1Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad
de Chile & Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.2Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile &
Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.
Palaeoclimatic reconstructions have shown that near-tropical conditions dominated at high latitudes (i.e.
60° S) in the Early Eocene, when global temperaturas were 12 °C warmer than today. During the Eocene–
Oligocene glaciation and presence of ice-sheets over the poles, global temperatures decreased by 7 °C.
Tropical conservatism hypothesis predicts that temperate lineages should be derived from tropical lineages.
Indeed, at a global scale, it has been shown that plant lineages currently occurring at low latitudes are
older than those occurring at high latitudes. However, this pattern is less clear in the Southern Hemisphere,
where there are many plant genera of Gondwana origin that are currently distributed in tropical and
temperate latitudes. In this work, we used fossil and phylogenetic evidence to reconstruct climatic niche
evolution in Nothofagus, to assess whether the modern distribution of the genus can be explained by the
tropical conservatism hypothesis. We argue that Nothofagus had a mid- to high-latitude origin and that its
diversification occurred under mesothermal climatic conditions. So it is possible that lineages of temperate
origin expanded into the tropics as species tracked mesothermal climates. Therefore, dispersal towards
current tropical zones has been possible because species have tracked ancestral climatic niches from
high or mid-latitudes towards lower latitudes, driven by both climatic and tectonic changes. Consequently,
members of Gondwana lineages currently present in tropical regions will be younger and nested within the
temperate clades.We suggest that this evolutionary process have occurred in other Gondwana lineages
that are now present in tropical latitudes as the Neotropics.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1150690, CONICYT (Chile), Millennium Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) Grant P05-002,
MINECON (Chile), PFB-023, CONICYT (Chile))
100
LATE QUATERNARY CHANGES IN THE WESTERLY WINDS OVER THE SOUTHERN OCEAN – A
PROGRESS REPORT
HODGSON, DOMINIC1, ROBERTS, STEVE1, PERREN, BIANCA1, SAUNDERS, KRYSTYNA2,
VERLEYEN, ELIE3, VYVERMAN, WIM3, VAN NIEUWENHUYZE, WIM3, SIME, LOUISE1, 1Science British
Antarctic Survey.2Science Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.3Biology, University of
Ghent.
The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SHW) are the strongest time-averaged oceanic winds. They
drive the circulation of the Southern Ocean and changes in their strength and position are thought to modify
the upwelling of carbon rich deep water, exerting significant control on the ocean-atmosphere balance of
CO2. Thus changes in the SHW, such as the recently observed intensification, could influence whether
the Southern Ocean acts as a net source or sink of atmospheric CO2, with major implications for global
climate. At present the relationships between wind strength, CO2 and climate are poorly understood and
there are very few studies within the core belt of the SHW in the sub-Antarctic zone c.46 to 60 deg South.
We have been attempting to address this by producing centennial to decadal reconstructions of changes in
SHW strength at sub-Antarctic islands in each of the major sectors of the Southern Ocean. In this talk we
will show how lake sediments and peat deposits on the west coasts of these islands can yield proxy-based
reconstructions of past changes in the SHW. We will review the statistical performance of our inference
models, their application down selected sediment cores, and compare them with complimentary proxies of
changes in wind strength based on precipitation and minerogenic inputs. The next phase of the project will
use GCM simulations to help understand the patterns seen in the observational data and identify the drivers
of past changes in the SHW.
101
BIODIVERSITY AT BUILDING STRUCTURES IN URBAN AND REMOTE LANDSCAPES AND ITS
MANAGEMENT WITH SPECIAL REGARD TO BRYOPHYTES
HOFBAUER, WOLFGANG1, MAYER, FLORIAN1, SEDLBAUER, KLAUS2, 1Building Chemistry, Biology
and Hygiene Fraunhofer-Institute for Building Physics.2Lehrstuhl für Bauphysik, Ingenieurfakultät Bau Geo
Umwelt, Technischen Universität München (TUM).
Emerging biodiversity at building surfaces is a controversially discussed question. As it happens at almost
all structures in our environment different organisms try to colonise also manmade structures from the start
of their service on. Sometimes, especially in connection to the built environment, this surface colonisation
is regarded as a nuisance or even damage. In fact, under certain circumstances, special microorganisms
may alter the properties of a building coat. This may not only have negative consequences but may even
be beneficial. Different situations in European urban and in remote Chilean landscapes will be presented
and discussed. At the Fraunhofer-Institute for Building Physics growth on buildings has been investigated
under different aspects. Amongst other results an astonishing rich biodiversity has been detected (more
than 200 different “primary colonisers”). Still there are gaps in the understanding of the development of
such growth, not only for Europe, but also for Chile. As there are some very extreme habitats present
in Chile (e.g. subantarctic landscapes and Atacama Desert) it would not be surprising to detect very
specialised organisms at buildings in this country. Depending on the aim, whether to hinder surface growth
at building envelopes or to enhance the growth of special types of organisms, there are different options for
management of surface growth on buildings. Examples for different management are given and possible
beneficial advantage of e.g. established bryophyte growth on buildings is discussed. Since there are still
questions open in this respect also proposals for a future development are mentioned.
102
BRYOPHYTES AND OTHER ORGANISMS THAT COLONISE BUILT SURFACES IN CHILE AND EUROPE
- PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM COMPARATIVE STUDIES
FORREST, LAURA1, HOFBAUER, WOLFGANG2, 1Science, Department Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh.2Building Chemistry, Biology and Hygiene, Fraunhofer-Institute for Building Physics.
Plants with disjunct distributions between north and south temperate regions, so called bipolar disjunctions,
are widely discussed within the scientific community. However, little to no attention has been paid to such
disjunctions in the primary colonizers of building surfaces. In a basic investigation at the FraunhoferInstitute for Building Physics, an unexpectedly rich biodiversity of primary colonisers has been detected on
modern building surfaces from Central Europe, with very preliminary investigation of similar growth from
remote areas of southern Chile. Even with just preliminary data, both unique and common constituents
of such growth can be found between Europe and Chile, for example, Grimmia anodon, Schistidium
spp. and Trentepohlia iolithus, with other taxa present in both regions on comparable surfaces, but
represented by different species. Although some species have been identified as occurring on both
continents, these disjunct ranges are based on morphological evidence; none have yet been tested
using molecular data. In a recent project, we began an investigation of Schistidium colonisers of modern
building surfaces in Europe, using DNA sequence data. This research was conducted at RBGE and
supported by the SYNTHESYS Project http://www.synthesys.info/ (GB-TAF-3881), financed by European
Community Research Infrastructure Action under the FP7 “Capacities” Program. It will be interesting to
widen this approach to corresponding habitats in the southern hemisphere. Further comparative scientific
investigations of surface colonization of buildings in Chile and Europe are proposed, in order to deepen our
knowledge of the organisms involved and their early successional development.
(Sponsored by SYNTHESYS Project Http://www.synthesys.info/ (GB-TAF-3881))
103
IS THE PRESENT-DAY DIVERSITY OF SPRINGTAILS (COLLEMBOLA) IN THE ROSS DEPENDENCY
CONNECTED TO THE COLLAPSE OF THE WESTERN ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET (WAIS) 5MYA?
HOGG, IAN1, COLLINS, GEMMA1, BEET, CLARE1, BENNETT, KRISTI1,Science and Engineering,
University of Waikato.
Mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences were examined for levels of genetic variability within and among
populations of five endemic springtail species (Arthropoda: Collembola), collected from southern Victoria
Land and the Queen Maud Mountains, in the Ross Dependency of Antarctica. COI sequences were
highly divergent at both small (<15 km) and large (>100 km) spatial scales for four of the five species.
For example, Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni, a widespread and common species, differed by 8% across
the Mackay Glacier (77oS) and >8% when compared with sites much further south, near the Beardmore
Glacier (84oS). High levels of sequence divergence were also found for the less widespread species
Cryptopygus nivicolus (>5%), Antarcticinella monoculata (>11%) and Antarctophorus subpolaris (>11%).
Based on molecular clock estimates, genetic isolation of these Antarctic springtails occurred around 3.5 to
6 Mya, coinciding with the postulated complete collapse and reformation of the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet
(WAIS). During this time, open seaways would have provided ideal dispersal opportunities for Collembola.
Subsequent glaciations during the Pliocene (5 Mya) and throughout the Pleistocene (2 Mya - 10 Kya) are
likely to have isolated springtail populations in small refugia with extremely limited dispersal opportunities,
thus maintaining genetic diversity. Such high levels of genetic divergence among populations are also likely
to reflect the presence of cryptic species complexes within currently recognised, morphologically-based
species. Conservation efforts should accordingly, be directed towards protecting and preserving the biotic
integrity of fragmented landscapes within the Ross Dependency. (Research funding and logistic support provided by The New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute (NZARI) and Antarctica New
Zealand)
104
ASSESSING THE CONNECTIVITY OF SPRINGTAIL POPULATIONS IN ANTARCTICA
COLLINS, GEMMA1, HOGG, IAN1, School of Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of
Waikato.
Springtail habitat in Antarctica is extremely fragmented which has led to isolated and genetically distinct
populations for several taxa. To assess how projected temperature increases will influence dispersal
patterns and gene flow among populations, we will focus on the activity of Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni
(Collembola). Pitfall traps (x20), aerial nets (x10) and stream drift nets (x6) will be deployed in Miers Valley
of southern Victoria Land, Antarctica to sample G. hodgsoni at regular intervals (e.g. hourly) over twoweeks in January 2016. The aim of the study is to provide a fine-scale assessment of springtail activity
relative to environmental conditions at the time of their capture. The number of individuals collected for
each method will be used as a surrogate for their ability to disperse via land, wind or water during their most
active time of year (i.e. mid summer). Individuals will also be sequenced for variation in their mitochondrial
COI gene, to detect any patterns in activity for specific genetic variants (COI haplotypes). With projected
increased air temperatures and resulting glacial melt, hydrological connectivity is likely to increase within
the Antarctic landscape, creating more opportunities for springtail dispersal. Greater connectivity among
springtail populations would increase gene flow, altering their overall genetic diversity. We will use these
data to suggest the likely biological impact of predicted climate changes in Antarctica. (Funding and logistic assistance provided by The New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute (NZARI) and Antarctica New Zealand)
105
HIGH SEVERITY FIRES, POSITIVE FIRE FEEDBACKS AND ALTERNATIVE STABLE STATES IN
ATHROTAXIS RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN WESTERN TASMANIA HOLZ, ANDRES1, WOOD, SAM2, FLETCHER, MICHAEL-SHAWN3, HOPF, FELI4, WARD, CARLY5,
VEBLEN, THOMAS6, BOWMAN, DAVID2, 1Department of Geography, Portland State, University.2School of
Biological Science, University of Tasmania.3School of Geography, University of Melbourne.4Department of
Archaeology and Natural History, The Australian National, University.5School of Plant Science, University of
Tasmania.6Department of Geography, University of Colorado.
Recurrent landscape fires present a powerful selective force on plant regeneration strategies that form a
continuum between vegetative resprouters and obligate seeders. In the latter case, reduction of interval
between fires, combined with factors affecting growth rate, time to reach sexual maturity, fecundity and
seedling establishment can drive plant population to extirpation. We use the relict Gondwanan conifer
Athrotaxis selaginoides, a relatively fire sensitive conifer that occurs in western Tasmania, as model
system to investigate the putative impacts of climate change and variability and human management of
fire. We integrate landscape ecology, with field survey and dendrochronology and sedimentary records
to garner a better understanding of the timing and impact of landscape fire on the vegetation dynamics
of this species at multiple spatio-temporal scales. Across the species range sedimentary charcoal and
pollen concentrations indicate that the recovery time since the last fire has lengthened over the last 10,000
yrs. Stand-scale tree-age and fire-scar reconstructions suggest that A. selaginoides populations have
survived infrequent landscape fires over the last 4-6 centuries. Combined the multi-scale data indicate
that fire severity has increased following European colonization causing population collapse of Athrotaxis
and an associated shift in stand structure and composition that favor resprouter species over obligate
seeders. Overall our findings suggest that the resistance to fires and postfire recovery of populations of A.
selaginoides have gradually declined throughout the Holocene, and has rapidly declined after fire regimes
were altered by European arrival in the mid 1800s.
(Sponsored by Australian Research Council (Grant # DP110101950) and The National Science Foundation (Grant # OISE0966472))
106
RECONSTRUCTION AND MODELING OF THE GONDWANAN ORIGIN AND ADAPTIVE HISTORY
OF COCKATOOS: THE COMPARATIVE FEEDING BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY OF FOREST AND
WOODLAND RED-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOOS HOMBERGER, DOMINIQUE G.1, Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Louisiana State University.
Functional-morphological observations of the feeding apparatus and feeding mechanism of the
Psittaciformes revealed that parrots and cockatoos eat seeds and nuts by shelling them before swallowing
them, but the bill structures adapted to seed shelling may have evolved independently and convergently
in these two groups. This hypothesis was tested by studying the feeding behavior and ecology of Redtailed Black-Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii), which occur in various habitats of Australia and possess
several ancestral characters in comparison to “white” cockatoos, and among which two fundamentally
different beak structures and feeding mechanisms were discovered. The Eastern Gondwanan-refugial
forest-dwelling C. b. graptogyne possesses a calyptorhynchid bill type and uses the upper bill tip to tear
apart complex woody-fibrous eucalypt capsules while the tip of its tongue licks up individual soft seeds
and the back of its foot is used as a seed processing platform. Other Black-Cockatoos (e.g., Callocephalon
fimbriatum) with the same bill type and feeding mechanism feed also on wood-boring and gallicole
insect larvae, which are especially numerous in the Southern Hemisphere. In contrast, the Eastern open
woodland-dwelling C. b. samueli possesses a psittacid bill type similar to that of the derived “white”
cockatoos (and parrots) and uses the lower mandible to cut soft fruits or split micropylic woody fruits to
extract the seeds. Hence, the functional-morphological transitions from insectivory with a calyptorhynchid
bill to seed eating with a psittacid bill in adaptation to changed ecological conditions in Red-tailed BlackCockatoos model the evolutionary origin and history of Psittaciformes.
(Sponsored by NSF; LSU Foundation “Morphology of Birds”)
107
RECONSTRUCTION AND MODELING OF THE GONDWANAN ADAPTIVE HISTORY OF PARROTS: THE
FEEDING ECOLOGY OF THE SOUTHERNMOST FOREST PARROT, THE CACHAñA (ENICOGNATHUS
F. FERRUGINEUS)
HOMBERGER, DOMINIQUE G.1, JIMÉNEZ, JAIME2,3, 1Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Louisiana
State University.2Biological Sciences, University of North Texas.3Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity,
Parque Etnobotánico Omora, Universidad de Magallanes.
The evolution of a psittacid bill type and seed eating in cockatoos probably originated from a Gondwanan
cacatuid ancestor with a calyptorhynchid bill feeding on wood-boring insect larvae, and subsequently
on seeds of woody fruits, and to have adapted to feeding on micropylic seeds of forbes in the course of
the drying of Australia. In contrast, the psittacid bill type of parrots evolved independently from that of
cockatoos. Its evolutionary origin was elucidated by studying the feeding behavior and ecology of the
Cachaña (Enicognathus f. ferrugineus) in the southernmost South American temperate rainforests that
have changed little from the ancestral ones of Gondwana. The Cachaña is, therefore, likely to have retained
ancestral traits of its feeding apparatus, behavior and ecology and can serve as a model for an ancestral
parrot. Although it feeds on fruits of Lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) trees, it has been observed to actually eat
insect larvae, not seeds, in these fruits. It also eats the tiny seeds in the fruits of Canelo (Drimys winteri) by
not only shelling them, but by also removing their poisonous seed coat before swallowing the kernels. Both
dietary items require an exceptional degree of touch reception to identify fruits with live larvae or to process
tiny seeds. This explains the extraordinary number of touch receptors and the paucity of taste receptors in
the tongues and beaks of parrots; it also supports the hypothesis that parrots originated as insectivores and
have adapted to seed-eating secondarily.
108
THE CONVERGENT EVOLUTION OF AN ELONGATED BEAK IN THE SOUTH AMERICAN SLENDERBILLED PARAKEET, OR CHOROY (ENICOGNATHUS LEPTORHYNCHUS), AND THE AUSTRALIAN
LONG-BILLED CORELLA (CACATUA TENUIROSTRIS)
HOMBERGER, DOMINIQUE G.1, JIMÉNEZ, JAIME2,3, 1Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Louisiana
State University.2Biological Sciences, University of North Texas.3Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity,
Parque Etnobotánico Omora, Universidad de Magallanes.
The two psittaciform species with elongated beaks, the South American Slender-billed Parakeet, or Choroy
(Enicognathus leptorhynchus), and the Australian Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris), have a
larger body and brighter plumage than their obvious ancestral species, the Austral Parakeet, or Cachaña
(Enicognathus ferrugineus ferrugineus) and the Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea), respectively, but feed
on a variety of foods like them. Both species are considered agricultural pests, but their reputations as
destroyer of cereal crops (wheat, oat, corn) is probably vastly exaggerated as Long-biled Corellas were
observed to feed preferentially on corms of the weedy Romulea in the planted fields and Choroyes were
observed to feed only on spilled non-germinated seeds or on barely germinated seeds. Choroyes were
also observed to feed on diptera larvae in cow pies and to search the bark of Nothofagus trees for insects
and other invertebrates. The latter observations provide further evidence of insectivory among parrots in
general. These observations allow the inference that in both species their elongated beaks have been
selected to dig the ground for subterranean invertebrates and vegetal parts made available in clearings that
were most probably created by pre-columbian and aboriginal peoples, respectively. 109
SOUTHERN CONNECTIONS: SOUTHERN CHANGES: GONDWANAN ECOSYSTEMS IN A CENTURY
OF CLIMATE CHANGE
HUGHES, L1, Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering, Macquarie University.
Many plant and animal species have proved exquisitely sensitive to the relatively modest climatic change
experienced over the past few decades. Species distributions have shifted, life cycles have advanced,
and changed behaviours and physiologies are all evident, with flow on impacts to community composition
ecosystem processes. The emission reduction targets pledged by the signatories to the UNFCCC, ahead
of the Paris climate summit, represent a considerable increase in the collective global ambition to prevent
temperatures increasing by more than 2oC above pre-industrial levels. But the latest calculations of the
global carbon budget nonetheless indicate that these pledges are not enough, and the world will still be on
track for temperature increases of 3oC. The climate of such a world is outside the evolutionary experience
of virtually every species on the planet. This talk will provide an overview of the ecological changes we have
seen thus far in the Southern Hemisphere in response to the changing climate, and the impacts we need
to prepare for in the future. These transformational impacts present unique challenges for conservationists
and land managers, and threaten the very life support system on which we depend.
110
BIOGEOGRAPHIC LESSONS FOR WEED RISK ASSESSMENT: BUILDING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
OF A WORLDWIDE PROBLEM
HULME, P1, Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University.
Invasive alien plants are particularly problematic in the Southern Hemisphere, probably more so than in the
Northern Hemisphere, and tools to assess these risks, either aimed at prevention of entry or prioritisation of
management are critically important in mitigating these threats. Traditionally, weed risk assessment (WRA)
tools are implemented at a national level but here I discuss how our knowledge of biogeographic variation
in weed threats can help improve risk assessment approaches. Comparative studies of the same species in
different biogeographic regions are particularly powerful is revealing common attributes underpinning plant
invasiveness or limitations of extrapolating plant behaviour from the native to the introduced range.
I illustrate these issues first by discussing the value of comparisons between the native and invaded range
using examples of alien species in New Zealand introduced from Europe and, separately, from Australia
with particular emphasis on links with soil mutualists. Second, I examine conifer invasions at a global
scale and then specifically between the UK and New Zealand to highlight the context dependence of plant
invasions reflecting not only the importance of environmental and species traits but also human drivers.
Finally, I highlight how sharing knowledge of plant invasions between countries in the Southern Hemisphere
can boost our ability to predict invasion risk. Tools for weed risk assessment need to evolve to better
understand the context dependence of invasion, the limits of relying on behaviour in the native range and
the value of biogeographic information in shaping our perception of risk.
111
THE EVOLUTION OF CENOZOIC FLORAS IN SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA, AND ASSOCIATED
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
IGLESIAS, A1, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente, INIBIOMA-CONICET,
Comahue University.
Here I revised the vegetation record through the early Paleogene‒Neogene in southern South America,
based on a compilation of paleobotanical records. I will discuss the onset of neotropical floras, when
Andean temperate forest begun, and how Patagonia changed into an arid steppe. At the beginning of
the Paleogene, the strengthening of the zonal climatic model at high latitudes was reinforced by global
warming. During this time, high diversity angiosperm floras can be recognized in Patagonia. The presence
of cycads, palms, and tree ferns are consistent with warm temperatures. High precipitation in Patagonia is
in accordance to an Andean Cordillera still not raised to modern elevations. Podocarpaceae forests were
extended, and the presence of mangroves, swamp woodlands, mossy forests are recorded in Patagonia.
Although they had their own features, some taxa are linked with Australasia. The global increase in
temperature ended at the mid Eocene when Antarctic Circumpolar Current was activated, declining global
temperatures. A major phytogeographical change occurred in the Oligocene and then extended into the
Neogene: all biogeographical regions migrated to lower latitudes. In Patagonia, cool temperate forests –
with conifers and deciduous angiosperms– developed. Sub-Antarctic Nothofagus floras expanded their
distribution in southern Argentina and Chile. For the Miocene, the first expansion of herbaceous shrub and
typical arid elements is noticed, when the Andes began their maximum rate of ascent. If the richness were
higher in the high-middle latitude, and arid biome was developed in south-tropic areas, then the diversity
gradient should have had a different pattern than modern Neotropic.
(Sponsored by NSF-DEB-0919071 and PICT-2013-0388) 112
DO INTRODUCED HONEY BEES COMPETE WITH NATIVE BEES IN NEW ZEALAND?
IWASAKI, JAY1, BARRATT, BARBARA2, LORD, JANICE4, MERCER, ALISON3, DICKINSON,
KATHARINE4, 1Botany/Zoology, University of Otago.2Invermay Agresearch.3Zoology, University of
Otago.4Botany, University of Otago.
The ecto-parasitic mite Varroa destructor invaded New Zealand in the year 2000 and has since spread
throughout the country. Feral honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations have likely suffered dramatic losses as
a result, and the consequent plant community and insect interaction effects are unknown. Although honey
bees are thought to compete with native bees in many countries whether they do so in New Zealand has
not been well studied. Our research focused on the interactions between two groups of bees: introduced
social bees (Apis & Bombus spp.) and native solitary bees. Bee communities varied greatly across a range
of altitudes and highlighted differences in floral preferences. For both groups of bees, introduced floral
resources were generally more available and highly preferred compared to those available from native
plants. Addition of Apis hives to sites previously Apis-free elicited little change in native bee abundances or
their floral usage, suggesting some partitioning of resources between introduced and native bee species.
Overlap in resource use did appear to occur however between the introduced social bees Apis and
Bombus, suggesting that any decline in honey bee numbers may have more of an effect on Bombustaxa
than on native bees.
113
MICRO-GLENDONITE IN THE CRETACEOUS OF CHILE AND ANTARCTICA – A NEW STRONG TOOL
IN MESOZOIC PALAEOCLIMATIC RECONSTRUCTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
JAEGER, HARTMUT1, BRYSCH, SVEN1, MANSILLA, HECTOR2, VARELA , NATALIA3, SALAZAR,
CHRISTIAN4, STINNESBECK, WOLFGANG1, LEPPE, MARCELO5, 1Institute of Earthsciences, University
of Heidelberg.2 Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno.3Departamento de Ciencias de la
Tierra, Universidad de Concepción.4Geología Regional, El Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería
Santiago.5Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno.
In contrast to the classical interpretation of the Cretaceous as typical greenhouse scenario, recent research
has proposed certain cold intervals (glaciations?) in the early Cretaceous (Valanginian) in high-latitudes of
the northern hemisphere, based on Glendonite and other geochemical proxies. Until now from the southern
hemisphere no indications for climatic cooling are known from that time. Recent studies of the late Jurassic
to early Cretaceous in central Chile and Antarctica and the late Cretaceous in Patagonia give evidence for
climatic variations during the Tithonian to Valanginian and also Maastrichtian in the southern hemisphere
also. Preliminary results of palynofacies analysis indicate mainly shallow marine, shelf environments with a
high input of terrestrial organic matter. In mineral residues of some samples microscopic glendonite crystals
were found. Glendonites are recorded from time-equivalent intervals in different sections from central Chile
and Antarctica in the lower Cretaceous (Valanginian). This clearly indicates, that glendonite occurrence
is stratigraphicaly controlled and not by facies or lithology. Also in the upper Cretaceous first glendonites
are found in Patagonia and Antarctica. In shallow marine shelf environments, as indicated by palynofacies
analysis, glendonite indicates very low surface temperatures, unaffected by palaeo-oceanographical effects
of mixing with cold bottom-waters. Thus the repeated occurrence of glendonite indicates alternating periods
of cold and warmer ocean surface-waters in the lower and upper Cretaceous of Chile and Antarctica.
Therefore our data indicate, that periods of climatic cooling also existed in the early Cretaceous of the
southern hemisphere similar to the northern hemisphere and also in the upper Cretaceous.
114
SONGBIRD MIGRATION AT SOUTH-TEMPERATE LATITUDES: LESSONS FROM THE NEW WORLD
JAHN, ALEX1, CEREGHETTI, JOAQUIN2, MACPHERSON, MAGGIE3, SARASOLA, JOSE4, TUERO,
DIEGO5, 1Zoology, Universidade Estadual Paulista.2Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad
Nacional de La Pampa.3Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University.4Centro para el Estudio y
Conservación de las Aves Rapaces en Argentina, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa.5Departamento
de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Instituto IEGEBA (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y
Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Many songbird species breed at south-temperate latitudes of South America during the austral summer,
departing northwards to lower latitudes of the continent to overwinter, with some even crossing the Equator.
Yet, we still know little about both proximate and ultimate drivers of the migration of birds that breed at
south-temperate latitudes. We need both descriptive and hypothesis-based studies on the evolution,
ecology, behavior and physiology of these migrants in order to better understand how migration evolves
and is regulated in southern South America, as well as to assess potential risks these migrants face on a
rapidly changing planet. Using light-level geolocators, we studied the migration of Fork-tailed Flycatchers
(Tyrannus savana) that breed in Argentina. Birds migrated after breeding to overwinter in northern South
America (e.g., Colombia, Venezuela) from April to July, returning to the central pampas of Argentina in
August-October. Some individuals exhibited movements during winter, the reason for which we will discuss.
Understanding the timing of migration of songbirds that breed at south-temperate latitudes will provide the
information necessary to evaluate potential impacts of global climate change on their survival. We finish
by suggesting future directions for research on songbird migration at south-temperate latitudes of South
America.
(Sponsored by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP))
115
EFFECTS OF HISTORICAL FIRES OF NORTHERN PATAGONIA SETTLEMENT PROCESS, ON
LACUSTRINE ECOSYSTEMS
JANA-PINNINGHOFF, PATRICIA1, TORREJÓN , FERNANDO1, TRONCOSO, JOSE MAX1, VERGARA,
CAROLINA1, PERFETTI, ALESSANDRA1, ÁLVAREZ, DENISSE1,2, VALENZUELA, BARBARA1, URRUTIA,
ROBERTO1, ARANEDA, ALBERTO1, 1Group of Paleolimnological Studies (GEP), Aquatic Systems
Research Unit, Environmental Sciences Center EULA-Chile, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University
of Concepción.2Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás.
Forest fires can generate changes in water quality of lacustrine ecosystems affecting species composition.
To determine such influences it is necessary to know the magnitude of fire forcing. Anthropogenic fires were
provoked by settlers in Northern Patagonia since beginning until mid-20th century, impacting severely some
watersheds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influences of these fires in two lakes of Northern
Patagonia; Lake Esponja (45°S) and Lake Oscuro (46°S). A sediment core was retrieved to develop
macrocharcoal, magnetic susceptibility, organic matter, and chironomid analyses. Historical documents
were also consulted to complement sedimentological information. The charcoal record of Oscuro shows
a fire period between 1870 and 1890 AD. During this period the magnetic susceptibility, organic matter,
and chironomids did not record any change. In contrast, charcoal in Esponja indicates fire episodes
between 1920 and 1940 AD. At this time, magnetic susceptibility increases, organic matter decreases,
and chironomids has a significant change. The differences in timing of charcoal peak, the behavior of
organic matter and magnetic susceptibility, and the sensitivity of chironomids between both lakes could
be explained by the differences in fires location. Probably, Oscuro received charcoal produced by forestry
exploitation of Cipres (Pilgerodendron uviferum) on the Chonos archipelago (west of Oscuro). This process
did not implied a direct impact on the lake watershed. In contrast, Esponja received the direct influence of
fires generated within its watershed by the settlers. Such situation also explained the sensitive response of
chironomids in this lake. (Sponsored by Fondecyt Project 1120765)
116
PHYLOGENETIC RECONSTRUCTION OF THE GENUS LEUCHERIA LAG. (TRIBE NASSAUVIEAE –
ASTERACEAE)
JARA-ARANCIO, PAOLA1, VIDAL, PAULA1, ARROYO, MARY T.K.1Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas,
Facultad de Ciencias and Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.
The genus Leucheria is composed of 47 species distributed in the Andean zone of South America from
the center of Peru to Tierra del Fuego, in the extra-Andean part of Chile, the Patagonian steppe and
the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. Its current classification is based on morphological characters, thus it is
relevant to perform molecular analyses. We extracted DNA from leaves from the field and from herbaria
of the species of Leucheria; the outgroup included species of the family Calyceraceae and of the Tribes
Barnadesieae, Mutisieae and Nassauvieae. We used Bayesian inference analysis with the total evidence
from plastid and nuclear genes. The results showed that the genus Leucheria is composed of three main
lineages. The morphological relations between lineages are based principally in the presence or absence
of a stem and the number of capitula, that is, all the acaulous species with solitary capitulum are grouped
in lineage III and the caulescent species with various capitula in lineages I and II. The exception is L.
achillaeifolia, which in spite of being an acaulous species was related to the Patagonian habitat in the
topology. We also performed studies of reconstruction of the life form, determining that the annual state is
derived and appeared independently in lineages I and II; it is related to the evolution of arid conditions. (Sponsored by Fondecyt Iniciación 11130299, Proyectos ICM-MINECON P05-002-IEB and PFB23)
117
PHOTOSYNTHESIS ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD: POLYLEPIS TARAPACANA ALONG AN
ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN THE CENTRAL ANDES
JARAMILLO, DAVID1, COOPMAN, RAFAEL1, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN2, ROJAS, ROKE1, 1Laboratorio de
Ecofisiología para la Conservación de Bosques (LECOB), Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos
Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Laboratorio de Dendrocronología/ Climate Change and Resilience
Research (CR2), Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.
Tropical high elevation forests are restricted by drastic daily-thermal oscillations, high irradiation and
water shortage almost round year. We perform a quantitative photosynthetic limitations assessment in
Polylepis tarapacana through an elevation gradient from 4,337 to 4,905 m a.s.l., in the Central Andes’
Altiplano (18°S). In addition, this is the first mesophyll conductance (gm) reports in semiarid conditions
at a subtropical treeline. Gas-exchange measurements and microclimatic records were carried out in
the beginning of the last third of the growing season. Observed trends with increasing elevation were: A
decrease in net CO2 assimilation (AN), stomatal conductance to CO2 (gs), intercellular and chloroplastic
CO2 concentration (Ci, Cc). Higher gm, RuBP maximum regeneration rate (Jmax) and Rubisco maximum
carboxylation rate (Vc,max). While, LMA, soil and leaf nitrogen content were constant between elevations.
The decrease in AN was mainly related with the decrease in gs with elevation. In contrast with several
temperate treeline species, P. tarapacana presented CO2 diffusive and biochemical compensatory
mechanisms, which allows their sustained high AN regardless elevation. In addition, these high AN values
reflect an exceptionally well-adapted photosynthetic apparatus to cope with extreme low temperatures and
aridity.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT Regular 1120965/Laboratorio de Ecofisiología para la Conservación de Bosques (LECOB))
118
PLANT BIOME EVOLUTION DURING THE CENOZOIC FOR THE AMERICAS JARAMILLO, C1, Paleobiology Smithsonian Institution.
One of the greatest biological experiments of biota exchange during the Neogene when the Isthmus of
Panama emerged, thus connecting South America with Central/North America. This event, called the Great
American Biotic Interchange (GABI), has attracted the attention of researchers for a long time. Most of the
studies around GABI have been focused on mammals due to its good fossil record in both continents. The
end result of the mammal exchange was highly assymetric as North American mammals became more
diverse and abundant than South American mammals. This asymmetry has been related to competitive
displacement and has become a classical example of a biological invasion. Here, we explore the dynamics
of GABI, specifically addressing the question if habitat matters. We constructed a plant biome model for
the Americas spanning the last 55 million years. The model was built upon a plate tectonic framework
developed by GPlates. The model divides biomes into forest vs savanna/grassland, tropical vs temperate,
and South America vs North America. Results suggest that GABI end result was highly driven by biome
area, and that the Andes played a major role in communicating temperate biomes of South America with
temperate biomes of North America.
119
CONCEPTUALISING THE RELATIONS BETWEEN HUMAN WELL-BEING, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
AND BIODIVERSITY: ARGUMENTS FROM THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN HEMISPHERES FOR
OUR FUTURE ENVIRONMENT
JAX, KURT1, Department of Conservation Biology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ.
While nature conservation previously has often led to excluding people from nature, the last decades have
seen a shift to integrating human needs and nature protection. Paradigmatic for this are the concepts of
biodiversity and the ecosystem services (ES). The question thus has become how we want to live and
what nature we want to live in, a highly challenging question. Though many conservation concepts are
global, action has to be taken in local or regional contexts, and it is here where we have to answer how
people want to live and relate to nature. A good starting point for conceptualising this is the idea of human
well-being (HWB), embodied e.g. in the ES approach as the major goal. However, the aim cannot be to
establish a unified global idea of what exactly people mean by HWB. This can vary between north and
south but also within the south, within the north, and even within a single community. The presentation
will first present evidence on the variety of human-nature relationships (using the example of the Navarino
Island, Chile). It will then explain approaches for tailoring HWB ideas to the needs of different communities
and to explore the richness of human relations with nature, such as the philosophical concept of a good,
flourishing life (eudaimonia). These approaches can help to overcome the highly counterproductive
dichotomy of protecting nature either for its intrinsic value or merely for its instrumental values – without
neglecting, however, existing tensions HWB and biodiversity conservation.
120
FOREST BIRD POPULATION DYNAMICS IN SPACE AND TIME: LESSONS FROM LONG-TERM
MONITORING IN THE WORLD’S SOUTHERNMOST FORESTS
JIMÉNEZ, JAIME1, FONTÚRBEL, FRANCISCO2, ROZZI, RICARDO3, 1Biological Sciences, University
of North Texas, Denton, Texas, U.S.A., Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and Parque Etnobotánico
Omora, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile -.2Departamento de Ciencias Ecologicas, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Chile.3Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, U.S.A. Institute of
Ecology and Biodiversity and Parque Etnobotánico Omora, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile -.
Birds are the most diverse group of vertebrates in the Sub-Antarctic ecoregion of South America, however
basic aspects of their ecology remain little known. At the Omora Ethnobotanical Park, on Navarino Island,
Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, we established a long-term mist-netting and banding program to assess
the population dynamics of the passerine populations of the world’s southernmost forests. We selected
two contrasting habitats: (i) an old-growth forest dominated by Drimys winteri, Nothofagus pumilio, and N.
betuloides and (ii) a second-growth open forest dominated by D. winteri, Embothrium coccineum, and N.
pumilio. In both sites we displayed mist-nets, on a monthly basis, from January 2003 through September
2015 (12+ years of data). Based on bird capture and recapture data, using Time Series Analysis, we
compared the mean abundances of the six most common passerines: Aphrastura spinicauda, Elaenia
albiceps, Carduelis barbata, Phrygilus patagonicus, Troglodytes aedon, and Zonotrochia capensis.
Statistical differences between habitats were tested for each species using a cross-correlation functions
and two-sample t-tests for decomposing the variance in the time series trend, taking the seasonality into
consideration. All six bird species showed different population trends, being the most striking differences
between habitats in Aphrastura, Phrygilus, and Zonotrichia. Aphrastura, Carduelis and Phrygilus behaved
as resident species, whereas Elaenia, Troglodytes and Zonotrichia were migrants. Despite the seasonality,
patterns between habitats were consistent across species. Differences in population trends between
habitats could be explained by habitat structure and availability of resources.
(Many researchers, students, and volunteers helped in mist netting. Financial support came through University of North Texas, the
Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, and Universidad de Magallanes)
121
NESTING BY THE SLENDER-BILLED PARAKEET (ENICOGNATHUS LEPTORHYNCHUS) IN
SOUTHERN CHILE IN CAVITIES OF A POTENTIALLY VANISHING KEYSTONE RESOURCE:
NOTHOFAGUS OBLIQUA
JIMÉNEZ, J1, WHITE, JR., THOMAS2, 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas,
Denton, TX 76201, USA. Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity and Universidad de Magallanes, Chile -.
2
Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program, Box 1600, United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Slender-billed parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus), locally known as “choroy” is a medium-size
(290 g) psittacine endemic to southern Chile, and an obligate secondary cavity-nester. We studied choroyes
cavity use in an agricultural landscape of southern Chile around Osorno during 2008-2011. Most (94%) of
known choroyes nest cavities occur in large, scattered, and mature southern beech (Nothofagus obliqua)
trees locally known as “pellines”. We located and measured 38 Nothofagus tree cavities used for nesting
by choroyes. Compared to those used by other psittacines, nest trees were relatively large (mean height
30.4 m and mean DBH 134.5 cm), ranging from approximately 209–485 years. On average, cavities were
located at 12.5 m from the ground with entrances of 51 by 11.5 cm, depths of 90.3 cm, and had random
orientations. Clutch sizes (2–9) were large for psittacines of this size and broods of up to seven nestlings
were observed. Although prolific breeders, choroyes may face a complicate future due to the diminishing
availability of natural cavities in intensively human-modified landscapes. Continued loss of existing
pellines to both natural attrition and further land-clearing, coupled with poor Nothofagus regeneration
due to intensive grazing and agricultural practices, portends an uncertain future for choroyes. Immediate
and strategic conservation measures, such as protection of existing pellines and the regeneration and
recruitment of additional ones, are recommended for ensuring persistence of Slender-billed parakeet
populations throughout the central valley of southern Chile.
(Sponsored by Lab. Vida Silvestre, U. de Los Lagos, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program, Parrots
International, Amigos de las Aves, USA, Canadian Parrot Soc., Int. Conure Assoc., Parrot Cons. Fund, INIA Remehue, T. Pittman,
Students and Vol)
122
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF GENETIC VARIABILITY IN EUGENIA UNIFLORA L. FROM
URUGUAY
JOLOCHIN, GABRIELA1, SPERANZA, PABLO2, 1Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Departamento de
Producción Forestal y Tecnología de la Madera, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República Uruguay.2Departamento de Biología Vegetal - Laboratorio de Evolución y Domesticación de las Plantas,
Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República - Uruguay.
Understanding the geographic structure of intraspecific genetic variability of a group of currently sympatric
species can be a powerful tool to interpret the biogeographic processes that have taken place in a
given region and hypothesize their causes, particularly in reference to the climatic fluctuations of the
Quaternary period which are often related to the establishment of vegetation refuge areas. Subtropical
woody species hotspots in Uruguay, considered present refuge areas, include the hilly landscapes of the
northern portions of the Eastern Serranías and the Cuchilla de Haedo, and the Uruguay River and its
surroundings, coincidently with the pleistocenic refugial areas suggested for currently widespread species.
To test this hypothesis we analyzed the geographical distribution of genetic variability in Eugenia uniflora
L. (Myrtaceae), a tree native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay which occurs in riparian communities,
ravines and montane forests. Its geographical range in Uruguay comprises the three main hot spots.
We analyzed genetic variability by four putatively neutral cpDNA PCR-RFLP markers for 474 individuals
from 20 populations. The analysis yielded 19 different haplotypes arranged in a network with three main
clades. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that variability is distributed 58% within and 42% between
populations. We believe that the zoochoric seed dispersal syndrome of this species may contribute
to maintaining gene flow among populations, but maternal markers still show a very clear geographic
structure. Similar geographic patterns in the variability of other phylogenetically unrelated species strongly
support the hypothesis of the existence of areas of Quaternary vegetation refuge in Uruguay. 123
GLOBAL COOLING AND THE ROLE OF PLIOCENE CONSTRICTIONS OF TROPICAL OCEANIC
SEAWAYS
KARAS, C1, NUERNBERG, DIRK2, TIEDEMANN, RALF3, BAHR, ANDRE4, GROENEVELD, JEROEN5,
HERRLE, JENS6, DEMENOCAL, PETER7, 1Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia
University.2Ocean circulation and climate, GEOMAR.3Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine
Research.4Geosciences, Universitaet Heidelberg.5MARUM Universitaet Bremen.6Institut fuer
Geowissenschaften, Universitaet Frankfurt.7Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia
University.
Constrictions of the Central American Seaway (CAS) and the Indonesian Seaway had profound effects on
global climate during the Late Neogene. The constriction of the CAS reached a critical threshold during
the early Pliocene (~4.8-4 Ma) and model simulations indicate a signature response with warming in
the Northern Hemisphere and cooling in the Southern Hemisphere. The constriction of the Indonesian
Seaway had profound regional climatic effects between 4-3 Ma, and associated shifts in subsurface water
properties may have influenced North Atlantic overturning circulation. To document the paleoceanographic
impacts of these seaway constrictions, we conducted combined measurements of Mg/Ca and δ18O from
planktic foraminifera from North and South Atlantic cores during the Pliocene epoch. In agreement with
model simulations of the impacts of CAS closure, we show that the North Atlantic warmed and became
more saline between 4.8-3.9 Ma, and the South Atlantic became cooler and fresher. Paleoceanographic
data from the Pacific, Indian, and Altanic Oceans Oceans indicate the Indonesian Seaway constriction
between 3.9-3.3 Ma may have cooled both high-latitude ocean areas and caused a reduction of the Atlantic
Meridional overturning circulation. We propose that both the closure of the Central American Seaway and
the constriction of the Indonesian Seaway were necessary and sufficient preconditions to promote polar
cooling and intensification of Northern Hemisphere glacial cycles.
124
GENETIC DIVERSITY IN DOUBLE ALLOPOLYPLOID SPHAGNUM ×FALCATULUM BESCH.:
HYPERVARIABLE MARKERS TELL JUST PART OF THE STORY
KARLIN, ERIC F1, SMOUSE, PETER2, 1Environmental Science, School of Theoretical & Applied Science,
Ramapo College.2Department of Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources, School of Environmental &
Biological Sciences, Rutgers University.
Allopolyploids exhibit both different levels and patterns of genetic variation than are typical of diploids.
Genetic study of the double allopolyploid peat moss Sphagnum ×falcatulum, with its evolutionary history of
repeated inter-subgeneric hybridization and genomes from three ancestral species, is further complicated
by populations composed of multiple genets that are difficult to distinguish, let alone count. Here we
use two types of homeologous markers, stable (deep) microsatellites (msats) and mutationally labile
(shallow) msats, to partition genetic information in S. ×falcatulum. Most of the deep msat variation is within
individuals, and is largely invariant from one individual to the next. Shallow msat variation within individuals
is 100% of the total in a very young genet, but that declines to 46% in a genet having a widespread regional
distribution. Pooling the within- and among-individual variation in allopolyploids hides more than it reveals.
Shallow msats can be used to separate individuals and reveal recent population history, while deep
msats retain a strong signature of deep evolutionary history, and identify recurrently hybridizing progenitor
species. Deep msats can also be used to delimit both young and ancient genets, to estimate the minimum
number of founders of a population, and (for dioecious species) allow assessment of the presence or
absence of sexual reproduction. Clearly, both ancestrally stable (deep) and evolutionarily labile (shallow)
msats are useful in elucidating the intricacies of allopolyploid evolution, but they represent different signals,
and they should be analyzed separately, though in concert.
125
VEGETATION DYNAMICS OF AUSTRALIAN ALPINE MIRES OVER 50 YEARS: GRAZING, FIRE AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
CLARKE, PETER2, KEITH, DAVID1, VINCENT, BEN2, LETTEN, ANDREW1, 1Centre for Ecosystem
Science, University of NSW.2Botany Department, Science, University of New England.
Australia has a small but distinctive alpine environment with cosmopolitan and deep endemic biota. Cattle
were grazed on the mainland alpine meadows from the 1840s until 1960 when the Koscuiszko plateau was
dedicated as water catchment for irrigation. Unlike many alpine ecosystems, those in Australia experience
periodic wildland fires, at least since the late Pleistocene. Australian alpine ecosystems are climatically
marginal, and considered vulnerable to global warming, as winter snow cover is projected to decline over
the coming decades. Palynologist Dr Tony Martin sampled peat cores and surface vegetation along an
altitudinal sequence of alpine mires in 1960 to investigate paleo-evidence of treeline change after the last
glaciation. We resampled the sites in 1991, 2005, 2007 and 2013, encompassing a major fire event in
January 2003. Compositional change in vegetation during 1960-2013 provides insights into the influence
of livestock grazing, fire events and climate change on the mire ecosystems. The results suggest: 1)
some resilience to warming, consistent with empirical studies on adjacent mountains; 2) a semi-autogenic
response to fire that is possibly dependent on fire severity; and 3) a long multi-decadal trajectory of
recovery after removal of livestock. Thus, mire vegetation appears capable of returning to initial states after
disturbance by grazing and fire, although recovery times are much longer after cessation of grazing (c. 40
years) than after fire events (c. 10 years, but longer after severe fires). Responses to climate change have
been minimal, but continued monitoring is needed to evaluate lagged responses as the climate warms.
(Peter Clarke worked with Tony Martin and persuaded him to resample his research sites established in the 1960s. Peter continued
the project with us and died in December 2014 soon after this work was published in Journal of Vegetation Science)
126
THE AVIFAUNA OF CHILE’S NORTE CHICO
KELT, DOUGLAS1, COFRÉ, HERNÁN 2, CORNELIUS, CINTIA3, ENGILIS, JR., ANDREW4, GUTIÉRREZ,
JULIO5, MARQUET, PABLO6, MEDEL, RODRIGO7, MESERVE, PETER8, QUIRICI, VERÓNICA 9,
SAMANIEGO, HORACIO10, VÁSQUEZ , RODRIGO11, 1Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University
of California Davis.2Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.3Departamento de
Biología, ICB, Universidade Federal do Amazonas.4Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of
California.5Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena.6Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile.7Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile.8Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho.9Centro de Sustentabilidad, Universidad Andrés Bello.10Instituto
de Conservación, Biodiversidad & Territorio, Universidad Austral de Chile.11Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.
The Norte Chico region of Chile boasts a diverse avifauna superimposed on an ecological transition
between hyperarid desert and Mediterranean shrubland, but is under-represented in the ecological and
natural history literature. We will attempt to distill the current status of avian research in this region, and
hopefully comprise a call for further work by additional researchers. Approximately 130 species are found
in Norte Chico, including 8 national endemics. Bosque Fray Jorge National Park and Biosphere Reserve
is dominated by matorral habitat and hosts over 120 bird species. Surveys since 2004 have confirmed
63 terrestrial species and predictable seasonal and interannual structure to avian assemblages, at
least through an extended dry period, and appear to document changes to the avifauna that may be a
response to habitat changes and/or climate change. Banding studies demonstrate co-occurring wintering
and breeding cohorts among species of Sierra-finches, reminiscent of North American Mediterranean
avian assemblages; foraging behavior of one species appears convergent on Nearctic taxa while a
second clearly is not. These efforts suggest useful avenues for comparative research. A remarkable
coevolutionary association between the Chilean Mockingbird and endoparasitic mistletoes provides insight
into convergence across evolutionarily distinct desert regions. Fray Jorge also supports remnant patches of
temperate rainforest. The forest avifauna is a subset of that found in intact Valdivian rainforest to the south,
and is highly structured. Thorn-tailed Rayaditos have been well studied here. Birds may be important in tree
recruitment here, with important implications in the face of a climate change and forest recession. 127
PLANT TRAITS AND PLANT SUCCESSIONAL PATHWAYS MODULATE LANDSCAPE-LEVEL
VULNERABILITY TO CHANGES IN FIRE IGNITION FREQUENCY: A SIMULATION MODELING
APPROACH KITZBERGER, THOMAS1,2, MORALES, JUAN1,2, GOWDA, JUAN2, 1Departamento de Ecología, CRUB,
Universidad Nacional del Comahue.2CONICET INIBIOMA.
Ecosystems differ widely in their impacts to human-induced changes in fire regimes, yet the ecological
mechanisms conferring resilience/vulnerability are still unclear. Plant functional attributes and successional
patterns can help generalize patterns of landscape resilience to fire. We simulated fire spread and
vegetation responses by randomly igniting artificial landscapes with increasing ignition frequencies.
Landscapes were composed by: 1.a single community with long-lasting dominance obligate seed dispersed
(R-) which with time since fire densifies and creates fuel ladders, 2. a single communities with post fire
stages dominated by R- which during mature stages canopies inhibit understorey growth and/or produce
moist microenvironments, 3.a single community dominated by resprouters (R+) throughout the post fire
succession and, 4. early stage communities with codominace of R+ and R- (pyrophytic community) and
mature stages where R- overgrows and competitively inhibits R+ (pyrophobic community). After simulations
we quantified fire sizedistributions, proportion and spatial persistence of mature/young stages or pyrophitic/
pyrophytic communities. We found that landscape types 1 and 3 with dominance of R- and R+, respectively
and where flammability increases asymptotically with time since fire had linear responses in the proportion
of mature/young patchesto changes in ignition frequency, thus suggesting relative resilience to changes in
ignitions. In contrast, landscapes types 2 and 4 where flammability declines during mature stages displayed
alternative stable states (young/matures or pyrophytic/ pyrophobic states, respectively) and critical ignition
frequency thresholds beyond which landscapes show abrupt fire regime and community shifts.
(This study was funded by Grant BID 1728/OC-AR PICTO Forestal 36801, Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y
Tecnológica, and PIP 112 201101 00058 from CONICET)
128
A SPATIO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF THE MAIPO RIVER WATERSHED IN CENTRAL CHILE: A
POTENTIAL CONSERVATION POLICY TOOL
LACY, SHAW1, MARQUET, PABLO1, MEZA, FRANCISCO2, 1Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.2Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.
The Maipo River watershed in Central Chile is home to roughly half of the nation’s population and economic
activity. Increasing water demand and continued severe drought conditions have placed major pressure
on surface and groundwaters. There is also an increasing public policy interest in biological conservation,
including that of freshwater fishes, that depend on the same water supplying human uses. One hurdle
in assessing potential biological conservation goals for freshwater fishes is a lack of collection data that
indicate the historical extent of freshwater fish within the watershed. Another conservation planning hurdle
is the lack of understanding of the potential extent of invasive species on native fishes. This project seeks
to develop an initial ecohydrologically based model of freshwater fish distributions within the Maipo River
watershed, based on existing data sources. River discharge data from the Dirección General de Aguas
(DGA), publicly available GIS sources, and a collation of available fish data are used to construct (A) a
watershed-scale spatial model constructed at the “valley segment” scale; (B) a spatially discrete average
monthly discharge-exceedence model; and (C) estimates of the potential extent of native and invasive fish
species throughout the Maipo River. This framework provides an initial assessment of the possible extents
to which native fishes could be found, against which conservation standards can be developed, describes
the potential extent of the problems associated with invasive fishes throughout the watershed, and provides
a policy-ready framework for assessing ecological conservation questions in other Chilean watersheds.
(Sponsored by Chilean Ministry of Education Postdoctoral Grant PMI PUC 1203)
129
FLOWERING PHENOLOGY AND PLANT MATING SYSTEM PATTERNS IN A GROUP OF BUZZ
POLLINATED LILIES. LADD, P1, EAKIN-BUSHER, EMILY1, STANDISH, RACHEL1, School of VLS Murdoch, University.
Plant mating systems and the timing of flowering should be intimately related in influencing the production
of high quality progeny. However this inter-relationship is rarely demonstrated. We examined the mating
systems and flowering phenology of a group of buzz pollinated lilies that co-occurred in a heathland reserve
in the Mediterranean climatic zone of south western Australia. Flowering phenology of eight species was
spread throughout the year with sequential flowering of the species from mid winter to late summer. Mating
systems of the species were inbreeding and/or autogamous in the early part of the flowering period, mixed
mating in the middle and outcrossing at the end of the season. It is likely that the buzz pollinated species
that flower early in the season have to compete with other flower types for pollinator attention with the
likelihood of lower than optimal visitation and thus need to be able to self to aid reproductive assurance.
However at the end of the season there are fewer species in flower so the buzz pollinated species can rely
on more frequent visitation and reliable production of outcross progeny. 130
LOCATING CENTRES OF PALAEO AND NEO ENDEMISM BY VARYING THE RANDOMISATION AND
SPATIAL SCALE
LAFFAN, SHAWN1, MILLER, JOSEPH2, KNERR, NUNZIO2, GONZÁLEZ-OROZCO, CARLOS3,
THORNHILL, ANDREW4, MISHLER, BRENT4, 1School of BEES, University of New South Wales.2National
Research Collections, Australia, CSIRO National Facilities and Collections.3Institute for Applied Ecology
and Collaborative Research Network for Murray-Darling Basin Futures, University of Canberra.4University
and Jepson Herbaria, and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California.
Categorical Analysis of Palaeo- and Neo- Endemism (CANAPE) combines species occurrence and
phylogenetic data to identify regions of old and new geographically restricted evolutionary history. Regions
of palaeo-endemism can be considered as museums of evolutionary history currently found nowhere
else, while regions of neo-endemism can be considered as cradles of new diversity. Integral to CANAPE
is a randomisation test to identify locations of significant phylogenetic endemism. In this test, the tips of
the tree are randomly allocated across the cells of the dataset, holding geographic richness and species
range patterns constant. Here we show the effect of spatially structured randomisations using spatially
constrained allocation and spatial diffusion models. In the spatially constrained allocation, species are
randomly allocated to cells within the region in which they were originally located, for example a biome
or climatic zone, thus species from a tropical region can be restricted from being allocated to temperate
regions. In the diffusion model, seed locations are chosen for each species, then their occurrences are
allocated to nearby cells in some random order, thus providing greater geographic structure in the lineage
ranges than under the current randomisation. Both spatially structured approaches allow more nuanced
explorations of patterns of endemism. A second component of CANAPE that remains largely unexplored
is the effect of the analysis window size. Existing applications have used individual cells as the units of
analysis. Here we explore the extension to collections of neighbouring cells to explore some of the scale
effects inherent to geographically distributed phenomena. 131
BRYOPHYTES OF THE CAPE HORN ARCHIPELAGO: FLORISTICS, PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND
IMPLICATIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
LARRAÍN, JUAN1, BUCK, WILLIAM2, ENGEL, JOHN3, VON KONRAT, MATT1, BRISCOE, LAURA1, SHAW,
BLANKA4, DAVIS, ERNESTO5, 1Botany Field Museum.2Institute of Systematic Botany The New York
Botanical Garden.3Botany Field Museum.4Duke Herbarium Duke University.5CEQUA
Bryophytes are critical components of many terrestrial ecosystems yet they often are understudied,
especially in southern Chile. We outline a multi-year project providing the first ever comprehensive
treatment of the liverworts, hornworts and mosses of the Cape Horn Archipelago, a physically and
biogeographically distinct region of Chile known as a center of biological richness and south temperate
endemism for non-vascular plants and diverse animal groups. We have found numerous new species
records to the region, including Northern Hemisphere disjuncts and species previously thought to be
Antarctic/subantarctic endemics. New species have already been identified from our collections, as well
as many tentative ones requiring additional study. The project is led by two taxonomists, Buck who has
worked for over a decade on southern Chilean mosses, and Engel, who has spent his entire career on
south temperate and subantarctic liverworts. The combined scientific expertise with political and logistical
support provided by numerous individuals, authorities, institutions and organizations, Chilean government
and agencies, have contributed to the success of completing an inventory of the Cape Horn Archipelago
bryophytes. An intense four-year field effort has led to over 15,000 collections. These are forming the basis
of producing a comprehensive account of the diversity, taxonomy and distribution of the region’s bryophytes
that will have major implications in understanding the phylogeny of these groups and will shed new light on
the origins of the south temperate biota.
(Sponsored by National Science Foundation)
132
THE IMPACT OF LATE QUATERNARY PLUVIALS ON THE BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE ALTIPLANO
LATORRE, CLAUDIO1,2, ALFARO, FERNANDO1, 1Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.2Santiago, Chile, Institute of Ecology & Biodiversity.
Over 70+ paleorecords reveal millennial-scale “pluvials” or periods of enhanced rainfall during the late
Quaternary in the Altiplano and central Andes. One such period, the Central Andean Pluvial Event (CAPE)
lasted from ca. 17-10 ka (or thousands of years BP). The CAPE extended throughout the central Andes and
may have reached as far south as 30°S. Paleoecological evidence shows that as recurring pluvials waxed
on the hyperarid western slopes of the Andes vegetation migrated downslope, only to migrate upslope
during drier intervals (such as most of the current Holocene). These eastward and westward displacements
predict that plant and animal populations on the Altiplano should be hybridizing during interglacials.
Indeed, small mammals such as Andean degu (Octodontomys gliroides) and Andean hairy armadillo
(Chaetophractus nationi) are spatially structured in response to range expansions and constrictions over
the last 20 ka. The Altiplano is likely an interglacial refuge when warmer/drier climates force many of
these species out of the adjacent Atacama and Monte Deserts. Desert shrub species such as Atriplex
imbricata and A. deserticola and Echinopsis atacamensis cacti have all increased their local abundance in
recent decades. In contrast, over the last century the local abundance of Altiplano annuals is declining as
populations retract to wetter areas and woody plant species from the dry Chaco have migrated upslope.
As the region continues to dry out (predicted under greenhouse gas warming scenarios) many current
distributions are likely relicts of past pluvials or very recent range expansions. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1140543; ICM P05-002, PFB-23)
133
FROM THE FIRST AMERICANS TO THE AYMARA- HOW PAST CLIMATE CHANGE INTERACTS WITH
HUMAN SOCIETIES IN NORTHERN CHILE
LATORRE, CLAUDIO1, SANTORO, CALOGERO2, UGALDE, PAULA2, GAYO, EUGENIA3, LIMA,
MAURICIO1, DE POL-HOLZ, RICARDO4, 1Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Chile.2Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá.3Centro de Ciencia del Clima y la Resiliencia
(CR2), Universidad de Concepción.4Gaia Antártica, Universidad de Magallanes.
The Atacama Desert is an extreme environment that has undergone significant changes in available
moisture throughout the late Quaternary. Many paleorecords show that areas in the high Andes and
western precordillera have experienced significant increases in rainfall, likely the result of intensified
summer systems associated with the South American Summer Monsoon, tropical Pacific sea-surface
temperature gradients and the mean position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. These past “pluvials”
generated increased runoff, elevated groundwater tables throughout the region, and had far-reaching
impacts from the Andes to the Pacific coast. Here we summarize our recent research from four different
examples of how these changes in climate bear on cultural evolution in the Atacama. Abundant evidence
now exists for an early colonization of even the Atacama’s hyperarid core. First, dated between 12-13
ka (103 calibrated 14C years BP) most of these sites have extraordinary well-preserved evidence for how this
region was settled and the hydrological resources available. Second, increased groundwater supplies and
abundant marine resources along the coast of northern Chile likely augmented Chinchorro hunter-gatherer
populations to the extent that this may help explain their advanced technology and artificial mummification
techniques. Third, increases in groundwater associated with minor pluvials during the late Holocene at 2.52.1 and 1.2-0.7 ka are coeval with major population expansion and development of “hydraulic societies”.
Finally, a recent long-term trend in aridity may explain the demise of Aymara populations in the precordillera
of northernmost Chile. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1120454, 1150763; Anillo CONICYT/PIA 1405; FONDAP/CONICYT #15110009)
134
LINKED EVOLUTION OF LICHENS BETWEEN SOUTH AMERICA AND THE ANTARCTIC LEE, HONG KUM1, PARK, CHAE HAENG1, KIM, EUN HYE1, ELVEBAKK, ARVE2, HONG, SOON GYU1,
1
Division of Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute.2Tromso University Museum University of
Tromso.
Global warming will affect human life by driving changes in temperature, humidity, rain fall, and other
climate factors. It also causes serious changes in earth environment such as elevation of sea level,
drought, and flood, depending on the geographical areas. Colonization of new species or disappearance of
dominant species reflects the changes of ecosystem and the impact of climate change. Investigating how
organisms migrate and adapt to new geographical areas and environments will contributes to understand
better the responses of ecosystem to global climate change. In this presentation, we will introduce
geographical migration of a lichen specis. Psoroma hypnorum is a squamulose tripartite lichen species with
algae as main photobionts and Nostoc in cephalodia. It is a cosmopolitan species recorded in Europe, Asia,
North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Antarctic. It occurs on moist bryophytes, on
damp gravelly soil and rock ledges. The species includes morphologically and genetically diverse samples
and some of them appeared in phylogenetically diverse lineages. Phylogenetic relationships of Psoroma
hypnorum from Norway, King George Island, Chile, and Falkland Islands were reconstructed based on
ITS-LSU and mtSSU rDNA. The results imply that one event of long distance dispersal between Northern
and Southern Hemispheres and frequent long distance dispersal among different localities in the Southern
Hemisphere can explain current distribution of the Psoroma hypnorum. 135
EVIDENCES FOR MAASTRICHTIAN ANTARCTIC-PATAGONIAN LANDBRIDGES: FOSSILS,
BIOGEOGRAPHY AND PALEOCLIMATE
LEPPE, MARCELO1, STINNESBECK, WOLFGANG2, FREY, EBERHARD3, LINDNER DUTRA,
TANIA7, JUJIHARA, TOSHIRO3, MANRIQUEZ, LESLIE4, GONZALEZ, EDWIN5, LOBOS, VIVIANA6,
MANSILLA, HÉCTOR1, ORTIZ, HECTOR1, TREVISON, CRISTINA7, WILBERGER, THIERS1, BRIONES,
PAULINA8, VARGAS , ALEXANDER9, SOTO, SERGIO9, 1Laboratorio de Paleobiología de Antártica
y Patagonia Instituto Antártico Chileno.2Institut für Geowissenschaften Ruprecht-Karls-Universität
Heidelberg.3Paleontology Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Karlsruhe (SMNK).4Departamento Ciencias
de la Tierra, Universidad de Concepción.5Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile.6Escuela de
Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.7Postgraduation Program in Geology,
University of the Sinos River Valley - Unisinos.8Departamento de Botanica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales
y Oceanograficas, Universidad de Concepción.9Laboratorio de Ontogenia y Filogenia, Departamento de
Biología, Universidad de Chile.
Intensive exploration of the northern borders of the ancient Magallanes Basin resulted in the discovery of a
Maastrichtian tidally-controlled delta system at Las Chinas - Cerro Guido complex with 20 km of outcrops
and five plant-bearing units containing Nothofagus leaf imprints, associated with and underlying partiallyarticulated hadrosaur remains. The presence of Nothofagus, key genus of the modern sub Antarctic
forests of Oceania and South America, is the oldest record of the genus in the Americas, and is interpreted
to indicate a terrestrial connection between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, leading to an
exchange of terrestrial biota. The abundance of Nothofagus in Maastrichtian sediments in the Magallanes
basin of Chile is interpreted here to provide evidence for floral exchange during-the Maastrichtian.
Unfortunately, the physical evidence for these intermittent bridges is lost today due to subduction at the
southwestern margins of Gondwana. However, the geographic continuity of Patagonia and the Antarctic
Peninsula, currently disjointed by the Drake Passage, may partly explain the vicariant pattern and areas
of endemism, although weather patterns differing between the western and eastern side of the isthmus
may also have been important. We hypothesize that Nothofagus-dominated flora, previously successful
in Antarctica, successfully invaded Patagonia during the Late Maastrichtian, and could explain the record
of ornithopods in Maastrichtian rocks of Antarctica. The formation of land bridges during the Maastrichtian
may be causally related to a cool episodes and consequent fall in sea level.
(Sponsored by Proyecto Fondecyt 1151389, Estancia Cerro Guido, DAAD-Alechile-Projekt 259-2010 and BMBF CHL 10A/09)
136
PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF THE MAGELLANIC SUB-ANTARCTIC ENDEMIC T. FUEGIANUS
(BRYOPSIDA: SPLACHNACEAE) LEWIS, LILY1, ROZZI, RICARDO2, GOFFINET, BERNARD1, 1Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of
Connecticut.2Department of Philosophy, University of North Texas.
Amphitropical disjunctions exist across a diversity of organisms, but are particularly common among
cryptogams. The dung moss Tetraplodon is widespread in northern Laurasia with disjunctions into high
elevation tropical regions and the Magellanic sub-Antarctic Ecoregion, where the endemic T. fuegianus
occurs. The monophyletic T. fuegianus is nested within an amphitropical lineage that spans the Laurasian
range of the genus. Tetraplodon fuegianus is estimated to have diverged from Northern Hemisphere
populations around 8.63 ma, in the late Miocene to early Pliocene. In order to distinguish whether the
ancestor of T. fuegianus dispersed from North America or Europe we have analyzed thousands of
restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) loci. We propose that the ancestor of T. fuegianus
dispersed from North Western North America, as opposed to North Western Europe, as was suggested,
albeit with low support, by previous phylogenetic analysis of 4 loci. We compare the phylogeographic
history of T. fuegianus with existing studies and hypotheses to look at broad scale trends in the origin of
amphitropical disjunctions. 137
SEED DISPERSAL ANACHRONISMS IN NORTH-CENTRAL CHILE: HOW THREE LARGE-SEEDED
PLANTS ARE SUVIVING WITHOUT THEIR MEGAFAUNAL DISPERSERS LOAYZA, A1, LUNA, CLAUDIA1, PEÑA, MARA1, SQUEO, FRANCISCO1, Biología, Universidad de La
Serena.
Myrcianthes coquimbensis, Pouteria splendens and Jubaea chilensis are three Chilean endemic plants
that are considered biogeographic relicts because of their narrow geographic distribution, small populations
and tropical origin. Moreover, these species have large-seeded, fleshy fruits but no present-day dispersers.
Therefore, it has been hypothesized that they may represent seed dispersal anachronisms of seeds
originally dispersed by Pleistocene megafauna. The question arises of how “megafaunal” plants have been
able to persist. One mechanism by which any megafaunal plant may have persisted is substitute seed
dispersal by other animals, in particular by rodents. In this study, we test the substitution hypothesis by
determining which animals consume the fruits of these species, the rate in which they predate their seeds,
the habitats where they disperse them and the recruitment probability in the dispersal habitats. Depending
on the plant species, there are between two and ten animal species that consume their fruits. Among
these, there are both native and exotic species (livestock). When substitute dispersers are rodents, a high
percentage of the seeds are also partially o totally predated. Dispersal habitats vary among dispersers and
recruitment probabilities vary among habitats; therefore, substitute dispersers vary in their seed dispersal
effectiveness. Overall, our initial results reveal strong dispersal limitation, which may partly explain the
low regeneration and, ultimately narrow distribution of these species. Nonetheless, without the substitute
dispersal services provided by rodents and domestic livestock, these plant species could face strong
population reductions in the future. 138
THE ORIGIN OF INTERCONTINENTAL DISJUNCTIONS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE: INSIGHTS
FROM THE PLANT FAMILY BIGNONIACEAE
LOHMANN, LUCIA1, Departamento de Botanica, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo.
Floristic similarities between Eastern Australia and Western South America have long been noted and
widely documented in a variety of plant genera such as Araucaria, Nothofagus and Drimys, among others.
Even though these landmasses are currently separated by thousands of kilometers, they remained
connected through Antarctica until the opening of the Drake Passage and the Tasmania Passage, until ca.
30 Mya. Time calibrated phylogenies of disjunctly distributed taxa between those regions are bringing new
light into the origin of current intercontinental disjunctions. In this study I review some evidence available
in the literature and present new data derived from the fossil record and a time-calibrated phylogeny of the
Pantropical plant family Bignoniaceae. The Bignoniaceae includes ca. 860 species and represents one
of the most abundant and diverse plant families in some Tropical regions, providing new insights into our
understanding of the assembly of the Tropical Flora.
(Sponsored by FAPESP (2011/50859-2) & NSF/Dimensions of Biodiversity-NASA-FAPESP/Biota (2012/50260-6))
139
ON ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF AN ECOLOGICAL CIVILIZATION
LU, FENG1, Philosophy, Center for Economic Ethics and Political Philosophy, Tsinghua University.
In today’s world, China is the biggest developing country, and its growth of economy is very fast. Chinese
development is criticized bitterly by many western people. However, China is now “the factory of the
world”, and people in many countries in the world use the goods made in China. Many industries in China
are heavily polluting. We Chinese are polluting the territory of China and making goods for people in
advanced countries. At the same time Chinese are criticized as the chief criminal to ruin planet Earth.
This is unfair in some sense. More and more people, including both leaders of CCP and ordinary citizens,
in China have been realizing that the current development in China is not sustainable. Now we have a
strategy to construct ecological civilization to change the current pattern of development. To construct
ecological civilization is a historical huge project to change the whole civilization, including the change of
the direction for progress or innovation of science and technology, the change of the patterns of economy
and the structure of industries, the change of economical and political institutions, the change of patterns
of consumption, and the change of ideas involving views of Nature, knowledge and values. What happens
in China affects the whole planet, including the Southern Hemisphere, and from a perspective of ecological
civilization, human kind must make material wealth according to the ecological law, and economic liberty
must be limited.
140
TESTING FOR FUNCTIONAL CONVERGENCE OF TEMPERATE RAINFOREST TREE ASSEMBLAGES
IN CHILE AND NEW ZEALAND
LUSK, C.H.1, JIMENEZ-CASTILLO, M.2, ARAGON, R.3, EASDALE, T.4, POORTER, L.5, HINOJOSA, L.F.6,
MASON, N.7, 1Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato.2Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales
y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile.3Instituto de Ecología Regional, Universidad Nacional de
Tucuman.4Lincoln Landcare Research.5Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen, University.6Departamento
Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad de Chile.7Hamilton Landcare Research.
Temperate rainforests in South America and New Zealand have certain physiognomic similarities, but
we are not aware of any statistical evidence that these disjunct plant assemblages share a distinctive
suite of functional traits, or trait combinations. We compiled height, leaf, wood and reproductive traits
from the 25 commonest tree species at climatically-matched sites in Chile and New Zealand, and used
multivariate tests of trait convergence. Tropical and subtropical forest assemblages served as controls.
PERMANOVA showed convergence of trait centroids at the two temperate sites, where trees on average
had denser wood, and were more likely to be evergreen, than trees at the (sub)tropical sites. PCAs carried
out separately on each assemblage showed that the Chilean and New Zealand assemblages were also
the most similar pair in terms of trait relationships, although New Zealand also shared strong similarities
with subtropical Argentina. The main axis of variation in both temperate assemblages ranged from small
understorey trees with soft leaves, to emergents with sclerophyllous leaves and denser wood. However,
the New Zealand assemblage was richer in small trees with soft (and often large) leaves than its Chilean
counterpart, possibly reflecting conditions favouring speciation and radiation of small trees during the late
Neogene in New Zealand, competition from Chusquea bamboos in Chile and the historical absence of
browsing mammals from New Zealand. As far as we know, this is the first study to statistically test whether
disjunct tree assemblages on climatically-matched sites are more functionally similar to each other than to
assemblages from other environments.
(Sponsored by ARC, UACH, FONDECYT, IEB P05-002)
141
THE THERMOPHILIC MICROBIAL MATS FROM HOT SPRINGS IN CHILEAN NORTHERN PATAGONIA –
A FIRST OVERVIEW
MACKENZIE, ROY1, URRUTIA, HOMERO2, ABARZÚA, LESLIE2, ARCE, PATRICIO3, 1Molecular Genetics
and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.2Microbiología,
Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción.3Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad
de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
The aim of this work was to determine environmental parameters and characterize prokaryotic communities
in microbial mats along the thermal gradients of three unexplored hot springs from Chilean North Patagonia
(Porcelana and Cahuelmó hot springs, and Porcelana Geyser), as part of an exploratory expedition.
Physico-chemical data were obtained in situ (temperature, pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen). Total
and live bacterial counts were performed on fresh samples, and colony forming units of thermophilic
heterotrophic aerobic bacteria were also determined. Results revealed total cell counts higher than in other
hot springs (3.8 x 1012 cells per dry gram of mat, Cahuelmó), and a high percentage of thermophilic (55º
C) culturable bacteria (20% of live cell counts in Geyser). Morphological analyses by SEM demonstrated
the complexity and shifts in microbial mat structures along the thermal gradients of the three sites surveyed,
i.e. filaments with and without sheaths (2 and 0.5 µm diameter sizes in average) dominated in different
temperature ranges. Larger biovolume of thin filaments was found at higher temperatures. 16S rRNA gene
fingerprinting analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed five major phyla: Cyanobacteria,
Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, and demonstrated changes in bacterial community
composition along transects in each hot spring. A multidimensional scaling analysis showed that bacterial
communities at high temperature had low resemblance to the corresponding mesophilic communities in
each system; on the contrary, mesophilic communities were similar among hot springs. The data presented
in this study are a first step to the analysis of these pristine hot springs.
(Sponsored by Proyecto Biocombustibles 09CTEI6861-02)
142
VEGETATION ASSEMBLAGES FROM THE MAASTRICHTIAN CERRO GUIDO-LAS CHINAS COMPLEX
DETECTED FROM PALYNOMORPHS
MANSILLA, HÉCTOR1, MANSILLA, CLAUDIA2, TREVISON, CRISTINA3, LEPPE, MARCELO3,
1
Paleontología, Instituto Antartico Chileno.2School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University
of Stirling.3Laboratório de História da Vida e da Terra - Lavigæa, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos UNISINOS.
The presence of microfossils of vegetal origin preserved in sediment from Cerro Guido-Las Chinas complex
in Última Esperanza Province, Magallanes Region in Chile, allow us to recognize a vegetation assemblage
deposited in a continental environment, where the predominant climatic conditions could be evaluated in a
place which was connected by a terrestrial bridge with the Antarctic Peninsula during the Maastrichtian. The
Maastrichtian is a geological stage that shows considerable climatic fluctuations of warming and cooling
phases during the Upper Cretaceous, an epoch where the planet experimented principally greenhouse
climatic conditions. These climatic fluctuations have been mainly studied in marine environment on both
hemispheres. Though the identification of the taxa members from this fossil assemblage by palynological
studies, the recognition of the “nearest living relative” (NLR) of each identified taxon and the application
of the coexistence approach method, the climatic requirement of the modern taxa can be superimposed
on those of fossils; resulting in the first paleobotanic and palaeoclimatic reconstruction in this locality
from the Austral Patagonia. Preliminary result allow us to mention the presence of spores that dominate
the assemblage, followed by conifers like Podocarpus, Dacrydium and Araucaria, while angiosperms are
represented by primitive monosulcate pollen grain.
143
FOSSIL HILL (KING GEORGE ISLAND), A KONSERVAT-LAGERSTäTTE FROM ANTARCTICA?
MANSILLA, HÉCTOR1, LEPPE, MARCELO2, STINNESBECK, WOLFGANG3, 1Paleontologia, Instituto
Antártico Chileno.2Paleontologia, INACH, UMAG.3Institut für Geowissenschaften Paläontologie, Heidelberg,
University of Germany.
Konservat-Lagerstätten are defined as localities in which the fossil record is characterized by unusual
preservation (e.g. soft tissues). This is the case at Fossil Hill, an Early and middle Eocene site located on
Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula. The fossil content was first documented by
Covacevich and colleagues in the 1970ies who reported abundant trace fossils allocated to birds. To date,
Fossil Hill is the only fossil site in Antarctica with a wide record of vertebrate trace fossils of the Cenozoic,
the majority of which are refered to bird footprints. Phororhacos or ratite footprints highlight the ichnofauna,
among numerous other birds, but an anatid footprint with preservation of soft tissues was also discovered
as well as bird feeding traces, fossil footprints of a micromammal with feline pedal characteristics and
the only feather reported from Antarctic; the latter even conserves barbules (microstructures of difficult
preservation). In addition, leaf imprints and palynomorphs as well as abundant invertebrate trace fossils
(e.g. arthropod trackways) indicate continental setting. The fossil-bearing sediments are volcanodetritic and
acid water from this volcanism was clearly a key factor in the dissolution of bones and shells, leading to the
preservation only of traces. In that aspect, Fossil Hill differs from any other known lagerstätten.
(Sponsored by Southern Connection Congress 2016)
144
EXTENDING THE TEPHROCHRONOLOGY OF FUEGO-PATAGONIA, SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA
(~53°S)
MANSILLA, CLAUDIA1, MCCOLLOUGH, ROBERT1, MORELLO, FLAVIA2, 1Biological & Environmental
Sciences, Natural Sciences, University of Stirling.2Centro de Estudios del Hombre Austral, Instituto de la
Patagonia, Universidad de Magallanes.
The development of tephrochronology after Thorarinson (1944) has recognised the potential of the
instantaneous deposition of geochemically distinct tephra (aka volcanic ash) layers to constrain ageestimates for environmental change. This work has been principally applied in Patagonia by Auer (1974)
and more recently by Stern (2004; 2008; 2015). Patagonia lies within the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone
(SVZ; ~33-46°S) and Austral Volcanic Zone (AVZ; ~49-55°S) and the Fuego-Patagonia region (~53°S)
has been affected by five large-volume (>1 km3) explosive eruptions from four different volcanoes; Volcán
Hudson (~46°S), Volcán Aguilera (~50°S), Volcán Reclús (~51°S) and Mt Burney (~52°S) (Stern, 2008)
during the last c.15.0 ka. However, the potential of crytotephra deposits to extend the geographical and
temporal range of such a powerful correlation tool has not been fully exploited. Our research presents the
results of tephrochronological and radiocarbon dating across Fuego-Patagonia (~53oS). In addition to the
three previously identified visible tephra layers (Mount Burney B2, Volcán Hudson H1 and Volcán Reclús
R1) three cryptotephra layers have also been found. Two of the cryptotephra layers have been identified
for the first time in the region. The recognition of the visible tephra layers is based on colour and the
morphology of the glass shards and geochemically fingerprinted using major element Electron Microprobe
analysis. Our findings demonstrate the benefit of extending the regional tephrochronological framework by
using cryptotephras and so improving the accuracy of the age-depth models for Fuego-Patagonia.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT: 1140939; CONICYT Becas-Chile Scholarship; UK NERC-RCL: 1696.0413, 1790.0414; SAGES)
145
PALAEOCLIMATE CONNECTIONS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE: DISENTANGLING THE ROLE
OF ENSO AND SAM IN PAST FIRE ACTIVITY MARIANI, MICHELA1, FLETCHER, MICHAEL1, School of Geography, University of Melbourne.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) are two key drivers of interannual climate variability that modulate the occurrence of droughts and fires through time across the
Southern Hemisphere. Both ENSO and SAM are known to have fluctuated through the last millennia, but
their relative roles in driving past fire activity has not been widely explored. The aim of this research is
to disentangle the relative roles of these climate modes in driving changes in fire activity in the Southern
Hemisphere extra-tropics. We attempt this by exploiting the current spatial variation in the way ENSO and
SAM are expressed across the Southern Hemisphere and through the use of palaeofire records from the
extra-tropics of the Southern Hemisphere (Tasmania, southeast Australia and southern Chile). We identify
a pan-South Pacific pulse in fire activity at 3000±500 years ago, which we term a “mega-fire”, that occurs
in both ENSO and SAM dominated regions. We also analyse geochemical and pollen data spanning this
mega-fire period from Tasmania, identifying landscape-scale environmental change in response to this
event. We draw this information together to discuss potential palaeoclimatic scenarios that account for the
pan-South Pacific mega-fire and discuss the impacts of this event on terrestrial ecosystems.
146
ROCK ´EATING´ FUNGI: BIOGENIC WEATHERING IN TEMPERATE RAINFOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF
SOUTHERN CHILE
MARÍN, CÉSAR1, DECHÊNE, ANNIKA2, GODOY, ROBERTO1, BOY, JENS2, 1Instituto de Ciencias
Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Institute of Soil Science, Leibniz Universität,
Hannover.
Coniferous and Nothofagus North-Patagonia forests exhibit biogeographic isolation, given their edaphic
and climatic conditions. In these restrictive conditions, mycorrhizae have a vital role in biogeochemical
cycles. A general pattern of vascular flora in the temperate rainforests of southern Chile, indicates the
arbuscular mycorrhiza dominance in Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. Ectomycorrhizas are
unique to the Nothofagus genus. Bioweathering is the physicochemical process by which rocks are directly
or indirectly degraded by biota. In old forests, bioweathering would be performed mainly by mycorrhizal
hyphae, as they have energy from photosynthesis and can access weatherable surfaces. An inverse
relationship between the edaphic bioavailability of nutrients and the degree of bioweathering is expected,
since the latter is energetically costly, as it involves processes of chelation, complexolysis, redoxolysis,
metal precipitation and thigmotropism. These processes involve the releasing of essential nutrients in
plant nutrition (P, Ca, K, Mg, Na). This study suggests that bioweathering is relevant in environmentally
restrictive scenarios. A bioweathering experiment in Puyehue and Tolhuaca National Parks (southern
Chile) is reported, with the first results of exposure of test minerals in situ (muscovite, biotite). We found
an inverse relationship between soil nutritional status and bioweathering degree (calculated as the
percentage of test mineral colonized by hyphae, after one year, through confocal laser microscopy). We
found that bioweathering is greater in ectomycorrhizal Nothofagus forests than in arbuscular mycorrhizal
coniferous forests. We present a first assessment of fungal communities obtained by meta-genomics (ITS2
sequencing by the Illumina platform).
(Sponsored by CONICYT 21150047, DFG BO 3741 3-1, Fondecyt 1141060)
147
PHYLOGEOLOGY - GENES SPEAK FOR HISTORY: THE CASE OF NOTHOFAGUS
MATHIASEN, PAULA1, ACOSTA, CRISTINA2, PREMOLI, ANDREA1, 1Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMACONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue.2Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV)CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
The distribution of genetic patterns within a landscape is the result of complex processes occurring at
different timescales. Phylogeographic studies have made a significant contribution to the interpretation
of genetic lineage distribution in response to recent climate changes (such as glaciation events of the
Neogene). However, the effects of ancient tectonic processes and climatology driving lineage evolution
have been largely overlooked. Phylogeology is an emerging field, as the study of the geographic
distribution of ancient lineages to infer the effects of geological processes. These effects can be tested in
widespread lineages of cold-tolerant species that have endured cooling. We hereby combine geological
evidence from marine sedimentary basins, Andean orogeny, and climatology with molecular dating and
statistical phylogeography to infer how geological and climatic processes affected the distribution of genetic
lineages in cold-tolerant Nothofagus species. Samples of the entire range of all five species within the
genus Nothofagus were analyzed by sequencing three cDNA non-coding regions. We found 30 haplotypes
that were geographically structured. Fossil calibrated molecular dating revealed that ancestral lineages
appeared by the Eocene/Oligocene, whereas most divergences took place during the Miocene; and
posterior population expansion occurred in the Early Pleistocene (1.5–1 Ma). Lineage divergence from all
wide-ranging Nothofagus was spatially and temporally concordant with episodic marine transgressions and
warmer times in Patagonia during Eocene/Miocene Epochs. Long-lasting stable raised areas preserved
haplotype diversity throughout Patagonia, from where cold-tolerant taxa expanded their ranges during preQuaternary times.
(Sponsored by PICT 2012-0688, PICT 2013-2404, PIP 2013-646)
148
SOUTH AMERICAN BIOGEOGRAPHY DISENTANGLED THROUGH PODOCARPUS PHYLOGENY
QUIROGA, M PAULA1, MATHIASEN, P1, IGLESIAS, ARI2, PREMOLI, ANDREA1, 1Laboratorio Ecotono,
INIBIOMA-CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue.2INIBIOMA-CONICET, Universidad Nacional del
Comahue.
Families of southern origin, such as Podocarpaceae are considered key sources of information in plant
geography. The biogeographical relevance of Podocarpaceae relies on the fact that it’s the second largest
conifer family distributed in temperate and subtropical latitudes. We hereby built a phylogeny of Podocarpus
using molecular characters and new fossil data to elucidate biogeographical history of Podocarpus within
South America and with Central America and Africa. Phylogenetic reconstructions may elucidate alternative
hypotheses that Podocarpus s.l. originated in the Palaeogene and diversified to reach its present wide
distribution as a consequence of long-distance dispersal, or that it consists of ancient (i.e. Cretaceous)
widespread lineages that evolved within Gondwanan continents by vicariance. The estimated minimum age
of Podocarpus s.l. was dated in the late Cretaceous–early Paleogene. Lineages within Podocarpus were
already present by the Eocene and consisted of three latitudinally controlled clades. Biogeographic patterns
of extant Podocarpus within South America are the result of vicariance related to palaeoclimatic changes
and tectonic events. The recent diversification of African and northern South American taxa occurred as a
result of dispersal during the Neogene and suggest a biotic connection at subtropical latitudes.
149
MULTIDECADAL WATER-USE EFFICIENCY IN TREE SPECIES OF THE SEMIARID ANDES OF CHILE
INFERRED THROUGH ISOTOPE (δ13C) TREE-RING CHRONOLOGIES
MATIAS, FELIPE1, CHRISTIE , DUNCAN1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL2, MALDONADO, ANTONIO3, 1Instituto
de Conservacion Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales,
Universidad Austral de Chile.2Instituto de Geografía, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Geografía, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.3Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas (CEAZA), Universidad
de La Serena.
The increment of atmospheric CO2 (CA) from the burning of fossil fuels could play an important role in
global plant physiology by increasing the water-use efficiency (iWUE) of species, and potentially decreasing
the impact of water-stress on tree growth especially in semiarid environments. During the last 50 years
instrumental records from the Semiarid Andes of Parinacota (18°S) and the Norte Chico (29°S) exhibit a
negative trend in precipitation together with an increment in temperature, and climate model simulations
indicate a future aridification of both regions. In these regions are located high elevation woodlands of
Polylepis rugulosa (Andes of Parinacota) and Fabiana imbricata (Andes of Norte Chico), at ~3,500 and
~2500 m a.s.l., respectively. The objective of the present study is to determine the multidecadal variability
of the iWUE of one woodland of P. rugulosa (18°S) and other of F. imbricata (29°S) utilizing δ13C treering chronologies. We developed tree-ring width and δ13C chronologies, and obtained chronologies of
13
Craw, 13Ccor, Δ (≈ ci/ca) and iWUE from the annual ring values of δ13C. We analysed 80 years of δ13C
for P. rugulosa (1930-2009) and 35 years for F. imbricata (1970-1974). Both species showed an steady
increase in iWUE. These Changes were more pronounced in the last 30 years for both species. Correlation
functions of both species indicate the key role of water availability on determining radial growth and isotopic
discrimination. The study of δ13C chronologies in the growth rings of both species revealed a sustained
increase of iWUE in response to increasing global CO2.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1120965, FONDAP1511009)
150
MATING SYSTEM AND EVIDENCE OF MULTIPLE PATERNITY IN THE ANTARCTIC BROODING SEA
URCHIN ABATUS AGASSIZII
MATURANA, CLAUDIA1, GÉRARD, KARIN2, DIAZ, ANGIE3, DAVID, BRUNO4, FERAL, JEAN-PIERRE5,
POULIN, ELIE1, 1Ecología, Ciencias, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.2GAIA-Antártica Universidad de
Magallanes.3Ecología, Ciencias Naturales y Oceanograficas, Universidad de Concepción.4Biogéosciences,
Université de Bourgogne.5Station Marine d’Endoume Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie
Marine et Continentale.
Broadcasting is the predominant spawning strategy among benthic marine invertebrates, mainly associated
with planktotrophic development. Free spawning allows genetic mixing that should contribute to increase
the genetic diversity of a female clutch. Conversely, in brooding species characterized by protected
development, eggs are retained and only sperm is released, the latter being supposed to limit the number
of males that contribute to a female clutch. This spermcasting together with the egg retention give brooders
low dispersal capacities which may reduce genetic mixing and generate genetic and kinship structure at
a small spatial scale. Like many other Antarctic marine benthic invertebrates, the irregular sea-urchin A.
agassizii is a spermcaster thatbroods its young. In this study we assessed the genetic diversity among 66
adults using 6 polymorphic microsatellite loci and performed progeny array analyses in order to evaluate
the number of mates per female as well as its genetic structure at a small spatial scale. Abatus agassizii
exhibited a polyandric system with 2-5 mates per female regardless of population density. Bayesian
analyses suggested the absence of genetic structure along our 20 m transect, while relatedness among
individuals did not differ from that expected under panmixia. Finally, we conclude that a limited number
of males contribute to a female clutch, probably as a consequence of limited sperm dispersal, and that
movement of adults may be sufficient to avoid kinship structure in the population.
(Sponsored by ICM P05-002)
151
LATE HOLOCENE SHIFTS IN THE LATITUDINAL POSITION OF THE SOUTHERN WESTERLY WINDS
RECORDED IN PEAT BOGS IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO
MAUQUOY, D1, HUGHES, PAUL2, VAN BELLEN, SIMON1, ROLAND, TOM3, DALEY, TIM4, LOADER,
NEIL8, PANCOTTO, VERÓNICA5, DE VLEESCHOUWER, FRANÇOIS6, PAYNE, RICHARD7, STREETPERROTT, ALAYNE8, 1School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen.2Geography, University of
Southampton.3Geography, University of Exeter.4School of Geography, Plymouth University.5CONICET
CADIC.6EcoLab CNRS.7Environment, University of York.8Geography, Swansea University.
Here we reconstruct quantitative changes in water table depth using testate amoeba assemblages
recovered from a series of rain-fed peat bogs in Tierra del Fuego. These mire surface wetness
reconstructions are complemented with plant macrofossil and stable isotope data and serve as a surrogate
for changes in the strength of the Southern Westerly Winds (SWW) during the last ~2000 years. We aim
to reconstruct changes in the strength of the SWW in the core region of the Southern Westerly Wind
Belt (SWWB). Two patterns of long-term changes in the SWW in southern South America have been
identified in the literature. One pattern involves a latitudinal change in the position of the SWWB with an
anti-phased behavior of precipitation trends between the northern and southernmost margin of the SSWB.
A second pattern suggests that changes in the strength of the SWW occurred throughout a large part of
the SWWB range spanning ~1000 km. Based upon the testate amoebae water table reconstructions from
our network of Sphagnum magellanicum raised peat bogs in Tierra del Fuego, water tables appear to
have been relatively stable during the last 2000 years. However, latitudinal changes in the position of the
SWWB (poleward/equatorward shifts) may have occurred during the last ~1000 years. This is because our
reconstructed precipitation trends are approximately synchronous but of a different sign between the core
and northern margin of the SWWB. Our data suggest that a poleward shift of the SWWB occurred between
~1400-900 cal. yr. BP.
(Sponsored by the Natural Environment Research Council (Grant Numbers NE/I022809/1, NE/I022981/1, NE/I022833/1 and NE/
I023104/1)) 152
NEW METHODS FOR DEVELOPING INDIGENOUS MARINE ECOSYSTEM MODELS FOR CULTURAL
KEYSTONE SPECIES MANAGEMENT.
MAXWELL, KIMBERLEY1, DUNN, ALISTAIR2, WILLIAMS, ERICA3, ARNOLD, RICHARD4, DUNN,
MATTHEW1, 1School of Biological Sciences, Science, Victoria University of Wellington.2Fisheries
Assessment, Fisheries, NIWA.3Maori and Aquatic Environments, Maori Environmental Research (Te
Kuwaha), NIWA.4School of Mathematics and Statistics, Science, Victoria University of Wellington.
New Zealand’s long term goal is to have a fully holistic, ecosystem-based marine management system
that is underpinned by the partnership between indigenous Māori and the Crown. This presentation
demonstrates how the multiple dimensions of an important customary and recreational fishery can be
conceptualised in a way that recognises the indigenous worldview to inform the development of an
ecosystem-based fishery model. The people of the Mōtū river region are Te Whānau-a-Hikarukutai/ Ngāti
Horomoana and their Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) is a pelagic fish, the kahawai (Arripis trutta). The
kahawai fishery is integral to their cultural identity and practices. Local knowledge was collated during
hui (formal meetings), site visits/ hikoi (tours), semi-structured interviews, two months participatory
observations and a literature search. The key components of the fishery were identified from the
qualitative data using content analysis in NVIVO 10 software. A descriptive whole-of-ecosystem model
was then conceptualised using a Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework in yEd graph editor. I will
describe the key features of the model building process and how the model links socio-economic and biophysical components from an indigenous perspective, providing a more holistic, balanced and equitable
representation of the fishery. The conceptual model will be used to develop tactical models using a smaller
number of the key components for which data has been collected; and adapted to incorporate further
qualitative and quantitative information as it becomes available.
(Sponsored by Nga Pae O Te Maramatanga, The Southern Connection Congress, Victoria University of Wellington, MAI Ki Poneke)
153
USE OF A PINUS CONTORTA INVASION MODEL TO ASSESS POTENTIAL BIODIVERSITY IMPACTS
AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES.
MAXWELL, BRUCE1, TAYLOR, KIMBERLEY1, REW, LISA1, PAUCHARD, ANIBAL2, NUNEZ, MARTIN3,
1
Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University.2Laboratorio de Invasiones
Biologicas (LIB), Facultad de Concepción, Universidad de Concepción.3Laboratorio de Ecotono INIBIOMA,
CONICET.
Pinus contorta, native to the Northern Hemisphere, has been introduced widely in the Southern
Hemisphere and is an invasive species of concern. In its native mid-latitude ecosystems P. contorta is
considered a fire adapted species because its life history and reproductive traits allow it to become a
monoculture dominant tree with frequent wildfire. If fire frequency increases in similar latitudes in the
Southern Hemisphere the non-fire-adapted native trees could be threatened by long-term dominance by P.
contorta. Our research aims to understand the interaction among ecological factors that determine the rate,
extent and potential impact of P. contorta invasions in Argentina, Chile and New Zealand. We constructed
a P. contorta invasion simulation model using our field observations to ask three specific questions: 1)
Which driving variables influence temporal and spatial dynamics of invasion in grasslands, shrub-steppe
and forests of the Southern Hemisphere? 2) What role might fire play in the invasion of these three different
plant communities? 3) Which management approach might be most efficient for preventing or slowing
P. contorta invasion in these Southern Hemisphere plant communities? Using P. contorta demographic
parameter values from sites in Argentina, Chile and New Zealand representing the three different plant
communities we ran 15 year simulations with and without fire to determine different rates and final area
occupied. Management approaches included tree removal at the invasion periphery versus the source, and
utilization of P. contorta habitat suitability to target trees for removal.
(Sponsored by NSF Wildfire-PIRE)
154
DRIVERS OF SEDIMENTATION TRENDS IN PATAGONIAN FJORDS DURING THE ANTHROPOCENE –
EUTROPHICATION OR CLIMATE CHANGE? MAYR, CHRISTOPH1, FOERSTERRA, GUENTER2, HAEUSSERMANN, VERENA2, REBOLLEDO,
LORENA3, 1Dept. of Geosciences and Geography, Institute of Geography, Friedrich-Alexander-University of
Erlangen-Nuremberg.2Escuela de Ciencias del Mar, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Pontificia Universidad
Catolica de Valparaíso.3Departamento de Oceanografía, Programa Copas Sur-Austral, Universidad de
Concepción.
The Patagonian fjords host a unique benthic biodiversity along an estimated coastline length of 90,000
kilometers. This largely unexplored marine ecosystem is presumably already severely affected by
anthropogenic impact through aquaculture and climate change. The Comau Fjord in southern Chile
(42°S) is a biodiversity hotspot among the many Patagonian fjords. Its marine taxa and aquaculture
history is comparatively well-studied. Thus, the fjord can serve as a model for ecosystem functioning
and anthropogenic impact in the region. Stable isotopes and elemental ratios are frequently used to
separate allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter input into marine shelf sediments. We tested
the applicability of this approach for sediment cores from Comau Fjord. Comparisons with isotopic and
geochemical signatures of potential organic matter sources demonstrate that mixtures between terrigenous
and marine planktonic sources largely explain variations of sedimentary proxies. The nitrogen and carbon
mass accumulation rates of autochthonous planktonic organic matter increased by at least a factor of
2 in the last three decades even if the highest amount of diagenetic degradation is considered. The
reasons for such a shift in primary productivity are most likely related to anthropogenic eutrophication by
rapidly expanding aquaculture. Further scientific efforts are needed to study the impact of human-induced
eutrophication on benthic biodiversity in this area. 155
PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN FUEGO-PATAGONIA DURING THE LATE-GLACIAL AND THE
HOLOCENE: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOREST ESTABLISHMENT AND CLIMATIC INFERENCES
MCCOLLOUGH, ROBERT1, MANSILLA, CLAUDIA1, MORELLO, FLAVIA2, 1Biological & Environmental
Science, Natural Sciences, University of Stirling.2Centro de Estudio del Hombre Austral, Instituto de la
Patagonia, Universidad de Magallanes.
High-resolution palaeoenvironmental records, spanning the Last glacial–interglacial transition (LGIT) and
the Holocene have been reconstructed from different ecosystems along a longitudinal transect at ~53°S,
Fuego-Patagonia. The nature and extent of environmental and climatic change, inferred from palynological
evidence, is supported by lithostratigraphy, tephrochronology and radiocarbon dating. A synthesis of the
records indicates a shift to warmer interstadial conditions at c. 14.8-14.4 ka followed by a cooler period
coeval with the Antarctic Cold Reversal. After c. 13.2 ka more mesic conditions are inferred from the
expansion of steppe with patches of Nothofagus forest. The eastward shift of the forest-steppe ecotone
by c.12.5 ka suggests a gradual shift from colder to warmer conditions and a stronger influence of the
southern westerly winds (SWWs). Our new palaeoenvironmental data provides the earliest evidence for the
establishment of sub-Antarctic Nothofagus forest during the LGIT in Fuego-Patagonia. During the EarlyHolocene two further phases of Nothofagus forest expansion occurred between c.11.7-10.5 ka and c.9.58.2 ka, separated by an interval of forest contraction in response to lower effective moisture at c.10.5-9.5
ka. An intense arid phase is inferred between c.8.25 ka and 6.8 ka, a period of highest fire activity likely
promoted by weaker SWWs at this time. The later Holocene was characterised by an increase in humidity
and inferred intensification of the SWWs. The environmental changes recorded across all sites display a
significant degree of synchrony in response to regional climatic changes.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT: 1140939; CONICYT Becas-Chile Scholarship; UK NERC-RCL: 1696.0413, 1790.0414)
156
ORIGIN OF TROPICAL TRAITS IN THE NEW ZEALAND FLORA
MCGLONE, MATT1, BUITENWERF, ROBERT1, RICHARDSON, SARAH1, Ecosystems & Global Change
Landcare Research.
The climate space of oceanic temperate rainforests (OTRF) in New Zealand is dissimilar to most other
temperate regions. Growing season temperatures are close to those in northern temperate regions while
coldest month temperatures are closer to those of the warm temperate/subtropical zone. The driest month
is wet compared to most of the world. Similar climates occur only in limited, distant parts of the world.
However, the OTRF climate regime imposes few restrictions and can accommodate a wide range of plant
traits. In the absence of major environmental limits on plant success, convergence is expected to be weak,
allowing more room for historical and stochastic effects to leave their mark on the vegetation. We explore
this idea by comparing the New Zealand OTRF with tropical forest and with forests in the OTRF climate
space on other continents. We find similarities between New Zealand OTRF and tropical forest in terms
of floristics, structure, plant functional strategies and functional traits, but also substantial differences
with OTRF on other continents. This suggests that historical contingencies such as connectivity and
nature of neighbouring biomes over geological time are important in determining the vegetation of OTRF
climate space worldwide. While early separation and 2000 km of open ocean make overland dispersal
from Gondwana unlikely for nearly all extant plant lineages, the fact that during most of the Paleogene
and Neogene the New Zealand archipelago was low-lying, warm, and oceanic facilitated transoceanic
connections with the tropics. 157
HOLOCENE HUMAN-CLIMATE INTERACTIONS: FLINDERS ISLAND, AUSTRALIA AND MOUNT
GORONGOSA, CENTRAL MOZAMBIQUE. MCWETHY, DAVE1, HABERLE, SIMON2, HOPF, FELICITAS3, BOWMAN, DAVID4, NEUMANN, FRANK5,
STEINBRUCH, FRANZISKA6, RYAN, CASEY7, VALSECCHI, VERUSHKA8, 1Dept. of Earth Sciences,
Montana State University.2Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the Pacific,
Australian National University.3Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the
Pacific Australian National University.4Dept. of Plant Science, University of Tasmania.5Forschungsstelle
für Paläobotanik, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster.6Indo-German Centre for Sustainability at
IIT Madras, Indo-German Centre for Sustainability at IIT Madras.7School of Geosciences, University of
Edinburgh.8
Humans have managed landscapes for their benefit for millennia and, in this endeavor, have tailored
management actions to changing climatic conditions. Populations have responded to periods of rapid
climate change and/or increased climatic variability through a number of adaptive strategies including
migration, shifting land-use practices, and the development of new technologies and strategies for
securing resources. We evaluate long-term human-climate interactions from Flinders Island, Bass Strait
Australia and Mount Gorongosa, central Mozambique. Results from high-resolution pollen, charcoal and
geochemical analyses from two wetland sites on Flinders Island, spanning 12,000 years, and a wetland site
on Mount Gorongosa, spanning 27,000 years, indicate intensification of climate variability occurred at both
sites in the mid- to late-Holocene. Paleoenvironmental data from Flinders Island document significant shifts
in fire regimes and increases in vegetation supporting important prey (e.g., marsupial spp.) suggesting
Aboriginal management played a key role in shaping the environment on Flinders Island. Intensification
of late Holocene climate variability associated with ENSO limited the availability of freshwater resources
and the overall habitability of the island. In contrast, results from Mount Gorongosa suggest changes in the
intensity of human influence and climate variability were not well linked. In central Mozambique the period
of greatest human impact coincided with the onset of Iron Age activity c. 2000 years ago. We interpret
these broad vegetation transitions at both sites as reflecting the interplay between land-use and climate
change, highlighting varying levels of human resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of changing
climatic conditions.
(Supported by funding from National Science Foundation (NSF) PIRE Grant OISE 0966472, NSF GSS #1024413, Australian
Research Council (Grant DP110101950), and National Geographic Committee for Research and Exploration Grant# 8684-09)
158
EPIPHYTIC COMMUNITIES IN THE VERTICAL PROFILE OF ANDEAN NOTHOFAGUS FORESTS IN
SOUTHERN CHILE MELLADO-MANSILLA, DANIELA1, LEÓN, CAROLINA2, MORENO, RICARDO1, GODOY-GÜINAO,
JAVIER1, DÍAZ, IVÁN1, 1Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Ecología del Dosel, Facultad de Ciencias
Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Centro de Investigación en Recursos
Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O`Higgins.
South-American temperate rainforests (SATR) have been very intervened by human activities
through the last decades, loosing habitat for many species. Epiphytic communities are a little known
component of these forests. The information about epiphytes has been collected from a ground based
perspective, while the forest canopy remain practically unknown. Here we documented the epiphytic
community in ten old Nothofagu dombeyi trees of 25 meters height in an Andean forest. The climbed trees
were located in 5 plots between 940 and 1190 meters above the sea level, in secondary and old-growth
forests. In each tree we registered all the epiphytic species every 1 m from the base up to the highest
climbable branch. We found 17 epiphytic species, all of them bryophytes (11 liverworts and 6 mosses).
Two species of liverworts, Plagiochila heterodonta and Plagiochila subpectinata, are new records for this
region. We found 3 main groups of epiphytes based on their vertical distribution and frequency on the trees:
“vertical generalists”which correspond to species present in the whole vertical profile of trees, “base-tree
users”, related to the lower parts of the trunk, and “crown specialists” which were species mostly recorded
in the crown, at middle heights or at the treetop. Most of the species present in the old-growth forests
were present in the remnant old trees of the secondary forests, with high similarity in species composition.
Then, old trees in the Andean range of the SATR must be focus of protection in order to enhance forest
biodiversity and maintain its potential for conservation and resilience in a changing world.
(Sponsored by Fundación Mar Adentro)
159
THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF A GONDWANAN AVIAN ORDER: PSITTACIFORMES
MIYAKI, CRISTINA1, Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências,
Universidade de São Paulo.
The avian order Psittaciformes gathers around 360 species currently distributed in tropical and subtropical South America, Central America/Caribbean, Australasia, Asia and Africa. Due to this distribution,
a Gondwanan origin has been proposed. Here we review the literature on the evolutionary history of this
group and discuss how past connections of continents of the Southern Hemisphere may have influenced
this history.
(Sponsored by FAPESP, CNPq, CAPES, NAP BioComp)
160
PHYTOPLANKTON GROWTH IN THE WESTERN ANTARCTIC PENINSULA: OBSERVATIONS AND
MODELING ANALYSIS
MOLINA, ERNESTO1,2, MARQUET, P1, 1Ecología, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile.2Fisica, Ciencias, Universidad de Santiago de Chile.
Through the development and application of ocean carbon models, we are quantifying the Southern
Ocean uptake of atmospheric CO2 and exploring potential feedbacks of projected global warming on this
uptake. However, model projections remain highly uncertain in the Southern Ocean, due to inadequate
representation of both physical and biogeochemical processes. Simple models of coupled nutrientbiological cycles are useful for understanding and evaluating biogeochemical processes in the marine
environment. Indeed simple models offer advantages over more complex formulations in that they have
fewer uncertain parameters. Here a four-component ecosystem is used to reproduce the main ecosystem
features of the surface mixed layer in the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) and provide insight into the
fundamental biological interactions in the ocean. Model outputs are compared to both satellite surface
chlorophyll estimates and in situ measurements from one location in the WAP. Preliminary results suggest
that the model is able to reproduce the seasonal cycle, the timing and size of the summer bloom at the
sampling site. It is hypothesised that the magnitude of the summer bloom observed in the region may be
driven by either iron supply, or variations in zooplankton grazing. The results also provide an indication
of the phytoplankton capacity for acclimation to changing light and water chemistry conditions. We
suggest that a model that does not incorporate the role of iron in the ecosystem cannot realistically fit the
observations. (Sponsored by IEB)
161
A LESSON OF INVASION AND ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT: HAS THE FRESHWATER DIATOM
DIDYMOSPHENIA GEMINATA REACHED A BIOGEOGRAPHIC EQUILIBRIUM IN CHILE?
MONTECINO, VIVIAN1, MOLINA, XIMENA2,3, MUÑOZ, PAOLA1, CARREVEDO, MARIA4,5, SALINAS,
FRANCISCO1, BIZAMA, GUSTAVO1, BUSTAMANTE, RAMIRO1,6, 1Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad
de Chile.2Escuela de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.3POCH Ambiental.4Ecología, Ciencias Biologicas,
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.5Paleoecology Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB)-Santiago,
Chile.6Invasiones Biologicas, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB)-Santiago, Chile.
A sampling program, according to a published species distribution model, was designed to explore if the
invasive freshwater diatom Didymosphenia geminata reached equilibrium in central - southern Chile.
Thirteen watersheds were monitored (34° - 48°S) in an extensive biological and environmental survey in
2014 (spring-summer C1) -2015 (autumn C2). Presence (P) and absence (A) and relative abundance of D.
geminata in the phytoplankton and phytobenthos were recorded and calculated. D. geminata was present
in the phytobenthos in 96.2% of the follow-up sites, while in the prospecting (new) sites it was present in
17.8% during C1. In C2 it was present at 85% and 12% of the follow-up and the new sites respectively.
Comparing P/A results we could conclude that the probability of finding D. geminata, in different seasons,
in sites where it has already been detected is significantly high, but not so for the absences. Other results
indicated that D. geminata was more frequently found in the phytoplankton and its relative abundances
changed seasonally, being in C1 higher in the phytobenthos and in C2 in the phytoplankton (T test p=
0.0001). The space and time chemical and physical data analyzed with PCA, showed that rivers with D.
geminate are different. At low nutrient concentrations (i.e. phosphate) the species was present and also
developed blooms in more diverse benthic communities during C1. We conclude that spatially D. geminata
is in the last stage of its demographic expansion in Chile, trespassing the acclimation, naturalization and
invasion stages. (Sponsored by Project 2014-58 FIPA. Undersecretary of Fisheries, Chile)
162
FLORAL TRAITS SELECTED BY EUROPEAN BUMBLEBEES (BOMBUS) IN SOUTHERN LANDS: A
COMPARISON AMONG SPECIES AND REGIONS
MORALES, CAROLINA1, STRELIN, MARINA2, LORD, JANICE3, CUNNINGHAM, SAUL4, MONTALVA,
JOSÉ5, ARMSTRONG , JOEL 4, IWASAKI, JAY3, GARIBALDI, LUCAS6, AIZEN , MARCELO7, GLEISER,
GABRIELA7, 1Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), Universidad
Nacional del Comahue- CONICET.2Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente
(INIBIOMA), CONICET.3Botany Department, University of Otago.4Division Ecosystem Sciences CSIRO.5Salvemos Nuestro Abejorro.6Sede Andina Universidad Nacional de Río Negro-CONICET.7Instituto de
Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medio Ambiente (INIBIOMA), Universidad Nacional del ComahueCONICET.
The invasion success of introduced pollinators and subsequent impact on plant-pollinator interactions
is expected to be influenced by functional traits of both, the introduced pollinator and the flowering
plants of the recipient communities. Four bumblebee species have been introduced from Europe to
Southern Hemisphere land masses for crop pollination. While the short-tongued Bombus terrestris
and B. subterraneus, and the long-tongued B. ruderatus and B. hortorum were introduced to New
Zealand in the late 19th century; the former species invaded Tasmania in the 1990s. Both landmasses
belong to a region lacking native bumblebee species. During the 1980s and 1990s, B. ruderatus and B.
terrestris were respectively introduced to Southern South America, a region inhabited by a single native
bumblebee species, the long-tongued Bombus dahlbomii. We explored how variation in invasion success
among bumblebee species and regions is related to functional traits of the introduced bumblebees
and of the flowering plants. These traits are in turn expected to vary among regions and plant species
biogeographic origin. Introduced long-tongued bumblebees showed a strong affinity for non native
flowering plant species of Northern Hemisphere origin, both in Southern South America and New Zealand,
whereas B. terrestris affinity varied among the three landmasses. We examined the role of floral functional
traits (flower size, color, symmetry, corolla length, among others), phylogeny, and time since introduction
in explaining these patterns. Our results highlight the ability of B. terrestris to use a highly diverse suite of
floral resources and its potential to invade a broad range of plant communities.
(Sponsored by PICT 2012-3015 and ICM-P02-005. We thank Aurora Gaxiola for organizing this sympoisum)
163
OPENING A PANDORA´S BOX: A PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC STUDY OF STONEFLIES FROM THE END OF
THE WORLD PESSACQ, PABLO 1, MORANDO, M2, ANJOS SANTOS, DANIELLE1, BYBEE, SETH3, 1Universidad
Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco LIESA.2Instituto Patagonico para el Estudio de Ecosistemas
Continentales CENPAT-CONICET.3Biology, Brigham Young University.
We conducted a phylogeographic study of the widely distributed Patagonian Stonefly Klapopteryx kuschelli.
We analyzed 29 populations representing the extent of its range in Argentina. We sampled the nuclear
genes H3 and 28S, and the mitochondrial genes COXI and COXII. This species showed considerable
genetic structure with the mitochondrial genes and no structure for the nuclear genes. We performed
network and phylogeographic analyses with the mitochondrial genes COXI/II. The mtDNA results show
that K. kuschelli includes one geographically restricted and one widespread clade, with considerable
genetic differences among them. The geographically restricted clade has two haplotypes represented in
three populations from the Northwestern extreme of Patagonia (Neuquén Province). The widespread clade
includes several haplotypes from the remaining populations of Patagonia. This last clade shows further
genetic structure, with few haplotypes from all of the populations from Santa Cruz Province (Southern
Patagonia) and forms four populations in central and Northern Patagonia. The remaining sub-clades
include several haplotypes with representatives from populations from central and Northern Patagonia.
Pleistocene glaciation cycles and/or other geological events may have form barriers to gene flow among
these populations. The relative genetic distance between the two main groups may imply the presence
of two different species, concordant with the hypothesis of a refugium in Northern Patagonia. The pattern
observed for the widely distributed clade is concordant with a split of the ancestral population and/or
population extinctions from central Patagonia and more recent colonization of the southernmost part of its
distributional range.
164
VEGETATION, FIRE AND CLIMATE IN TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK SINCE 1500 YEAR BP
REVEALED BY THE LAGO CALVARIO RECORD
MORANO-BÜCHNER, CAROLINA1, VILLA-MARTÍNEZ, RODRIGO2, MORENO, PATRICIO3, 1 Laboratorio
de Botánica, Instituto de la Patagonia, Universidad de Magallanes.2Laboratorio Botanica, Instituto de la
Patagonia, Universidad de Magallanes.3Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.
We report high-resolution pollen and charcoal records from Lago Calvario (50º56´S, 72º46´W, 200 m.a.s.l),
a small lake located in the eastern sector of Torres del Paine National Park. This sector of southwest
Patagonia is affected by a strong rainshadow effect which induces zonation of the regional vegetation,
limiting the eastward distribution of Nothofagus forests and woodlands. The pollen record shows a
landscape dominated by steppe herbs (Poaceae) and Nothofagus woodland over the entire record. We
detect two cold/humid periods characterized by increases of Nothofagus and the microalga Pediastrum,
and decrease of Macrophytes between 850-1500 yr BP, which coincides with the european dark age cold
period, and over the last 500 years coeval with the little ice age period. The record shows declines in
Nothofagus and Pediastrum, along with an increase of herbs and macrophytes, which suggest warm/dry
conditions between 500-850 yr BP, coincident with the medieval climate anomaly period. The 20th century
features a rise of non-native invasive herbs (Rumex, Plantago), grasses, macrophytes, macroscopic
charcoal particles and a decline of Nothofagus, as result of disturbance by Chilean-European settlers and
dry conditions. Changes in precipitation at multicentennial timescales in this area were caused by changes
in the strength and/or latitudinal position of the SWW. (Sponsored by Fondap 151109,ICM Grants P05-002, NC120066, and Grant USA20130035)
165
CENTENNIAL AND MILLENNIAL-SCALE CHANGES IN THE SOUTHERN WESTERLY WINDS (SWW) IN
SOUTHERN PATAGONIA SINCE 15 KA
MORENO, PATRICIO I.1, VILANOVA, ISABEL2, VILLA-MARTÍNEZ, RODRIGO3, DE POL-HOLZ,
RICARDO4, 1Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile and
Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity.2Palinología Cuaternaria CONICET-Museo Argentino de Ciencias
Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina.3GAIA-Antártica, Universidad de Magallanes and Institute of Ecology
and Biodiversity.4GAIA-Antártica Universidad de Magallanes.
A vast gap in knowledge is the behavior of the SWW and its relationship with mid-latitude glacial
fluctuations and tropical climate variability during the Holocene. Stratigraphic records from southwestern
Patagonia allow monitoring the SWW at the boundary between mid- and high southern latitudes (50°55°S), from the sole continental landmass at this latitude on Earth. Here we present a record from Chilean
Patagonia (51°S) that reveals strong SWW during the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR), anomalously low
wind intensity between 7.5-10.5 ka and stronger SWW since 7.5 ka. We detect 9 positive Southern Annular
Mode (SAM)-like events at centennial timescales since 5.8 ka superimposed on a multi-millennial trend
such that predominantly positive SAM-like states prevail between 0.6-1.5 and 2.7-4 ka in the LC record,
followed by negative SAM-like conditions between 0.2-0.6 and 1.5-2.7 ka. The apparent phasing for the
onset and peak SAM-like and ENSO variability in the eastern sectors of the equatorial and southern midlatitude Pacific raises the possibility that coherent variations in the intensity and position of the Hadley and
Walker circulation cells, at millennial and centennial timescales, resulted in oscillatory modes in tropical and
extratropical sectors of the Pacific basin.
(Sponsored by ICM Grants P05-002 + NC120066, Fondap 15110009, CONICYT USA2013-0035, Fondecyt Grants 1151469 +
1131055)
166
NORTHERN HEMISPHERE AND TROPICAL CLIMATE INFLUENCES ON THE SOUTHERN
HEMISPHERE WESTERLY WINDS DURING THE HOLOCENE
MOY, CHRISTOPHER1, DUNBAR, ROBERT2, MORENO, PATRICIO3, GUILDERSON, THOMAS4, VILLAMARTINEZ, RODRIGO5, 1Geology Department, University of Otago.2Department of Environmental Earth
System Science, School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University.3Department of Ecological Sciences,
Universidad de Chile.4Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz.5GAIAAntartica Universidad de Magallanes.
The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SHWW) play a crucial role in controlling air-sea gas exchange
in the Southern Ocean. As such, the SHWW are an important driver within a proposed suite of interhemispheric ocean-atmosphere mechanisms that control ocean atmosphere carbon exchange over a
range of timescales. However, our ability to adequately evaluate the role of the SHWW in the global
climate system is limited by conflicting interpretations from broadly distributed paleoclimate records.
Here, we reconstruct Holocene changes in the strength of the westerlies at a latitude where the winds
play a fundamental role in Southern Ocean deep water ventilation. We utilize a highly resolved lacustrine
geochemical sedimentary record from SW Patagonia (51°S) to monitor changes in lake dynamics and
evaporative processes associated with the overall strength of the westerlies at the core of modern wind
belt. Our proxies imply moderately strong winds during the Late Glacial/Holocene transition, followed by a
rapid reduction in wind intensity at 9,500 that extends to 6,000 cal yr BP, followed by a subsequent increase
in wind strength culminating within the last 400 years. We show that SHWW intensity is controlled by
tropical climate mechanisms that are ultimately driven by Northern Hemisphere extratropical temperatures
at multi-millennial and millennial timescales. We argue that a stronger zonally symmetric midlatitude
jet in austral winter during the middle and late Holocene increases wind stress at the latitude important
for deepwater ventilation for a greater part of the year, which ultimately contributes to atmospheric CO2
observed in Antarctic ice cores.
167
HYDRO-CLIMATIC CHANGES DURING THE LAST FOUR CENTURIES IN THE PACIFIC DOMAIN
(37-42OS) OF THE NORTHERN PATAGONIA REGION INFERRED FROM STREAMFLOW
RECONSTRUCTIONS MUÑOZ, ARIEL1, GONZÁLEZ-REYES, ALVARO2, MUNDO , IGNACIO3, LARA, ANTONIO4, CHRISTIE,
DUNCAN 4, LEQUESNE, CARLOS 4, PUCHI, PAULINA1, AGUILERA-BETTI, ISABELLA1, TOLEDO,
ISADORA1, SAUCHYN, DAVID5, URRUTIA, ROCÍO4, VILLALBA , RICARDO6, FRÊNE, CRISTIAN7,
1
Laboratorio de Dendrocronología y Estudios Ambientales, Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Valparaíso.2Departamento de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas,
Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Universidad de Chile.3Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y
Ciencias Ambientales (IANIGLA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad Nacional
de Cuyo.4Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos
Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.5Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC), University of
Regina.6Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales (IANIGLA) Centro Científico
Tecnológico Mendoza (CRICYT).7Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.
The current deficit in water availability for rural populations and productive activities in south-central
Chile (37-42oS) has increased the necessity of understand the natural hydro-climate variability in longterm perspectives. This knowledge is key to assess the current climate behavior with respect to the last
centuries and add a long-term view to the water policies. Some of the principal questions which can be
solved with long-term data of water availability are: Does the current drought pattern unusual in the longterm perspective?; There are cycles where the current precipitation reduction is part?. Using tree-ring
records from Araucaria araucana, Austrocedrus chilensis and Pilgerodendron uviferum, we developed five
streamflow reconstructions for the rivers Biobío, Cautín, Imperial, Fuy and Puelo. In this work we present
a comparison of the return interval of low flows during the last four hundred years in these rivers and the
long-term cycle patterns. The results showed a common pattern of increase in annual and biannual low
flow events, infrequent in the last four hundred years. The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and El Niño
Oscilación del Sur (ENSO) climate forcing anomalies are associated to the occurrence of these events. A
cycle around 80 years were found in the streamflow reconstructions, which explain more than 10% of the
variance, suggest a potential orbital effect in the natural hidro-climatic variability of the region. Low flows
during the last decades seem to be part of this cycle. (Sponsored by CONICYT)
168
BEYOND THE WALL: CRYPTIC REFUGIA EXPLAINS THE PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC PATTERN OF A
GROUND BEETLE FROM SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA
MUÑOZ-ESCOBAR, CHRISTIAN1,2, MUÑOZ-RAMÍREZ, CARLOS3, JEREZ, VIVIANE1, 1Departamento
de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción.2Universidad
de Concepción, Programa de Doctorado en Sistemática y Biodiversidad.3Department of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan.
Given the complexity of the austral landscape of the Andes Range, questions regarding the number and
location of glacial refugia still remain in the biogeography of southern South America. One of the traditional
hypotheses states that there was a single main glacial refugium in northeastern Chiloé, which extended
through the coastal Range of Chile (~40-42°S). However, geocryological, fossil and genetic evidences
in insular sectors of southern Chile (~50°S), suggest that the idea of a single, large refugium may have
been overemphasized, and multiple refugia could have existed in situ. According to these evidences,
we explicitly evaluated multiple glacial refugia by studying the genetic patterns of Ceroglossus suturalis
(Carabidae). The current distribution of the species overlaps with the area directly affected by the ice sheet
during the Last Glacial Maximum. Using a spatially explicit method framed in an approximate Bayesian
computation approach, we tested the support for four different hypothetical scenarios, which were informed
from paleodistribution models: the one refugium-model (classical hypothesis), the two-refugium model (a
second cryptic refugium in Wellington Island or Navarino Island), and the three-refugium model (the classic
refugium plus Puerto Eden and Isla Navarino). Our results showed strong support for the three-refugium
scenario, suggesting C. suturalis persisted in areas within the known margins of the glacial ice sheet in
addition to the classical northern refugium. These results provide evidence of cryptic refugia well beyond
the margins of the hypothesized glaciated area and highlight the power of model-based inferences to
distinguish between complex evolutionary histories.
(Sponsored by Proyecto DIUC 212.113.080-1.0 Universidad de Concepción)
169
CHARACTERIZING MACROALGAL ADAPTIVE RADIATION THROUGH OCCURRENCE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA: POTENTIAL LINKS TO NICHE DIVERSITY IN SUB-ANTARCTIC CHILE MURCIA, SILVIA1, MANSILLA, ANDRES2, OJEDA, JAIME1, RODRIGUEZ, JUAN PABLO2, MENDEZ,
FABIO2, OCARANZA, PAULA1, MARAMBIO, JOHANNA1, ROSENFELD, SEBASTIÁN1, RIUL, PABLO3,
TORRES, RODRIGO4, 1Science, Universidad de Magallanes.2Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad
(IEB), Universidad de Magallanes.3Botánica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.4Science, Centro
Investigación Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP).
Species-occurrence data are key for biodiversity analyses. But, identifying the set of factors that determine
species occurrence, distribution, and spatiotemporal dynamics under which a species evolved is complex,
as it must consider covarying abiotic and biotic factors, and their interactions in the environment. We use
spatiotemporal occurrence and environmental data for preliminary modeling of macroalgal distribution
ranges, estimate species niche of representative sub-Antarctic macroalgae and predict their vulnerability
and habitat suitability under global changes. We aim at systematizing eco-physiological and environmental
characterization of sub-Antarctic habitats (ultimately including study of genetic signatures of adaptive
divergence) in processes of population differentiation and speciation through taxonomic, distribution,
environmental and genetic data obtained by sampling a wide range of sites, both in Magallanes and
Antarctica. Initial results suggest a scenario of common origin for a number of Antarctic and sub-Antartic
species, whereas other species tend to have a shared co-ancestry among sub-Antarctic regions. Also,
preliminary results on photosynthetic capacities (these proceedings), showed some differentiation
among species and among sites within species ([pigment], fluorescence), suggesting a role of habitat
heterogeneity in macroalgal evolution. We contribute to understanding how factors determining species
occurrence and distribution are scale dependent, and often linked to ecosystem processes. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1140940; VCE1216-CONICYT)
170
SOUTERN OCEAN BACTERIOPLANKTON DIVERSITY AND FUNCTION: EMERGING TRENDS
ACROSS ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS MURRAY, ALISON1, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Desert Research Institute.
Bacterioplankton are abundant, phylogenetically and phenotypically diverse bacteria and archaea that
play critical roles in the microbial loop and influence biogeochemical cycles in the Southern Ocean. They
are present in the Southern Ocean from the surface to the seafloor and their distributions are sensitive to
environmental gradients coincident with water mass properties, seasonal cycling, sea ice, and availability
of resources. The level of understanding of bacterioplankton diversity and functional properties has seen
an exponential rise in recent years as a result of technology-driven advances in DNA sequencing, and
increased access to the Southern Ocean. Here we will examine the variability in bacterioplankton diversity
and functional potential across important temporal and spatial gradients in the Southern Ocean and
between the polar oceans. For example, temporal trends in abundance and diversity have been linked to
shifts in ecosystem function in carbon cycling between summer and winter. Assessments of the spatial
extent of these changes is ongoing. Other efforts have suggested distinct membership between the coastal
and open ocean zones as well as between the poles which suggest that despite the potential for dispersal
via thermohaline circulation, bacterioplankton in the polar oceans are uniquely adapted to their ecosystems.
Details of these adaptations are slowly being uncovered, but mostly remain to be discovered through
genome-enabled studies of the Southern Ocean. Potential influences of how climate change may influence
the bacterioplankton will also be addressed, in addition to the role the polar front plays in biogeographic
isolation of Southern Ocean microorganisms. (Sponsored by National Science Foundation, Polar Programs; Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute)
171
THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE MOUNTAINS OF SOUTH AMERICA – A MACROECOLOGICAL
ASSESSMENT NAGY, L1, Biologia Vegetal, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP.
The Andes, the emblematic range of South America, spans five biogeographic provinces along its north
to south extension that spans about 55 degrees of latitude. In addition to the Andes, there are numerous
other mountain ranges on the continent that harbour a high diversity of endemic flora and fauna. Local
and regional biodiversity accounts exist, however, a comprehensive assessment of patterns, their potential
causes and drivers of future changes is lacking. This talk presents a comprehensive macroecological
assessment of mountain biodiversity and explores biogeographic connection of the mountains of South
America. The assessment is based on the classification of mountain environments according to their
bioclimatic properties, physiography and land use / land use history. The derived classes are related to
biodiversity patterns and some hitherto proposed schemes of biogeographical regionalisation are revisited.
Based on the results, a high mountain environmental and biodiversity observatory network is proposed.
172
ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND PINACEAE INVASIONS
NUÑEZ, M1, HORTON, THOMAS2, HAYWARD, JEREMY3, DIMARCO, ROMINA4, SIMBERLOFF, DAN5,
1
Grupo de Ecología de Invasiones, N/A, Comahue.2Syracuse, University of New York.3Botany, University of
Hawaii.4INTA CONICET.5EEB Tennessee.
Belowground interactions are complex and important to plant invasions. Here we describe research on
Isla Victoria in Nahuel Huapi National Park and in other parts of the southern hemisphere on mycorrhizal
fungal invasion, and their role on pine invasions. Pinaceae invasion is a major problem in the southern
hemisphere, with millions of hectares invaded. We used a series of greenhouse, field and lab studies
to investigate the role of mycorrhizal fungi in pine invasion. We found that mycorrhizal fungi can limit
Pinaceae invasion, with seedling establishment and growth far from plantations hindered by a lack of
mycorrhizal inoculum. Different communities of mycorrhizal fungi occur inside plantations than in the
natural regeneration areas. Also, results from inoculation studies with feces showed that animals are the
main dispersal vectors of mycorrhizal fungi in the area, since field experiments showed that wind dispersal
of propagules from sporocarps is limited. With large field experiments, we found that mycelial networks
associated with exotic Pinaceae promote invasion fronts of Pinaceae. When seedlings were connected to
a network of exotic trees, they grew significantly bigger than when isolated from such networks. However,
in native forest areas distant from any exotic trees, isolation from the native networks was an advantage.
This suggests a new mechanism for biotic resistance, where fungal network of native trees can reduce the
establishment of exotic trees. It is clear from these results that studying Pinaceae invasion without studying
their mycorrhizal symbionts can lead to an incomplete understanding of the invasion process. (Sponsored by funding from the National Science Foundation, Awards #DEB 949175 and #DEB 948930)
173
SOIL MOISTURE VARIABILITY FROM SATELLITE OBSERVATION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE
FORESTS FIRE IN THE ARAUCANIA REGION, CHILE.
OLEA, MATÍAS1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL1, VARGAS, VIVIANA2, GONZÁLEZ, ALVARO3, 1Laboratorio
de Dendrocronología y Estudios Ambientales, Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica
de Valparaíso.2Laboratorio de Teledetección, Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Valparaíso.3Geología, Universidad de Chile.
The understanding of the factors controlling the forests fire in the spatial landscape variability has become
an important issue in forest ecology. The high frequency of forest fires during summer season in the last
years and the precipitation reduction in the Araucania region of Chile, has provoked a public concern about
the climate influence in the fire regime considering the climate change projections for the area. Some new
data sets from remote sensing allow to asses the spatial variability of environmental variables during the
last decades, offering novel perspectives to analyse the climate-fire relationships in the territory. Utilizing
a new multi-satelite data base of soil moisture variability from 1980 and the forest fire registers from the
Forest Service (CONAF) for the same period, we assess the influence of soil moisture in the fire frequency
in the Araucaria region. The results showed a good match between forest fire occurrence and the summer
soil moisture. Large-scale fires (>1000 ha) occurred in all cases during low soil moisture years. The fire also
was related with low soil moisture in previous years, suggesting a potential of this hydroclimatic variable
could be used in the detection and prevention of forest fires in this region. (Sponsored by CONAF)
174
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE PLANT DISPERSAL PATHS: EXAMPLES FROM LAMIALES.
OLMSTEAD, RICHARD1, LU-IRVING, PATRICIA2, CHAU, JOHN1, 1Biology, University of
Washington.2Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona.
Detailed phylogenetic study of Lamiales has permitted the enumeration and directionality of migration
paths between southern hemisphere continents in several families. Dated trees, biogeographic inference,
and habitat preferences of contemporary species, suggest that most of the dispersal events involved long
distance, over-water dispersal. Families of South American origin with contrasting dispersal patterns
include Bignoniaceae with dispersal primarily to Australasia, and Verbenaceae with dispersal primarily to
Africa. Scrophulariaceae originated in southern Africa and reached South America at least two times. (Sponsored by National Science Foundation (USA))
175
PHOTOSYNTHETIC RESPONSES OF NOTHOFAGUS PUMILIO ACROSS AN ELEVATION GRADIENT
ON NAVARINO ISLAND (55° S)
OÑATE, BASTIÁN1, ROJAS, ROKE1, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN1, COOPMAN, RAFAEL1, Instituto de
Conservación Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales,
Universidad Austral de Chile.
Temperate and boreal treelines have been shown not restricted by downstream photosynthetic product,
in support to the growth limitation hypothesis. Nevertheless, full photosynthetic characterization of
trees growing in extremely wet and cold oceanic environment, such as Chilean Sub-antarctic Islands is
unknown. Considering these particular climate conditions, the aim of our study was understand from a
mechanistic point of view, how the photosynthetic functioning of Nothofagus pumilio is adjusted along it
elevational distribution in the hyper-humid and cold sub-antarctic Navarino Island (55° S). We performed
a photosynthetic and microclimate characterization at three elevations (30, 270 and 510 m a.s.l.) across
this mature forest. Consistent with the high and constant relative humidity > 75%, stomatal conductance
to CO2 was not limiting and it responses were very small and slow, similar to most fern species, and
rare in seed plants. Following with the CO2 diffusive pathway, the extremely cold air at the treeline (daily
mean < 5°C and -1.5°C lower than sea level), decreased the mesophyll conductance, lowering the CO2
availability in the chloroplast by 20% relative to sea level. Conversely, we found an elevational increase
in the leaf N content, which was concomitant with the 35% greater Rubisco carboxylation capacity. These
metabolic compensation mechanisms determine a similar CO2 assimilation among elevations. Finally,
dendrochronological registers in this forest, shows increasing growth trends since 1960, according to the
regional warming, which likely are explained by the thermally driven increase in mesophyll conductance
and Rubisco activity.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1120965)
176
TRASH-BASKET EPIPHYTES: THEIR ROLE IN ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY IN FOREST CANOPIES
ORTEGA-SOLIS, GABRIEL1, DÍAZ, IVÁN1, MELLADO-MANSILLA, DANIELA1, TEJO, CAMILA1, TELLO,
FRANCISCO2, ARMESTO, JUAN3, 1Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Ecología del Dosel, Facultad de
Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Escuela de Graduados, Facultad
de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.3Departamento de Ecología,
Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Trash basket epiphytes (TBE) are a special case of litter-trapping plants which promote arboreal-soil
formation by enhancing the retention of organic matter in the tree-tops. The TBE contribute with a large
portion of the epiphytic biomass and can be an influent driver of canopy biodiversity, however this effect has
been overlooked in most forest ecosystems. Here we review i)the concept of TBE, ii)its influence on canopy
functions and biodiversity, iii)the occurrence of TBE across plant families, and iv) its geographic distribution.
There are 105 species of TBE recognized in ecological literature. The most known TBE species belong to
the families Araceae, Asteliaceae, Aspleniaceae, Polipodiaceae, Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae. These
plants cover a wide geographic region from tropical to temperate forests in South-East Asia, Oceania, Africa
and Central and South-America. The litter trapped by TBE is decomposed in situ, releasing nutrients that
can be used by other epiphytes, the host tree, or could reach the forest floor. The arboreal-soil associated
to TBE form a sponge-like substrate that retains water that could be beneficial to other epiphytes or the
host tree. TBE also provide habitat for soil macroinvertebrates in the canopy, what could potentially double
the invertebrate biomass occurring in the host tree. The wide distribution of TBE plants and its influence
on forest canopies make them interesting from a conservation perspective. Most forest management and
conservation plans do not include canopy-dwelling biodiversity and functions. By providing habitat and
resources to other species, organisms like TBE could be helpful to restore canopy communities.
177
CLIMATIC SENSIBILITY OF BEILSCHMIEDIA MIERSII RADIAL GROWTH IN CENTRAL CHILE.
ORTIZ, JAVIERA1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL1, TOLEDO, ISADORA1, AGUILERA-BETTI, ISABELLA1, PUCHI,
PAULINA1, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN2, FLORES, LORENA3, MOREIRA, ANDRÉS4, 1Laboratorio de
Dendrocronología y Estudios Ambientales, Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Valparaíso.2Laboratorio de Dendrocronología y Cambio Global, Instituto de Conservación Biodiversidad y
Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.3Reserva
Nacional El Yali, Corporación Nacional Forestal Valparaíso (CONAF).4Instituto de Geografía, Facultad de
Ciencias del Mar y Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.
Recent studies developed through Beilschmiedia miersii distribution have evidenced low or null
regeneration of trees, becoming in a special concern in the forest ecology of the Mediterranean ecosystems
of central Chile. Some hypotheses to explain this apparent not renewals of the populations of B. miersii
are: i) not-adaptation to the fragmentation and the high aridity conditions in the region; ii) high herbivorous
pressure in forest fragments; iii) a natural low rate of establishment. The study of the growth-patterns in
populations of B. miersii can be a useful method to assess the growth adaptation to the environmental
changes during the last centuries and understand the tree establishment’s rate in these forests. To assess
the climate effect in the B. miersii growth-patterns, we develop tree-ring chronologies in Aguas Claras
(AC) and El Boldo (EB) private Parks close to the coast, and the La Campana National Park (LC) as a
continental site of its distribution in the Valparaiso Region. The tree-ring chronologies showed different
climate-growth relationships. The coastal sites (AC y EB) showed a moisture sensitivity signal in the treegrowth during the summer months. The opposite response was found in the continental site (LC) where the
temperature variability controls the growth during the same year season. These primary analyses suggest
a site-specific response in the growth patterns with respect to the temporal and spatial climate variability.
An exhaustive revision of B. miersii tree-growth patterns including more populations is necessary to
understand the climate-growth constrains in this species. (Sponsored by CONAF Valparaíso; Parque Aguas Claras)
178
INCREASE IN POTENTIAL FLOWER LONGEVITY IN HIGHER POPULATIONS OF RHODOLIRION
MONTANUM PHIL. (AMARYLLIDACEAE) OCCURS BUT IS INSUFFICIENT TO TOTALLY AMELIORATE
POLLEN LIMITATION
PACHECO, DIEGO1,3, DUDLEY, LEAH2, ARROYO, MARY1,3, 1Departamento de Ecología, Facultad
de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.2Biology Department, University of Wisconsin-Stout.3Laboratorio de
Ecología y Sistemática Vegetal, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB).
Temperature-mediated plastic and evolutionary increases in potential flower (and stigma) longevity, allowing
more time for the pollination of a flower, have been proposed as means for overcoming pollen limitation due
to low pollination visitation rates in high alpine plants. However, these ideas have been rigorously tested in
very few alpine plants. We determined stigma receptivity, temperature-controlled potential flower longevity,
visitation rates and pollen limitation in three populations of Rhodolirium montanum Phil. situated between
2300 and 3050 m.a.sl. in the central Chilean Andes. Temperature at flower height was lower in the upper
site compared to the middle and lower sites. Pollen germination on stigmas following hand-pollination of
pollinator-excluded flowers showed stigmas remain receptive during the entire flower life. Flower visitation
rates were lower in the upper and middle sites, but did not follow the expected altitudinal pattern. Potential
flower longevity increased with altitude. However, pollen limitation was absent only at the lowest elevation.
Plastic effects explained the increase in potential flower longevity between the lower and upper sites,
there being no evidence consistent with an evolutionary response. Increased potential flower longevity
could ameliorate pollen limitation at the highest altitudes in Rhodolirion montanum, but is not sufficient to
completely over-ride it (Sponsored by CONICYT-PCHA/Magister Nacional/2013 22131579, ICM-MINECON P05-002-IEB, PFB23 Y FONDECYT 1140541)
179
GENETIC VARIABILITY OF ABROTHRIX OLIVACEA (RODENTIA) IN A HOTSPOT OF BIODIVERSITY IN
SOUTHERN CHILE PALMA, EDUARDO1, ZEPEDA, PAULO2, RODRÍGUEZ-SERRANO, ENRIQUE3, TORRES-PÉREZ,
FERNANDO4, CELIS, JUAN LUIS5, 1Ecología, Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Chile.2Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Ecología, Ciencias Biológicas .3Zoología,
Universidad de Concepción.4Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.5Escuela
de Agronomía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.
Abrothrix olivacea (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae), the olivaceous mouse, characterizes for being a species
with a wide distributional range between southern Peru to the Patagonia of Chile and Argentina. Previous
phylogeographic analyses have reported that this species shows a well marked structured pattern
suggesting a strong local adaptation, with recognized subspecies, which is an interesting feature if we want
to study patterns of genetic variability along distributional ranges. Previous phylogeographic studies have
demonstrated that populations of the olivacea mouse from the Chiloe Island in southern Chile, and from
the mainland (e.g. Valdivia) would belong to the same clade, indeed to the same subspecies, Abrothrix
olivaceus brachiotis. In this work we evaluated the genetic variability of the latter form along its distribution
in the Temperate Forests of southern Chile including the Chiloé Island. Specifically, we evaluated the
effects that population’s fragmentation of the Temperate Forests in southern Chile have had on the genetic
variability of this species, as well as the historical effects of the last Pleistocene glaciation events that
severely affected the biota of the study area. For the analyses, we used mitochondrial DNA sequences and
microsatellite variation. Our results hipothesized a structured pattern of differentiation between fragmented
populations of olivacea in the Chiloe Island, and between the island and nearby forests populations of
mainland Chile.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1130467, 1140929)
180
“ECO-AESTHETICS AND HERMENEUTICS: EXOTICISM IN LATIN AMERICAN LANDSCAPES
AND MAPUCHE POETIC METAPHORS” PAREDES, ANGELINA1,2,4,3, ROZZI, RICARDO4,5,6,7,8,9, JUSTIN, WILLIAMS1,4, 1IEB, Institute of Ecology
and Biodiversity.2Doctorado en FIlosofia, Universidad MIchoacaba de San Nicolás de Hidalgo.3Center
for Environmental Philosophy, University of North Texas.4Subantartic Biocultural Conservation, Center
for Environmental Philosophy, University of North Texas.5Department of Philosophy & Religion Studies
University of North Texas.6Subantartic Biocultural Conservation Program, Center for Environmental
Philosophy, University of North Texas.7Universidad de Magallanes.8(IEB) Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad en Chile.9Puerto Williams, Provincia Antartica de Chile, Parque Etnobotanico Omora Puerto
Williams.
Subtitle: a consideration of poetic ecological knowledge shared between mapuche and yaghan
ornithological metaphor and western scientific metaphor. We focus on “the imperial eye” as a driver of the
colonialist exoticism that continues to perpetuate the “otherization” of Latin America. The logic behind the
imperial aesthetic eye focuses on Latin American landscapes maintaining neo-imperial attitudes that render
cultures exotic. Under the paradigm of progress the “other’s knowledge” is marginalized, and undervalued.
We seek to challenge this colonial exoticism in light of shared metaphors found in Mapuche and Western
scientific ornithological narratives, which allows us to consider the question of “what is an exotic vision of
culture and knowledge.” Much of the discussion surrounding traditional ecological knowledge is couched
in terms of post-colonialism because scientific research focuses it’s attention on indigenous knowledge.
Through critical analysis, eco-hermeneutics, and the focus on metaphors, we challenge the languagegame of post-exoticism and the suggestion that we can consider the legacies of imperialism handed down
to us from a bygone era. Eco-aesthetics and hermeneutics of exoticism contribute to further understand
and value the insights shared between indigenous and Western culture metaphors. Exoticism language
of the landscape, nature, and birds can be replaced with an understanding of pre- exoticism inside the
denominated “other” which is visible as an important co-constitutive agent in the emergence of global
ecological existential knowledge.
181
WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF PINE INVASIONS ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM
FUNCTIONING? STANDARDISED METHODS TO GET LOCAL AND GLOBAL ANSWERS.
PAUCHARD, ANÍBAL1,2, GARCÍA, RAFAEL2,1, 1Facultad de Ciencias Forestales Universidad de
Concepción.2Laboratorio de Invasiones Biológicas, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB).
Pine invasions are affecting ecosystems worldwide, because pines have been extensively planted in most
ecoregions and they have biological traits that make them highly invasive. Thus, measuring the impacts
of pine invasions is a priority for invasion ecology and conservation. In this presentation, we discuss how
to better assess pine invasion impacts. We used Pinus contorta, a native species from North America that
has been widely planted in cold ecosystems for production and reforestation, and is now considered an
ecosystem transformer. We have studied two sites in southern Chile, the subalpine Araucaria araucana
open forest and the Patagonian steppe. Our method is part of the Global Invader Impacts Network (GIIN).
We use a set of observation and experiments in permanent plots along the invasion gradient, including
the removal of pines to study the legacies of pine invasion impacts. We have found a strong pine biomass
gradient reaching up to 200 ton/ha in the forest and 50 ton/ha in the steppe. Litter accumulation increases
with pine density, from 1.2 to 7.4 cm in the forest and from 1.4 to 3.9 in the steppe, and gradually pine litter
replaces native litter. Plant diversity decreases with pine invasion, in association with increased tree cover
and reduced light. We expect not only to quantify the magnitude of pine invasion impacts, but also the
mechanisms and legacies of such impacts to inform management and ecological restoration.
(Sponsored by Fondecyt 1140485, CONICYT PFB-23, ICM P05-002)
182
NEW ZEALAND’S WILDING CONIFER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY – HOW RESEARCH OF VARIOUS
DISCIPLINES INFLUENCED POLICY TOWARDS BETTER WILDING CONIFER MANAGEMENT
PAUL, THOMAS1, ROLANDO, CAROL1, Forest Systems Scion.
In 2014 the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries released the National Strategy for Wilding Conifer
Management 2015-2030, with the ambitious goal to stop any further spread of wilding conifers and contain
or eradicate current infestations. How did New Zealand develop such a strategy and what role did research
play? By describing the process whereby wilding conifers have moved from being a noxious weed to one
of the top priorities for politicians and land authorities, the importance of a strong interaction between
researchers and end-users in the affected land authorities will be highlighted by providing examples how
end-users influenced research and how research was in the end taken up. Such relationships have an
important role to play in influencing behaviour and perception that ultimately underpins policy change. At
the same time this case study highlights the importance of research that informs decision-makers along
the way, rather than targeted for the science community. We will present applied and informative research
that is critical to tree-weed management in New Zealand and which met the requirements for policy and
decision-makers to develop the national strategy and gain agencies “buy-in”. Such research might appear
more applied and informative and might be of limited interest to the science community but has shown to
have an important place when it comes to decision making. 183
QUANTIFYING THE FLAMMABILITY OF FIRE-SENSITIVE NOTHOFAGUS MOOREI RAINFOREST IN
EASTERN AUSTRALIA.
PEACOCK, ROSS1, IACONIS, ARIANA2, 1Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and
Engineering, Macquarie University.2Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and
Environment, The University of Sydney.
Managing fire-sensitive temperate rainforest communities requires land managers to exclude wildfires and
historically this was achieved by relying on fire protected topographic refuges and changes in fuel moisture
content and elevated fuels once a ground fire enters the rainforest. Cool temperate Nothofagus rainforests
in eastern Australia are hypothesized to lack the fire-adaptive traits of sclerophyllous vegetation such as
fire stimulated germination from persistent soil and canopy held seed banks and instead are potentially
anti-flammable and act as flammability damps when exposed to the head of a fire or spot ignition. Recently
eastern Australia has seen the emergence of earlier spring fire seasons which is challenging the traditional
reliance of land managers on these natural containment strategies. In order to provide land managers with
a clearer understanding of fire behaviour across the eucalyptus-rainforest boundary and quantify the risk
of wildfire entering fire protected refuges we initiated a program of quantifying profile fuel characteristics,
rates of fine and course fuel inputs and decay and the classic components of fuel flammability; ignitability,
combustibility, sustainability and heat output. We examined these laboratory-scale flammability components
by measuring at three experimental scales (individual fuel fractions, individual profile fuel samples and
complete litter beds) and finally by implementing Australia’s first operational scale hazard reduction burn
in cool temperate rainforest. The unpublished results of these recent experiments will be presented for the
first time along with some of the challenges in scaling up the outcomes to provide operational advice on
wildfire containment strategies to land managers.
184
BRYOPHYTES AS FINE SCALE INDICATORS OF VEGETATION CONDITION IN NOTHOFAGUS
MOOREI RAINFOREST IN EASTERN AUSTRALIA.
PEACOCK, ROSS1, DOWNING, ALISON1, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and
Engineering, Macquarie University.
Bryophytes have significant potential to act as fine scale indicators of vegetation condition especially
where traditional approaches using vascular plant species richness are limited. Bryophytes (mosses and
liverworts) were systematically surveyed across a disturbance gradient in high elevation cool temperate
Nothofagus moorei rainforest in eastern Australia in order to examine the relationship between their
compositional and fine scale habitat preferences and past disturbance history. The rainforests were logged
selectively in the 1960s to varying tree basal area retention levels or were left undisturbed. Bryophytes
were sampled by substrate type and the area of each substrate (eg species specific bark surface or rock
outcrop) measured using fixed sample points. The rainforests are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of
Australia world heritage property and include a high proportion of ancient and threatened Gondwana
plant families and species. Climate change is an emerging threat to these high elevation forests with
the mean annual temperature increasing by 1.5 degrees C since 1960. Bryophytes colonised over fifty
unique substrates with fallen logs and Nothofagus moorei and Ceratopetalum apetalum tree buttresses
supporting the largest number of the 120 bryophyte species recorded. An unexpected result was the almost
complete absence of soil colonising bryophytes and the greater number of species present in rainforests
with a history of selective logging compared to the undisturbed stands. There was a greater dependency
of specialised bryophytes such as epiphytic leafy liverworts on the larger diameter tree buttresses present
only in the unlogged stands.
185
MILLENNIAL-SCALE CLIMATE VARIABILITY AT SOUTHERN HIGH LATITUDES: A REVISED BIPOLAR
OCEAN SEESAW MODEL
PEDRO, JOEL1, BOSTOCK, HELEN2, JOCHUM, MARKUS3, HE, FENG4, VANDERGOES, MARCUS5,
STEIG, ERIC6, CHASE, BRIAN7, RASMUSSEN, SUNE1, 1Niels Bohr Institute, Centre for Ice and Climate
University of Copenhagen.2Wellington National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.3Niels Bohr
Institute, University of Copenhagen.4Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, Center for Climatic
Research, University of Wisconsin.5Lower Hutt GNS Science.6Quaternary Research Center and
Department of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington.7Institut des Sciences de l´Evolution de
Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).
We present a synthesis of 84 high-resolution Southern Hemisphere climate records spanning the last
deglaciation. We use this synthesis and climate model simulations to test the bipolar ocean seesaw
hypothesis. The hypothesis contends that past collapses of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
(AMOC) caused abrupt cooling in North Atlantic and gradual warming in the South Atlantic, Southern
Ocean and adjoining land-masses (as heat that would otherwise be transported northward accumulated,
and vice-versa). However, many physical oceanographers and climate dynamicsts reject that an ocean
bipolar seesaw could operate in the real ocean. They cite two main reasons for their scepticism: (1) that
changes in ocean heat transport would be overwhelmed by the much larger time-mean heat transport
of the atmosphere; (2) that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) would prevent the propagation of
temperature anomalies between the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean by ocean pathways. We show that
the first critique is half right: the atmosphere partially compensates for changes in ocean heat transport.
This partial compensation is vital in setting the pattern of climate signals observed in palaeoclimate records.
The second critique holds: the ACC does act as barrier to signal propagation. However, the barrier is
breached by an atmospheric teleconnection between the Hadley cell and the polar westerlies — effectively
providing an ‘atmospheric bridge’ across the ACC. We conclude with a revised model for interhemispheric
climate coupling, which emphasises the role of wind-stress and sea ice variations at southern high
latitudes.
186
INCREASING WATER-USE EFFICIENCY LEADS TO A DIFFERENTIAL TREE RADIAL GROWTH
RESPONSE ACROSS AN ALTITUDINAL GRADIENT OF NOTHOFAGUS PUMILIO ANDEAN FOREST
DURING THE LAST CENTURY
PEÑA, MARÍA PAZ1, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN2,3, PAULA, SUSANA1, COOPMAN, RAFAEL2,4, 1Instituto
de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Instituto
de Biodiversidad, Conservación y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales,
Universidad Austral de Chile.3Laboratorio de Dendrocronologia y Cambio Global, Facultad de Ciencias
Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.4Laboratorio de Ecofisiología para la
Conservación de Bosques, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de
Chile.
It has been proposed that the combined effect of global warming and atmospheric CO2-enrichment would
stimulate productivity in high-elevation forests by attenuating cold-induced stress. Additionally, these
atmospheric/climate changes would improve the water use efficiency (WUE) of trees, lessening the impact
of water-stress on growth. However, this physiological adjustment does not seems prevent a decline in
tree growth under drought in humid temperate tree-lines, probably because the low water-stress resistance
in mesic locations. Likewise, this decoupled trend between tree growth and WUE patterns would be
exacerbated at low elevation by a higher evaporative demand. We test these hypotheses at centennial
time-scale in a Nothofagus pumilio high-elevation humid forest in the Chilean North-Patagonian Andes
(39°S). We developed basal area increment (BAI) and stable carbon isotope (δ13C) tree-ring chronologies
at three elevations to evaluated growth and physiological adjustments (iWUE) during the 20th century.
Climate signal on δ13C series was assessed removing CO2-noise. Nothofagus pumilio showed an iWUE
increase at all altitudes during last decades, being stronger at the lower elevation site. WUE enhancement
was explained by CO2-enrichment which was reinforced by the regional warm-dry conditions during the last
decades. Contrary to expected, this physiological adjustment stabilized BAI at the lower limit, but not avoid
the BAI decline at the tree-line. These altitudinal differences suggest distinctive physiological mechanisms
modulating iWUE, maximizing carbon gain at the tree-line and a more water-conservative strategy at lower
elevation. Understanding the physiological acclimation to local conditions at multidecadal timescales is
crucial to evaluate the complex growth-climate relationship in high-elevation forests. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1120965, CONICYT-PCHA 21100673, FONDAP1511009)
187
LINKING GEOGRAPHIC DEMOGRAPHY AND NICHE THEORY TO PREDICT SUITABLE HABITATS FOR
ESCHSCHOLZIA CALIFORNICA, AN INVASIVE PLANT OF CENTRAL CHILE.
PEÑA-GOMEZ, FRANCISCO T2,1, BUSTAMANTE, RAMIRO2,1, 1Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad,
Universidad de Chile.2Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
One important hypothesis, in relation to the abundance of species, across geographical distributions,
assumes that there are optimal sites (center of distribution) and sub-optimal sites (periphery) for survival
and reproduction. This pattern has been difficult to prove because environmental gradients not always
correlate with geographic distance to optimal places. These relationships could be more clearly observed
in the niche space (N-dimensional hypervolume), assuming that “central populations” are at the niche
centroid and they “peripheral populations” move off to the niche edges. We have studied population
dynamics and climatic niche of 17 populations of Eschscholzia californica, an invasive plant of Central
Chile. We evaluated the relationships between some demographic parameters: finite growth rate, plant
recruitment and abundance with the distance of each population to the niche centroid (using Mahalanobis
distance). We found a positive correlation between latitude (S) and distance to centroid of ecological niche;
the three demographic parameters declined significantly with increasing distance to the centroid. If the
climatic niche is conserved, we have a framework to make predictions about the success or failure of an
invasion of plants, since we could know if the invaded places are near or far from the optimal (centroid of
the niche). Thus, combining demography, niche theory and biogeography we have a tool to understand
invasive processes as well as to manageand anticipate the plant invasion. (Sponsored by Fondecyt: 1140009, 1100076; ICM-P05-002 (IEB); PFB-23)
188
PATTERNS OF ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN GLACIAL FORELAND CHRONOSEQUENCES: A
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CHILE AND NEW ZEALAND
PEREZ, CECILIA1, ARAVENA, JUAN2, SILVA, WLADIMIR1, MCCOLLOUGH, ROBERT3, ARMESTO,
JUAN4, PARFITT, ROGER5, 1Ecology Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.2Botany Universidad de
Magallanes.3Biological & Environmental Sciences University of Stirling.4Ecología, Pontificia Universidad
Católica de Chile.5Soil Science, Landcare Research.
Glacier retreats leaves behind substrates depleted of organic matter and nutrients, which are readily
colonized by organisms that capture elemental nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere. Organic matter
progressively accumulates in the ecosystem, reaching a maximum and if no disturbances occur, leaching
losses of N, P and C from soils give rise to the retrogressive phase with a decline in ecosystem productivity.
The objective was to compare the pattern of ecosystem development in glacial forelands in the SubAntarctic region of Chile and New Zealand, focusing on: i) Patterns of C, N and P accumulation in soils and
leaves, ii) changes in soil and leaf stoichiometry iii) trends in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), iv) changes
in the natural abundance of 15N in soils, v) development of tree basal area and species richness, and vi)
the relationship between tree growth and soil stoichiometry. Results show a similar pattern of soil C and
N accumulation in Chilean and New Zealand chronosequences, evidencing a progressive, maximal, and
retrogressive phases of ecosystem development. However, contrasts were evident during the progressive
phase where higher C/N, C/P and N/P ratios are observed in soil and leaves in Chile than in the New
Zealand chronosequence. The annual rates of BNF were similar in both chronosequences, with the
highest rates attributed to N-fixing vascular plants in the early stages of ecosystem development. The most
contrasting pattern across regions was the lack of a decline in total soil P, and the depleted 15N values in
the Chilean chronosequences. (Sponsored by Fondecyt 1130353, ICM-MINECON P05-002-IEB)
189
PHYLOGENY, CONSERVATION AND SPECIATION OF AEGLA (DECAPODA: AEGLIDAE) FRESHWATER
CRABS FROM SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA
PEREZ-LOSADA, MARCOS1, JARA, CARLOS2, BOND-BUCKUP, GEORGINA3, CRANDALL, KEITH1,
1
CBI George Washington University.2Instituto de Zoologia, Universidad Austral de Chile.3Departamento de
Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul.
Aeglidae (Decapoda, Anomura) is a monogeneric family comprised of 78 Aegla species. Aeglids are
considered the most abundant and widely distributed freshwater crabs in southern South America. Several
studies by our group combining multiple loci (mitochondrial and nuclear), ecological and geographic
information have deciphered Aegla evolutionary relationships and phylogeography, and assessed
their conservation status in 18 freshwater ecoregions from southern South America. Additionally, we
have examined the impact of Pleistocene glacial cycles on the speciation of Aegla alacalufi and Aegla
neuquensis from Patagonia. We have applied maximum likelihood, Bayesian and coalescent methods of
phylogenetic and population genetic inference, and estimated species and phylogenetic diversity indexes.
Here we present a comprehensive review of our previous studies. Our well-supported trees confirmed
the taxonomic status of most Aegla species, although several non-monophyletic taxa were identified.
Geographically, Aegla was divided into a basal western clade and a more recent central-eastern clade,
which suggests a Pacific origin and an eastward dispersion for the group. Conservation analyses identified
four freshwater ecoregions in Brazil and Chile that accounted for the largest number of species, as well
as the greatest amount of genetic diversity. Our species-phylogeography analyses showed significant
differences in population structure, divergence and dynamics (e.g., population expansion) between
glaciated and non-glaciated Aegla populations. Several episodes of isolation and dispersion were detected.
Speciation of A. alacalufi was greatly influenced by the Last Glacial Maximum; while A. neuquensis
differentiation was mainly driven by drainage divides established long before the last Pleistocene glacial
period.
(Sponsored by NSF DEB-0075600 - NSF-PIRE Program (OISE 0530267))
190
ARE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, OLD-GROWTH, TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS CARBON SINKS OR
SOURCES? A COMPARISON BETWEEN FORESTS IN NEW ZEALAND AND CHILE PEREZ-QUEZADA, JORGE1,2, WHITEHEAD, DAVID3, BRITO, CARLA1, HUNT, JOHN3, WALCROFT,
ADRIAN4, GAXIOLA, AURORA5,2, 1Department of Environmental Science and Renewable Natural
Resources, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Chile.2Senda Darwin Biological Station, Institute
of Ecology and Biodiversity.3Landcare Research.4(Formerly) Landcare Research.5Departamento de
Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Old-growth forest ecosystems store large amounts of carbon but their contribution as sinks for atmospheric
carbon dioxide is uncertain. Studies have been largely confined to the northern hemisphere and much
less is known about evergreen southern hemisphere forests. We compared the carbon balance of oldgrowth temperate rainforests in New Zealand (Okarito, latitude 43.2° S) and Chile (Senda Darwin, 41.9° S)
using a combination of direct measurements of net carbon dioxide exchange (eddy covariance technique),
estimates of carbon storage and modelling. Site history, fertility and tree age were similar at both sites with
similar annual temperature and precipitation. Our findings show that both forests are close to being carbon
neutral, with small net ecosystem carbon gains of 0.02 and 0.19 kg C m-2 y-1 for the sites in New Zealand
and Chile, respectively. The low rates of carbon uptake are attributed to nutrient limitation for plant growth,
principally nitrogen and phosphorus, associated with low soil concentrations and atmospheric inputs. We
show that net carbon uptake is dependent principally on solar irradiance, fraction of diffuse radiation and
temperature. The projections of climate change for the two sites over the next 50 years include warming
at both sites but differ in terms of precipitation, leading to a decrease at the site in Chile and an increase
in New Zealand. We forecast the contrasting impacts of increasing temperature and increasing fraction of
diffuse radiation on forest carbon balances and speculate that the site in Chile is more likely to become a
carbon source. (Sponsored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment from New Zealand, by the National Commission for Scientific
& Technological Research, Chile (FONDEQUIP AIC-37, FONDECYT 1130935) and by ICM-P02-005)
191
CLIMATE, VEGETATION AND FIRE-REGIME SHIFTS DURING THE LAST GLACIAL TERMINATION AND
THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLOCENE IN SOUTHWESTERN PATAGONIA.
PESCE, OSCAR1, MORENO, PATRICIO2, VILLA-MARTÍNEZ, RODRIGO3, DE POL-HOLZ, RICARDO3,
1
Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.2Departamento
de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.3GAIA-Antártica, Universidad de
Magallanes.
Detailed pollen and charcoal records from Lago Escondido (LE), a small-closed basin lake located in Seno
Skyring, Southwestern Patagonia, Chile, show major vegetation and fire-regime shifts between 6.3-18.8
ka (ka=1000 years before present). This lake is situated at 52°S, a key region for monitoring past changes
in the southern westerly winds (SWW). At multi-millennial scale we observe dominance of Ericaceae and
Acaena between 17.2-18.5 ka, followed by a prominent increase in Poaceae between 14.9-17.2 ka, and
spread of Nothofagus dombeyi type at 14.9 ka. Nothofagus persists with high abundance (>80%) between
6.3-10.9 ka implying closed-canopy forests. An anti-phase relationship is observed between microalgae
Botryoccoccus, with maximum at 18.2, 16.6, 14.9 ka,and Pediastrum with maximum at 17, 15.3, -13.7
ka. Because the coring location is at the deepest part of the lake we can infer past lake level changes
by variations in the abundance of littoral macrophytes Isoetes and Myriophyllum: lower/higher lake level
will induce centripetal/centrifugal shifts of these plants and, hence, higher/lower abundance. Increased
Myriophyllum therefore implies relatively low lake levels between 18-18.4and 14.7-16.5 ka. Likewise, high
abundance of Isoetes attests for a major lake level drop between 6.3-10.9 ka coeval high intense fire
activities. Our results suggest changes in SWW at millennial/submillenial timescales: high SWW activity
with high lake level and low paleofire activity; and low SWW activity with low lake level and increased
paleofire activity.
(Sponsored by ICM Grants P05-002 and NC120066, CONICYT USA2013-0035, Fondecyt 1151469)
192
THE EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE CLIMATE WITHIN TRANSIENT SIMULATIONS
OF THE HOLOCENE
PHIPPS, STEVEN1, ROJAS, MAISA2,3, ACKERLEY, DUNCAN4, BAKKER, PEPIJN5, GONZÁLEZ,
CHARLES2,3, 1Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania.2Department of
Geophysics, University of Chile.3Millennium Nucleus on PaleoClimate of the Southern Hemisphere,
University of Chile.4Monash Weather and Climate Monash, University.5College of Earth, Ocean, and
Atmospheric Sciences Oregon State University.
The Southern Hemisphere Assessment of PaleoEnvironments (SHAPE) project aims to reconstruct
and understand past changes in the atmospheric and oceanic circulation of the Southern Hemisphere.
Within this context, climate modelling plays a critical role in testing the interpretation of the proxy data
and exploring the underlying dynamical mechanisms. Here, we analyse a suite of transient simulations
of the Holocene climate. These are generated using state-of-the-art climate system models, and include
simulations conducted by Phase Three of the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project. We examine
the changes in the atmospheric circulation, surface temperature and sea ice. The majority of the models
simulate a progressive poleward shift in the position of the Southern Hemisphere westerly winds during the
Holocene. This trend is accompanied by cooling over Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, a deepening and
a poleward contraction of the circumpolar trough, and increasing sea ice cover. The results are sensitive to
the spatial resolution of the models and to the combination of forcings applied, with the lowest-resolution
model simulating no changes in the location of the westerly wind belt.
193
CHANGES IN COMPOSITION AND FLORISTIC DIVERSITY RELATED TO CLIMATE DURING THE
MIOCENE IN SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA: THE CASE OF NAVIDAD FORMATION (CENTRAL CHILE)
PINO, JUAN1, HINOJOSA, LUIS1, GUTÍERREZ, NESTOR2, 1Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas,
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.2Departamento de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y
Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile.
Several studies have shown a close relationship between periods of increasing temperatures and changes
in both composition and species richness through time. During the Miocene an important warming period
known as the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum (17-15 Ma) has been described, which represents one of
the major warming events during the Neogene. Navidad Formation (Central Chile) is key to understand the
vegetation’s changes experienced during this time interval in Chile, with outcrops deposited in contrasting
past climatic contexts. In this work we described both species composition and diversity in two fossil
floras with age that cover the Miocene time. Paleoclimatic conditions in which these tafofloras developed
are estimated using both uni- and multivariated analysis, using new global datasets. Also, we tested their
applicability to South America. Finally, our results were compared with other Neogene fossil floras from
southern South America, including a reconstruction of the paleodistribution of the vegetation. The main
results of our study show an increase in temperatures values and a small decrease in precipitation values
with a marked decrease in species diversity by the mid-late Miocene, consistent with the beginning of the
Andes rain shadow effect. This paleoclimate estimates are supported by the increase in warm elements
like Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Anacardiaceae families and the weak presence of the cold elements
like Nothofagus. These fossil floras show strong floristic relations with other phytogeographic provinces,
disconnected from Chile in modern days, supporting the hypothesis of subtropical forests widely distributed
in central Chile and central-northwest Argentina during this period.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1150690, ICM-MINECON P05-002-IEB & PFB23)
194
WHY ARE MEDITERRANEAN-TYPE CLIMATE TREELINES DEPRESSED; EVIDENCE FROM SOUTH
AMERICA
PIPER, FRIDA1,2, FAJARDO, ALEX1, CAVIERES, LOHENGRIN3,2, CAMARERO, JESÚS4,5,
LINARES, JUAN6, VIÑEGLA, BENJAMÍN7, 1CIEP Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la
Patagonia.2Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.3Departamento de Botánica,
Universidad de Concepción.4Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología CSIC.5Department de Ecología, Universitat
de Barcelona.6Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Universidad Pablo de
Olavide.7Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén
The growth limitation hypothesis (GLH) is the most accepted explanation for treeline formation, but it has
been scarcely examined in Mediterranean treelines, which are located at lower elevations than temperate
treelines. The GLH states that low temperature constrains C-sinks (i.e. tissue formation) more than
C-sources, predicting no decreasing non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations with elevation. We
hypothesized that elevational trends in growth and NSC in Mediterranean regions are co-determined by
low temperature and drought. We examined mean annual basal area increment and NSC concentrations
in developing (new twigs) tissues in trees growing at three elevations in three Mediterranean and three
temperate treelines in the southern Andes of Chile (33ºS, Kageneckia angustifolia, 36ºS, 40ºS, and
46ºS, Nothofagus pumilio) and Spain (36ºN, Pinus sylvestris, 42ºN, P. uncinata). NSC samplings were
performed at the onset of summer and autumn, which represent periods of contrasting drought intensities
in Mediterranean regions. Tree growth decreased and did not vary with elevation in temperate and
Mediterranean treelines, respectively. In Mediterranean treelines, sampling date significantly affected
new twig NSC concentrations: they increased with elevation in early summer but not in early autumn. In
temperate treelines, in contrast, there were no effects of sampling date, elevation, or the interaction of
both on NSC concentrations. Our study shows that tree growth and C balance at Mediterranean treelines
are not controlled by low temperature only. We suggest that summer drought may explain the lower global
elevation of Mediterranean treelines when compared to temperate treelines. (Sponsored by ICM P05 002, European Union FEDER 0087 TRANSHABITAT)
195
THE INFLUENCE OF SPATIAL GEOMETRY ON LOCOMOTION TRAJECTORIES AND SPEED IN TWO
POPULATIONS OF OCTODON DEGUS
POLANIA, D1, VASQUEZ, RODRIGO2, 1Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ciencias
Ecologicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.2IEB, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas,
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
Exploratory behavior involves benefits and costs because it contributes to fulfill physiological and/
or reproductive requirements but also it can increase predation risk. Research on mammalian spatial
representations suggests that environmental boundaries play a major role in both navigation and
exploratory behavior. In natural populations of the rodent Octodon degus, movement and navigation are
influenced by microhabitat structure, vegetation cover, and reproductive events, among others factors,
influencing locomotion speed, travelled distances and/or trajectories. Hence, movement trajectories can
be influenced by global and/or local geometry of the surrounding environment. We assessed, under
laboratory conditions, how spatial geometry affects movement trajectories in Octodon degus captured in
two populations with different environments. We used different experimental arenas with the same area but
different geometries (circle, square and six point star). Observed trajectories and velocities were different
between populations, where boundary angles influenced trajectories, making animals to use preferentially
the perimeter. Trajectories and velocities varied among arenas, being more tortuous in the circle arena.
This difference among trajectories can be guided by the need to optimize sites that provide safety and/
or information used to provide local maps, allowing animals to construct the global geometry of their
surrounding. (FONDECYT 1140548, ICM-P05-002, PFB-23-CONICYT) 196
GRAZING BY LARGE HERBIVORES HAS NO SHORT-TERM EFFECTS ON PLANT SPECIES
RICHNESS OR COMPOSITION IN HIGH ANDEAN PEATLANDS
PONSAC, CLAIRE1, ROQUE-MARCA, NATALIO1, SQUEO, FRANCISCO A1, Dept. Biología, Universidad
de La Serena & Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Chile.
In Chile’s Atacama Desert, high Andean peatlands are characterized by being the most productive
ecosystems. A management strategy of similar environments has been the introduction of large herbivores
because they maintain or enhance plant diversity. In order to test the validity of this assumption, we studied
how grazing by large herbivores affects plant species richness and community composition in five high
Andean peatlands located in Chile’s Coquimbo Region. These peatlands are not only the most productive
ecosystems in the Region, but also provide several ecosystem services that benefit the local people.
During the growing season of 2014-2015, we compared Net Aerian Primary Productivity (NAPP) and
species composition between areas where herbivores were excluded to areas where cattle were allowed to
graze freely. The results revealed that excluding cattle had no effect on either plant richness or Shannon’s
diversity index. This may partly be due to the high among-site variability in plant species composition, and
to cattle selectively foraging some species more than others. These data also suggest that the carrying
capacity of cattle in these Peatlands was not exceeded in 2015. Finally, our results highlight that the effects
of grazing on plant diversity are context-dependent.
(Sponsored by Projects ICM P05-002 & CONICYT PFB 23)
197
DIVERSIFICATION OF THE SPINY PLUNDERFISH HARPAGIFER IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN
POULIN, ELIE1, NARETTO, JAVIER2, HUNE, MATHIAS2, KRAFT, SEBASTIAN2, SAUCEDE, THOMAS3,
FÉRAL, JEAN-PIERRE4, GONZÁLEZ-WEVAR, CLAUDIO5, 1Ciencias Ecologicas, Instituto de Ecología
y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.2Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Ciencias, Universidad de
Chile.3UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences, Université de Bourgogne.4UMR 6540 DIMAR, COM-Station
Marine d´Endoume, Université de la Méditerranée.5GAIA-Antártica, Universidad de Magallanes.
The evolution of the marine benthic fauna in the Southern Ocean has been shaped by geological and
climatic atmospheric factors such as the geographic isolation of the Antarctic continent and the subsequent
installation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Recent studies in different taxa have shown, for
example, that shallow benthic organisms with long larval stages maintained contact after the physical
separation of the continents and divergence may be associated with the intensification of the ACC in the
late Miocene—early Pliocene. We performed phylogenetic reconstructions and estimated the level of
molecular divergence between congeneric species of Harpagifer, a marine notothenioid from the Antarctic
Peninsula, Subantarctic islands and Patagonia using the mitochondrial control region. Phylogenetic
reconstructions were performed using Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Bayesian Inference (BI), while the
divergence time estimations in the evolution of Harpagifer were calculated following a relaxed Bayesian
approach and assuming a strict molecular clock hypothesis. Molecular reconstructions recognized two
main lineages in the evolution of Harpagifer. The first one includes H. bispinins from South America while
the second one includes the rest of the analyzed species from Antarctica, South Georgia, Kerguelen
and Marion islands. The divergence between H. bispinis and the rest of the species is more recent than
expected under a vicariant hypothesis. We propose that climatic and oceanographic changes during the
coldest periods of the Quaternary and the northward migration of the Antarctic Polar Front may have
enhanced the colonization of Harpagifer from Antarctica to Subantarctic areas of the Southern Ocean.
198
LEGACY OF ICE AGES IN TEMPERATE SOUTH AMERICA: THE ROLE OF HYBRIDIZATION SHAPING
GENETIC SIGNATURES IN COLD-TOLERANT NOTHOFAGUS
PREMOLI, ANDREA1, MATHIASEN, PAULA1, ACOSTA, MARIA2, 1INIBIOMA CONICET, Laboratorio
Ecotono, Universidad Nacional del Comahue.2CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Instituto
Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV).
Scenarios of survival in glacial refugia during cooling were put forward in dominant tree species of
temperate ecosystems. These were analyzed using ecological niche modeling, fossil records, and/or
molecular data which provided evidence of multiple (probably small) refugia for cool-tolerant taxa and of
single (probably big) refugia for cool-sensitive species. Many studies have also suggested that during post
glacial expansions from different tree refugia hybridization may occur as a result of secondary contact.
However, the formation of hybrids maybe more complex than previously suggested. In particular, coldtolerant Nothofagus species of subgenus Nothofagus (Nothofagus antarctica and Nothofagus pumilio) for
which multiple glacial refugia were suggested, share widespread chloroplast polymorphisms along their
entire ranges. These were interpreted as wide-range chloroplast capture events as a result of hybridization/
introgression cycles. Although they may produce hybrids at some locations, these two species are
morphologically and ecologically distinct and can be clearly identifiable by means of nuclear ITS DNA
sequences. We combined nuclear and chloroplast DNA in combination with dating methods to analyze the
local hybridization dynamics between 20 sympatric populations of both species. While population pairs
shared up to 100% of DNA sequences of the chloroplast, a smaller proportion were so for genetic variants
of biparentally inherited markers. Dating methods yielded divergence times that encompass different ice
ages of Patagonia. Our results show that sympatric cold-tolerant Nothofagus have survived multiple glacial
events and that populations of both species have responded locally by hybridization-ecological speciation
cycles.
(Sponsored by Proyecto FONCyT PICT 2013-2404)
199
THE POTENTIAL USE OF PILGERODENDRON UVIFERUM TREE-RING DATING IN THE HISTORICAL
INTERPRETATION OF THE CHURCHES OF CHILOÉ
PUCHI, PAULINA1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL2, GONZÁLEZ, MAURO3, ABARZUA, ANA4, ARAYA, KATERINE5,
TOWNER, RONALD6, FITZEK, REINHARD7, HOLZ, ANDRES8, STAHLE, DANIEL9, 1Laboratorio
de Dendrocronología y Estudios Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Geografía, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.2Instituto de Geografía, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Geografía,
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.3Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio,
Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.4Instituto de Ciencias
Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.5Fundacion Amigos de
las Iglesias de Chiloé.6Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona.7Fundación San Ignacio
de Huinay Fundación San Ignacio de Huinay.8Department of Geography, Portland State University.9
Department of Geoscience, University of Arkansas.
Historically timber of Pilgerodendron uviferum have been used by people to build houses, boats and
churches, given its extraordinary durability and resistance to moisture conditions. The churches of Chiloé,
declared World Heritage by UNESCO were constructed, in many cases, using P. uviferum wood. Currently,
there is a lack of information about the history of the construction and restorations of these wood structures.
In this context, the goal of this study was evaluate the potential use of this species to dating wood pieces
found in two historic Chiloé churches (Villupulli and Ichuac). Wooden pieces of both churches were
successfully cross-dated using three regional multi-century long P. uviferum tree-ring site chronologies
located in the Chiloe region. The dating of the wood pieces was between the construction date and the date
of a restoration after the 1960 earthquake, suggesting a possible new events of restoration not previously
described in historical archives. The ecosystem services of P. uviferum forests are well know, including
the regulation of the water cycle in wetlands and its wood used in many structures and tools by native
people through its natural distribution. In this study we added a new service to the society derivate from
this endangered ecosystem, which is to be a useful bridge to the reconstruction of the history of the old
structures in the southern Chile. This capacity of P. uviferum offers to us an extraordinary opportunity to
extend our understanding about the history of the Chiloé Island and its people.
200
SHRUBS FACILITATE TREE ESTABLISHMENT IN OPEN AREAS IN A FOG-DEPENDENT FOREST
ECOSYSTEM PUGNAIRE, FRANCISCO I.1, MACEK, PETR2, SCHÖB, CHRISTIAN3, NÚÑEZ-ÁVILA, MARIELA4,
HERNÁNDEZ GENTINA, IVÁN5, ARMESTO, JUAN6, 1Estación Experimental de Zonas Aridas. LINCGlobal
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas.2Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia.3Institute
of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich.4Departamento Manejo de Bosques
y Medio Ambiente Universidad de Concepción.5CONAF Corporación Nacional Forestal.6Departamento de
Ecología. LINCGlobal Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Patches of temperate forest occupy fog-inundated coastal mountaintops (500-600 m) surrounded by
extensive xerophytic shrublands in Fray Jorge Forest National Park, Chile. We experimentally tested the
effect of shrub assemblages outside forest patches on sapling survival and growth of the three main forest
tree species along an environmental gradient. We tested whether facilitation led to nuclei for novel forest
patches under current semiarid climate. We visited a 12 year-old plantation of ~3600 tree saplings (ca. 30
cm tall) of Aextoxicon punctatum, Myrceugenia correifolia and Drimys winteri planted under the canopy of
Baccharis vernalis and Aristeguetia salvia shrubs, and in open areas without shrub cover. After ~12 years,
tree saplings survived only under the cover of B. vernalis. Survival was strongly depended on tree species
identity, drought tolerance, and position along the moisture gradient, with greater survival of A. punctatum
(35%) than M. correifolia (14%) on the windward edge, and no survival of D. winteri. The understory of
Aristeguetia salvia shrubs was unsuitable for tree establishment, presumably due to drier conditions under
its ephemeral foliage compared to sites under the evergreen foliage of B. vernalis. Interactions between
shrubs and fog-dependent tree species in this dry environment revealed strong and long-lasting facilitative
effects of shrub cover on tree survival and growth but, while B. vernalis acted as a nurse for trees, A. salvia
did not. Accordingly, nurse effects were strongly species-specific; our results show that forest expansion
can occur under current climate, beneath a small subset of non-forest shrub species.
201
DIVERGENT PATTERNS OF SELECTION ON CAM PHOTOSYNTHESIS BETWEEN TWO
POPULATIONS OF PUYA CHILENSIS UNDER CONTRASTING ENVIRONMENTS
QUEZADA, IVÁN1, SALDAÑA, ALFREDO1, GIANOLI, ERNESTO2,1, 1Departamento de Botánica, Facultad
de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción.2Departamento de Biología, Facultad
de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena.
Plants have developed strategies to live under arid and semiarid conditions. A key adaptation to drought
is Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a photosynthetic pathway that reduces water loss and is related
to higher fitness under arid conditions. It uses a different enzymatic path than C3 photosynthesis, and in
some species can be up- or downregulated (facultative CAM). However, CAM implies a higher metabolic
and structural cost than C3 photosynthesis. We expected some individuals from facultative CAM species
living in moist regions might be using CAM under certain circumstances. These plants would have lower
fitness than C3 plants, while the opposite is expected for drier regions. We estimated the impact of CAM
over fitness in two populations of Puya chilensis which face different precipitation regimes. We measured
CAM activity (as ∆H+), leaf thickness, leaf weight and LMA (leaf mass per area). We counted total flowers
in the same plants. Selection gradients were calculated for each population, with flower number as fitness
estimator. All functional traits were significantly higher in the dry population. Mean number of flowers per
plant was similar in both populations. Only ∆H+ was significantly associated with relative fitness in both
populations. While directional selection on CAM was positive in the dry population, it was negative in the
moist population. This might indicate that the expression of CAM by Puya chilensis may have a negative
effect over fitness for plants locally adapted to moist conditions. This is the first report of a negative effect of
CAM on plant fitness.
202
THE ROLE OF SOUTH AMERICA AS CENTER OF AUSTRAL PLANT DIVERSITY: PAST EVOLUTION
AND FUTURE PERSISTENCE - SOUTH AMERICAN BIOGEOGRAPHY DISENTANGLED THROUGH
PODOCARPUS PHYLOGENY
QUIROGA, P1, MATHIASEN, PAULA1, IGLESIAS, ARI1, PREMOLI, ANDREA1, Departamento de Botánica,
Centro Regional Bariloche, Universidad Nacional de Comahue - CONICET - INIBIOMA.
Families of southern origin, such as Podocarpaceae are considered key sources of information in plant
geography. The biogeographical relevance of Podocarpaceae relies on the fact that it’s the second largest
conifer family distributed in temperate and subtropical latitudes. We hereby built a phylogeny of Podocarpus
using molecular characters and new fossil data to elucidate biogeographical history of Podocarpus within
South America and with Central America and Africa. Phylogenetic reconstructions may elucidate alternative
hypotheses that Podocarpus s.l. originated in the Palaeogene and diversified to reach its present wide
distribution as a consequence of long-distance dispersal, or that it consists of ancient (i.e. Cretaceous)
widespread lineages that evolved within Gondwanan continents by vicariance. The estimated minimum age
of Podocarpus s.l. was dated in the late Cretaceous–early Paleogene. Lineages within Podocarpus were
already present by the Eocene and consisted of three latitudinally controlled clades. Biogeographic patterns
of extant Podocarpus within South America are the result of vicariance related to palaeoclimatic changes
and tectonic events. The recent diversification of African and northern South American taxa occurred as a
result of dispersal during the Neogene and suggest a biotic connection at subtropical latitudes.
203
EVOLUTIONARY DISTINCTNESS (ED) OF THE SPECIES OF THE ENDEMIC GENERA OF VASCULAR
PLANTS IN CHILE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION RAMIREZ, PAMELA1,2, URBINA-CASSANOVA, RAFAEL1, ROMÁN, MARÍA JOSÉ1, SCHERSON, ROSA1,
1
Depto. de Silvicultura y Conservacion de la Naturaleza, Fac. Ciencias Forestales y Conservacion de la
Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile.2Herbario VALPL, Laboratorio de Botánica, Universidad de Playa Ancha
de Ciencias de la Educación.
Chile has a very high rate of endemic floral species, mainly concentrated in the center of the country, a
highly urbanized area. As a consequence of this, 36% of continental (and 75% of island genera) has at
least one species with conservation status. Given the level of endemism, these threats might translate into
the loss of irreplaceable evolutionary history. This study was set out to quantify this by measuring ED for
201 vascular floral species belonging to the endemic genera of Chile. The ED metric is directly proportional
to the branch lengths that connect a taxon to the root of the tree, and inversely proportional to the amount
of taxa descending from those branches. In addition, EDGE, a metric that also considers conservation
status was measured for all species that are in conservation category. Specimens were obtained from
herbaria collections and fieldwork, and a backbone phylogeny was used, reconstructed using maximum
likelihood for all taxa with rbcL and trnL-F chloroplast regions, obtained both in the lab and downloaded
from the GenBank database. The highest ED was seen for monospecific basal genera such as the endemic
fern Thyrsopteris elegans. When incorporating conservation status, the EDGE metric also prioritizes more
derived and species–rich genera, with high levels of threat such as Robinsonia berteroi, endemic of the
Juan Fernandez Island. This analysis suggests that metrics considering evolutionary history can be very
useful, but clarity on the conservation target is crucial before deciding on the type of measurement to use. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 11121579, CONICYT 7912010011)
204
PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON THE ASSEMBLAGE COMPOSITION OF FRESHWATER
MACROINVERTEBRATES ASSOCIATED WITH AN ALTITUDINAL LAGOON GRADIENT IN NAVARINO
ISLAND, CHILE
RENDOLL, J1,4, CONTADOR, T1,4, ROZZI, R2, KENNEDY, J3,4, GAÑÁN, M4, 1Recursos Naturales, Ciencias,
Universidad de Magallanes.2Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas.3Biology, University of
North Texas.4Wankara Lab, Universidad de Magallanes.
The Magellanic sub-Antarctic ecoregion in southern South America is characterized by watersheds
with sharp temperature gradients, diverse vegetation profiles, and a variety of freshwater habitats
and microhabitats. Freshwater invertebrates in this region have adapted to the temperate nature of
the climate, and thus, voltinism patterns and physiological optimums are highly variable (ranging from
univoltine to multivotine) through the altitudinal gradients. Through the last 10 years, researchers at
Omora Ethnobotanical Park Long Term Socio-Ecological Research Site, have worked to protect and
study the watershed of the Róbalo River, which is representative of the watersheds described above
and provides a perfect natural laboratory for long-term studies. Four lagoons belonging to Róbalo River
watershed located at different elevations (20, 250, 480 and 700 m.a.s.l) were characterized and sampled
during the summer, fall and spring of 2015. For each site we measured physico-chemical parameters:
pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature. A permanent Hobo data logger was installed at each
site to record temperature through the long term. A total of 24 taxa of macroinvertebrates belonging to 17
families have been identified to date. In general, lagoons at lower altitudes have higher taxa richness, and
higher diversity, however at higher elevations the composition of taxa is more uniform. In addition, thermal
tolerances tests were conducted on 3 macroinvertebrates species, and showed a wide range of tolerance
to temperature changes. To generate information on this aspects is critical to create a basis for future
research and conservation initiatives regarding the South American subantarctic freshwater ecosystems.
(Sponsored by Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), ICMP05-002, CONICYT PFB-23, FONDECYT 11130451)
205
PAST FUEL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AT CENTRAL WESTERN PATAGONIAN ENVIRONMENTS:
ANTHRACOLOGY AT EL CHUECO 1 SITE (11500-2500 CAL. BP)
RIQUELME-TORO, ISABELLA1, MÉNDEZ, CÉSAR2, THÉRY-PARISOT, ISABELLE1, 1CEPAM - CNRS,
Université Nice-Sophia Antipolis.2Departamento de Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales,
Universidad de Chile.
The knowledge of the exploitation of resources by past hunter-gatherer societies are of utmost importance
when studying regional archaeologies that assess the relations between humans and the environments
they inhabit. Central Western Patagonia is particular in that it shows biomes ranging from evergreen forests
in the west to steppes in the east, thereby providing a good case for assessing differential procurement
of resources. The Cisnes valley, is located on an ideal area for studying such a problem since it connects
this ecological diversity and has yielded human occupations starting at the onset of the Holocene at \\\”El
Chueco 1\\\” archaeological site (950 masl). This is a key site for understanding differences in firewood
resource selection, considering it evidences connectivity networks with other sites within this river basin,
and is contemporaneous to available local palaeoenvironmental archives. Anthracological methods were
used to study charcoal material from \\\”El Chueco 1\\\” archaeological site, located at the upper Cisnes
river valley (Central Western Patagonia steppe ~44°S). This site yielded a significant charcoal assemblage,
both in the form of dispersed speckles, as well as in features, such as hearths and ash concentrations.
The anthracolgical scope contributes to this research through defining \\\”chaînes opératoires\\\”, where
both the procurement of raw materials and the knowledge of the environment and its natural resources,
are considered major components of human decision-making. This paper presents a qualitative and
quantitative approach including taxonomic identification, taphonomy, and observations on wood
development and economic attributes of the species represented in the archaeological record.
(Sponsored by Fondecyt 1130128. VIII Southern Connection Congress Coordinators and all CEPAM members)
206
SOIL MICROBIAL STRUCTURE ACTIVITY AND COMMUNITY COMPOSITION IN ADJACENT NATIVE
AND PLANTATION FORESTS OF CENTRAL SOUTH CHILE
RIVAS, YESSICA2, MARTÍNEZ, OSCAR1, ENCINA, CAROLINA1, RIVERA, DIEGO2, 1Bioquímica y
Microbiología, Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Recursos Hídricos, Ingeniería Civil Agrícola,
Universidad de Concepción.
Afforestation after deforestation using fast growing exotic species is creating major land use changes
throughout Chile and the world. Commercial forest plantations have increased in Chile by replacing natural
forest, being Eucalyptus globulus one of the most planted. Globalized agribusiness corporations have
been expanding through the region driving land use changes, while the local traditional agriculture has
experienced a sustained decline. Whether soil microbial communities are affected after the substitution of
natural forests by E. globulus plantations was studied. This was done on unmanaged plantations where
exotic trees are mixed with native species. The impacts of soil change on soil microbial communities
were evaluated by comparing fungal communities and enzyme activities of: native forest, adjacent 1st
and 2nd generation Eucalyptus plantations and farmed area. The composition of fungal communities was
determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Significant changes in the soil microbial community
were found, explained by: water content, organic carbon, total nitrogen, boron and available nitrogen in
soil. Soil microbial communities evaluated were sensitive indicators of the biochemical changes generated
by soil use change. Land use change alters the structure and function of soil microbial community, driven
by shifts in understory coverage and soil resource availability. Leaving remnants of the original forest
should be considered to help improve the metabolic function of soil microbial communities and decrease
of impacted soil. Small changes in the great forestry industry of the country could improve productivity and
sustainability of not only resources but also of the nearby communities.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT Postdoctoral Project # 3140161 (National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development))
207
SPATIAL PATTERNS OF PHYLOGENY-BASED MEASURES IN THE SOUTHERN CONE OF SOUTH
AMERICA
RIVEROS, NATALIA1, URBINA-CASSANOVA, RAFAEL1, SCHERSON, ROSA1, Depto. de Silvicultura y
Conservación de la Naturaleza, Fac. Ciencias Forestales y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de
Chile.
Biodiversity measures based on evolutionary history are increasingly being used for ecosystem evaluation.
The most widely used metric is Phylogenetic Diversity (PD), which accounts for the amount of evolutionary
history (feature diversity) accumulated in an area. Chile is an interesting country for these types of studies,
given the diverse geological processes involved in the distribution of biodiversity. In flora, highest richness
and endemism concentrate in Central Chile, a biodiversity hotspot that is also the most urbanized area
in the country. Based on previous studies of spatial patterns of PD in the flora of Chile, this study was
set out to see how those patterns relate to the rest of the southern cone of South America. Using the
Catalogue of vascular plants of South America available online, a presence/absence matrix was built for
all native genera in the southern cone (Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern states of Brazil).
Available DNA sequences in GenBank, were used to build a 2700 genera phylogeny. PD was calculated
for all administrative regions, and normalizations were done to allow direct comparisons with generic
richness. Highest PD values were observed in the three states of Brazil and seven regions of north-eastern
Argentina. When accounting for richness, two regions in Brazil, four regions in Argentina and three from
Chile, show more PD than expected by richness. Continental Chile averaged the highest positive difference
between PD and richness compared to the rest of the countries, highlighting the importance of taking
evolutionary processes into consideration for conservation purposes
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 11121579, CONICYT 7912010011)
208
CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANIC SUBSTRATES FORMING MIRE ECOSYSTEMS IN THE REGION OF
AYSéN-CHILEAN PATAGONIA: A TOOL FOR THEIR RECOGNITION, ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION
RODRÍGUEZ, ANA CAROLINA1, ZEITZ, JUTTA1, Soil Sciences and Site Sciences, Life Sciences,
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
In the continental sector of the Aysén region, in the Chilean Patagonia, mire ecosystems can be found
along the regional river basins. Most of these ecosystems are pristine and remain unstudied, but new land
uses such as hydroenergy, moss harvest and roads construction are threatening their existence Therefore,
there is a great need to attain information about those ecosystems and their ecosistem functions, before
irreversible transformations take place. With this intention, 81 soil cores from ten mires along the Baker and
Pascua River Basins in Aysén were stratigraphically examined, gathering information about their paleohistory and ecology. Further, through the analysis of 470 substrate samples, eleven organic substrate types
were detected in the soils of these ecosystems, being differentiable according to their botanical composition
and their physical and chemical settings. Additionally, a first estimation of the freshwater and carbon
contents stored in Aysén mires was derived from the results, as well as an average growth and annual
accumulation rate of the peat, calculated from AMS radiocarbon dating. Results include the systematization
of a classification for mires substrates, including specifications for the recognition, assessment and
protection of mire ecosystems in this region of Patagonia. (Sponsored by CONICYT, DAAD, Die Zentrale Frauenbeauftragte Der Lebenswissenschaftlischen Fakultät, Freunde Und Förderer
Der Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerischen Fakultät Der Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin E.V.)
209
PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND MICROCLIMATE RELATIONSHIPS ALONG THREE LATITUDINAL
CONTRASTING HIGH ELEVATION ANDEAN FORESTS
ROJAS, ROKE1, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN2, JARAMILLO, DAVID1, OÑATE, BASTIAN1, COOPMAN, RAFAEL1,
1
Laboratorio de Ecofisiología para la Conservación de Bosques, Instituto de Conservación Biodiversidad y
Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.2Laboratorio
de Dendrocronología y Cambio Global, Instituto de Conservación Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de
Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.
We perform a photosynthetic and micro-climatic characterization through an elevational and latitudinal
gradient in three high elevation Andean forests: P. tarapacana, (18°LS) and N. pumilio (40 and 55°LS). In
which, we evaluated how environmental conditions were correlated with key photosynthetic traits (net CO2
assimilation (AN); stomatal conductance (gs); mesophyll conductance (gm); RuBP maximum regeneration
rate (Jmax); Rubisco maximum carboxylation rate (Vc,max); photorespiration (Pr)and leaf mass area (LMA).
While air temperature, relative humidity, and vapour pressure deficit (VPD), were recorded in the middle of
the grow season covering the last month of foliar expansion, gas-exchange measurements were carried out
in recently full-expanded leaf. Through the latitudes, different metabolic compensation mechanisms explain
the climatic dependence of photosynthetic performance trends. In particular, the daily-integrated Temp and
VPD were highly correlated with photosynthetic responses. For instance at low latitudes, air temperature
modulate biochemical processes such as Vc,max r2= 52%, Jmax= 59%. In addition, VPD was highly correlated
with gs (r2= 54%) and not with gm, becoming gs as the main CO2 diffusive limitation for P. tarapacana forest.
In despite of VPD was not important in higher latitudes, temperature was correlated with biochemical
mechanisms (Vc,max r2= 22%, Jmax= 22%, Pr= 39%). But in high latitude also with LMA (r2= 35%,) which
indeed was correlated with mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm, r2= 23%). In conclusion, the temperature is
the principal variable affecting the photosynthetic metabolism in all latitudes, but in highly arid ecosystem
VPD exerts a significant role in the photosynthetic performance.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT-1120965)
210
EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WESTERLIES THROUGHOUT THE LAST
DEGLACIATION IN CLIMATE MODEL SIMULATIONS.
ROJAS, MAISA1, LAMBERT, FABRICE2, MORENO, PATRICIO3, DE POL, RICARDO4, 1Geofísica, FCFM,
Universidad de Chile.2Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.3Ecología, Universidad de
Chile.4Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción.
We have analysed the Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation in available coupled climate
simulations. These include the CMIP5/PMIP3 simulations and the TraCE simulation, which is a continuous
run from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present. We have characterized the southern hemisphere
westerly (SHW) wind belt by fitting a Gaussian curve to zonal winds at 850 hPa. In this way we can
evaluate the changes in their strength, latitude of maximum wind strength as well as their width, indicating
how wide or contracted they were during LGM, pre-industrial, and present climatic conditions. The Trace
simulation has imposed meltwater fluxes from Antarctica around the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR),
which leave an imprint in the sea-ice around Antarctica, and also ubiquitously in the SHW.This evolution
is compared with available proxy reconstructions from different sectors of the southern hemisphere. There
is a clear trend in the width of the SHW belt with a latitudinal expansion during cold times, and contraction
during warm times. The value of maximum wind strength does not appear to change significantly with
temperature, while the latitude of maximum wind strength changes not conclusively in all models.
(Sponsored by Nucleo Milenio NC120066)
211
ECOLOGICAL SCIENCE AND BIOCULTURAL ETHICS: DIALOGUES ACROSS CULTURES AND
DISCIPLINES TO SUSTAIN LIFE IN AN UNEVEN CHANGING WORLD
ROZZI, R1, Institute of Ecology and Biovidersity (IEB-Chile), Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation
Program, Omora Ethnobotanical Park, Puerto Williams, Chile, Universidad de Magallanes & University of
North Texas.
A recent call for a global reconnection between global society and biodiversity has been launched by
the Ecological Society of the United States of America with its Earth Stewardship initiative. This initiative
confronts, however, two major limitations: 1) geographical gaps in the geographical coverage of LongTerm Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) sites on the planet (LTSER sites are concentrated in the
Northern Hemisphere, and omit Southern Hemisphere regions that are as vast and unique as the subAntarctic Magellanic ecoregion in southwestern South America); 2) philosophical gaps in the coverage
of epistemological, political, and ethical dimensions in international LTSER programs. Focusing on the
UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve and the Chilean LTSER Network, I demonstrate the value of
including southern hemisphere regions that have been overlooked in long-term ecological research and
monitoring networks. Based on the theoretical framework of the biocultural ethic and the methodological
approach of Field Environmental Philosophy, we have developed we have developed at our Chilean
sites, I demonstrate the value of integrating ecology and ethics into biocultural conservation and LTSER
programs. This initiative forged at the southern end of the American continent contributes to implement
an Earth Stewardship which incorporates more comprehensively regional biological and cultural diversity
of the planet, and calls attention to the value of strengthening research and partnership among Southern
Hemisphere long-term ecological and socio-ecological research, education, and conservation initiatives.
(Sponsored by IEB-Chile, Grant No. P05-002 ICM (Millennium Scientific Initiative, Ministry of Economy); Grant No. PFB-23,
CONICYT (Basal Financing Program, Comisión Nacional De Investigación Científica Y Tecnológica, Chile))
212
VEGETATION HISTORY, PALEOFIRE AND CLIMATE DURING THE HOLOCENE IN CENTRAL ANDEAN
PATAGONIA REVEALED BY LAGO MELLIZAS RECORD (45°S)
RUIZ, JOHANA1, MORENO, PATRICIO 2, VILLA - MARTINEZ, RODRIGO3, 1Region de Magallanes y la
Antartica Chilena, Universidad de Magallanes.2Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Instituto de Ecología
y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.3Instituto de Botánica, Universidad de Magallanes.
We report pollen and charcoal records from lake sediments obtained from Lago Mellizas (45°32’35.83”S,
71°48’49.08”W, 760 m.a.s.l.) to reconstruct the history of vegetation, fire and past climate variations of
central Andean Patagonia during the Holocene. This small and closed-basin lake is located near to the
climate-modulated forest-steppe ecotone in the Aysén sector of Chilean Patagonia. In this region the
southern westerly winds (SWW) are the only source of precipitation and is ideal for reconstructing past
changes in atmospheric circulation. The pollen record shows an increasing trend of Nothofagus, along with
low abundance of hygrophilous and cold resistant conifers, herbs, shrubs and aquatics, which we interpret
as humid climate conditions between 9.1-10.6 (ka=1000 cal yr BP). Nothofagus reaches maximum
abundance over the last 9000 years with little change, suggesting the establishment of deciduous forest in
the area. We note a sustained decline of forest during the 19th century, along with increases of herbs and
non-native plants (Pinus, Rumex, Plantago), that we interpret as a forest opening as a consequence of the
strong impact over the landscape by the Chilean-European settlers.The increase of littoral macrophytes
suggest lake-level lowering in response to decreased precipitation. Macroscopic charcoal accumulation
rates exhibit discrete maxima at 10, 9, 8, 7, 5.7, 3.5, 3.2, and 0.7 ka, suggesting local fires, followed by
increases during the 20th century. We interpret the pre-20th century charcoal peaks as dry intervals.
Precipitation variations revealed by the Lago Mellizas record suggest changes in the position/strength of
the SWW.
213
DISTURBANCE REGIMES AND CARBON STOCKS OF FITZROYA CUPRESSOIDES FORESTS IN
SOUTHERN CHILE RUIZ, CAROLINA1, GONZÁLEZ, MAURO1, ANTONIO, LARA1, JUAN , ARAVENA1, URRUTIA, ROCÍO1,
CUQ, EMILIO1, Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Ciencias Forestales y Recursos
Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile.
Fitzroya cupressoides old-growth conifer forests in Chile (40° – 43° S) include trees up to 50 m high and 5
m in diameter at breast height, reaching up to 4,094 years old. Forest disturbances influence Fitzroya forest
structure and carbon stocks at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Main disturbances that shape Fitzroya
forest stands are landslides and volcanism in the Andes cordillera, and fire in the Coastal Range. The main
goal of this study is to assess the carbon stocks of Fitzroya forest stands according to their disturbance
regimes and stand development stage. The following components of biomass were considered: living
standing trees, dead standing trees (snags) and logs from dead trees laying on the ground (coarse woody
debris). Andean Fitzroya forests affected by volcanism show mean carbon stocks (standing live, snags and
dead trees lying on the ground) of 11, 266 and 590 ton C /ha for the initiation, intermediate and old growth
stages of development, respectively. Coastal range Fitzroya forest stands affected by fire disturbances
show a mean carbon stock of 46, 165 and 312 for the same stages, respectively. Fitzroya cuppresoides
contribute in more than 74% of the total carbon stock both in the Andes and the Coastal ranges, and the
remainder corresponds mainly to Nothofagus spp. In the context of climate change predictions, restoring
Fitzroya forests and conserving old-growth stands with large biomass and carbon stocks should be
recognized as an important mitigation activity. (Sponsored by FONDECYT Project No. 1130410; The Center for Climate and Resilience Research(CR)2 funded by CONICYT/
FONDAP/15110009)
214
PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF INVASIVE RATS IN NEW ZEALAND
RUSSELL, JAMES1, ROBINS, JUDITH2, FEWSTER, RACHEL3, 1School of Biological Sciences, Science,
University of Auckland.2Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland.3Department of Statistics,
University of Auckland.
Invasive Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus arrived in New Zealand with Europeans in the late 1700s and
1860s respectively. They rapidly spread across the entirety of New Zealand and colonised offshore islands.
Tissue samples were obtained from over 350 ship rats and 70 Norway rats from across the two main
North and South islands of New Zealand and neighbouring islands. We sequenced a standard 545 base
pair section of mitochondrial D-loop to construct a modern phylogeography of each species and make
inference on historical invasion pathways and spread. We found limited diversity in norvegicus haplotypes,
with one widespread haplotype across New Zealand except for Stewart Island where a separate haplotype
most likely corresponded to an independent invasion. In contrast we found widespread diversity in rattus
haplotypes across New Zealand, most likely corresponding to at least three independent invasions to the
main North and South Islands, Great Barrier Island, and Stewart Island. The most common haplogroup was
found throughout New Zealand and many offshore islands, as well as neighbouring islands in the Tasman
Sea, and has been documented globally. We also found geographic partitioning and secondary invasions
of haplotypes within the main North and South Island. In addition to distinct haplogroups differing by over
three base pairs, which exhibit geographical partitioning suggestive of independent invasion events, we
also found instances of single base-pair differences within localities. The geographical distribution of pelage
colour morphs also correlates with haplotype distribution, lending further support to the hypothesis and role
of independent invasion events.
(Sponsored by Allan Wilson Centre)
215
PATAGONIAN NEOGLACIATIONS: EMERGENCE OF A NEW PATTERN
SAGREDO, ESTEBAN1, KAPLAN, MICHAEL2, REYNHOUT, SCOTT3, SCHAEFER, JOERG2,
STRELIN, JORGE4, MORENO, PATRICIO5, VILANOVA, ISABEL6, ARAVENA, JUAN7, 1Instituto de
Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.2Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia
University.3Departamento de Geología, Universidad de Chile.4Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias
de la Tierra, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.5Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Universidad
de Chile.6Palinología del Cuaternario CONICET-Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino
Rivadavia.7Programa GAIA-Antártica, Universidad de Magallanes.
We present the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the timing of Holocene glacial fluctuation in southern
Patagonia-Tierra del Fuego. We discuss the progress made over the last 10 years, using geomorphic,
stratigraphic, and chronologic data. After receding from their advanced Late Glacial positions, Patagonian
glaciers were generally close to, or even behind, present ice margins during the Early Holocene. Any
glacial advances during this time were relatively minor compared with later expansions; this finding is in
agreement with other proxy data that indicate the earliest Holocene was generally a time of warm and dry
conditions. Subsequently, we have evidence of multiple millennial timescale glacial advances starting in the
middle Holocene. Several glacial maxima are defined by moraines and other landforms from ~6,000 years
ago to the 19th century, with a gap sometime between 4,500 and 2,500 years ago. The last set of advances
began around 700-600 years ago. Although glacial activity is documented in Patagonia at the same time
as the European Little Ice Age, the extent of these glacial events are less prominent than those of the midHolocene. The causes that may explain these glacial fluctuations remain elusive. One of the challenges is
that the Patagonian Neoglaciations occur during times when global CO2 concentrations and the insolation
in the mid-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere are increasing. Here, we explore the hypothesis that
centennial timescale climate variability (Southern Annular Mode-like events) could be the main driver of
Holocene glacial fluctuation across Patagonia. 216
CAN WE CONTINUE SQUEEZING THE MOST ARID LAND OF THE PLANET? TECHNOLOGICAL
CYCLES OF WATER USE IN THE ATACAMA DESERT
SANTORO, CALOGERO1, GAYO, EUGENIA2, URIBE, MAURICIO3, LATORRE, CLAUDIO4,
DE POL HOLZ, RICARDO5, 1Instituto de Alta Investigación, Laboratorio de Arqueología y
Medioambiente, Universidad de Tarapacá.2Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias
Naturales y Oceanográficas, Centro de Ciencia del Clima y la Resiliencia (CR2), Universidad de
Concepción.3Antropología, Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile.4Departamento de Ecología y
Laboratorio Internacional en Cambio Global (LINCGlobal), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.5Gaia
Antártica, Universidad de Magallanes.
The Atacama Desert cannot afford any longer the aggressive extraction of fresh water through the same
technological system human societies have been applying for around 3,000 years. Since then there has not
been qualitative technological changes in the way water is obtained. Three major technological circles in
the use of fresh water can be recognized in the short-term human history in the Atacama Desert. The first
started 14,000 to 13,000 years ago when ground and surface water permanently flowed in abundance from
the high Andes to the Pacific coast. In this scenario very low population density social groups established
a hunting and gathering way of life in the core of the Desert. This bonanza decayed around 9,000 years
ago and as people did not have adequate technological response they moved to the coast and the Andes.
Around 2,500 years ago a new although less abundant circle of water reactivated the ecosystem, but more
complex technological devises were required. By the 18th century it was necessary to drill the earth to get
underground water for a constant encasing demand. These technological systems have been taken to the
extreme to supply a supernatural demand of water for farming, mining, urban and rural expansions. We
cannot continue squeezing the Desert. Human societies need to build a new technological circle of water
with completely new technological solutions defined here as the camanchaca revolution. This coastal fog
could be an alternative, to stop squeezing the planet.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 1120454, 1150763; Anillo CONICYT/PIA Código SOC1405))
217
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WESTERLY WIND BEHAVIOUR DURING THE HOLOCENE AS REVEALED
BY LAKE SEDIMENT RECORDS FROM SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS
SAUNDERS, KRYSTYNA1,2, HODGSON , DOMINIC3, ROBERTS, STEPHEN3, PERREN, BIANCA3,
VERLEYEN, ELIE4, VAN NIEUWENHUYZE, WIM4, VYVERMAN, WIM4, SIME, LOUISE3, GROSJEAN,
MARTIN1, 1Lake Sediments and Paleolimnology, Institute of Geography, University of Bern.2Institute for
Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.3Palaeo Environments,
Ice Sheets and Climate Change, British Antarctic Survey.4Protistology & Aquatic Ecology, Department of
Biology, University of Ghent.
The Southern Hemisphere westerly winds drive Southern Ocean circulation. Changes in their strength or
position, in particular relative to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, are linked to changes in the upwelling
of carbon rich deep water to the surface. These winds therefore exert significant control on the oceanatmosphere CO2 balance. Modifications to their strength or position, in particular relative to the Antarctic
Circumpolar Current, such as the observed intensification and poleward shift in recent decades, could
influence whether the Southern Ocean acts as a net source or sink for atmospheric CO2. This presentation
outlines a novel approach combining independent biological and geochemical proxies to provide a
centennial resolution record of the westerly winds for the last ca. 1650 years from sub-Antarctic Macquarie
Island (54°S, 158°E). These are the first in a series of records under development from sub-Antarctic
islands in all sectors of the Southern Ocean. The reconstructions are being combined with global circulation
model simulations to help identify drivers of past changes in the westerly winds and their links with
atmospheric CO2.
(Sponsored by Swiss National Science Foundation Ambizione Grant (PZ00P2_136835/1), Australian Antarctic Science Grant (3117,
4156), BelSPO Funded HOLANT, CCAMBIO)
218
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE DURING THE ANTHROPOCENE: A MULTI-PROXY EVALUATION OF
ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION IN THE SEDIMENTS OF AN ISOLATED LAKE IN TASMANIA,
AUSTRALIA SAUNDERS, KRYSTYNA1, GADD, PATRICIA1, HEIJNIS, HENK1, SCHNEIDER GUILHON, LARISSA2,
ZAWADZKI, ATUN1, GORALEWSKI, JACK1, FIERRO, DANIELA1, HABERLE, SIMON2, FLETCHER,
MICHAEL-SHAWN3, 1Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation.2College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University.3School of Geography,
University of Melbourne.
Many areas of Tasmania have been impacted by more than a century of mining since the start of European
settlement. In this study, a multi-proxy approach using 210Pb, 137Cs and metal concentration profiles is
employed to reconstruct the environmental history of mining activities from Mount Lyell near Queenstown,
Tasmania, over the past 120 years. To track atmospheric inputs from mining activities, Se, Zn, Cu, As,
Cd and Pb were analysed in sediments from Owen Tarn, an isolated lake in western Tasmania. The
ITRAX-XRF core scanner and ICP-MS geochemical techniques were utilised to build a high-resolution
metal pollution sedimentary record. The ICP-MS results were closely correlated with the ITRAX profiles,
demonstrating the potential for combining these two techniques to improve the resolution of metal
measurements in sediments. This multi-proxy method provided a high precision and reliable record of the
history of contamination in a remote area of Tasmania. This study demonstrates the problem of atmospheric
metal contamination reaching isolated lakes that do not receive direct inputs from anthropogenic activities.
The application of this approach enables a better understanding of the long-term pollution dynamics in
remote areas, aiding in the management and protection of susceptible lacustrine systems
219
NATIVE V/S PEST COCKROACHES IN CHILE, ARE THEY USING THE SAME HABITAT? SCHAPHEER, C1, VERA, ALEJANDRO2, VILLAGRA, CRISTIAN A.1, 1Instituto de Entomología, Ciencias
Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación.2Departamento de Biología, Ciencias
Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación.
Cockroaches (Blattodea: Insecta) are usually considered urban pests. However only 1% of the total
worldwide species fall into this category. In natural environments cockroaches play a key role in plant
material cycling, and even they are considered bioindicators of litter quality. Also have an intricate
network of mutualistic interactions with several trophic levels. E.g. microorganisms and plants by
pollination services. To date, in Chile there are 23 speciesreported from which 12are native. Nevertheless
we suggest this may correspond to an underestimation. Biology andconservation status ofthese
insectsiscompletelyunknown. In this work, by reviewing main entomological collections and also by
sampling in the field we have determined that distribution of introduced pest species is limited to urbanized
areas meanwhile we found native Chilean cockroaches only in natural ecosystems associated with
patches of native flora. Thus, we propose native cockroaches do notpenetrate in highlyanthropized habitats
used by pest species. In terms of conservation, our results indicate that biotichomogenizationmay put
nativecockroaches in danger as a productofloss of their host plants. At the same time, this phenomenon
may increase the risk ofpest’s species dispersal in human disturbed habitats. 220
PHYLOGENY AND HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY OF MYRTEAE (MYRTACEAE)- WITH SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO CHILEAN SPECIES RETAMALES, HERNAN2, SCHERSON, ROSA1, SCHARASCHKIN, TANYA2, 1Faculty of Forest Sciences
and Nature Conservation, University of Chile.2School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences,
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland, University of Technology (QUT).
The predominantly southern hemisphere angiosperm family, Myrtaceae, is represented by 26 species in
10 genera in Chile, all of which (other than Tepualia) are in the tribe Myrteae. Chilean Myrteae occur in a
diverse range of habitats. A number of species are endemic to Chile, a few also occur in Argentina but only
one species is distributed widely to the east of the Andes. The monophyly, phylogenetic placement and
historical biogeography of the Chilean Myrteae were investigated in this study. Phylogenetic analyses of
DNA sequences from three loci for 90 species were performed using parsimony, maximum likelihood and
Bayesian inference. Our results indicate that some Chilean genera are not monophyletic, e.g., Myrceugenia
fernandeziana is sister to Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii and not associated with other Myrceugenia;
Myrcianthes coquimbensis is associated with Eugenia. The position of Tepualia is confirmed in the tribe
Metrosidereae. Our results largely agree with previous reconstructions of biogeographic scenarios,
indicating multiple independent dispersal events of Chilean Myrteae to eastern Amazonian rainforests.
Preliminary results also indicate trans-Tasman association of Australian-New Zealand Myteae. The
inclusion of additional genera restricted to Brazil, Argentina and Australasia and estimates of divergence
age using appropriate fossil calibration is required to gain a more complete understanding of the historical
biogeography of Myrteae. 221
LOCAL ADAPTATION IN THE HUMBOLDT CURRENT SYSTEM: GENOMIC EVIDENCES IN THE
TUNICATE PYURA CHILENSIS
SEGOVIA, NICOLÁS1, MUÑOZ-HERRERA, NATALIA2, POULIN, ELIE3, GALLARDO-ESCÁRATE,
CHRISTIAN 4, HAYE, PILAR2, 1Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad
de Chile, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB).2Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de
Ciencias del Mar, Centro de Estudios Avanzadas en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Interdisciplinary Center for
Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad Católica del Norte.3Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas,
Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Universidad de Chile.4Centro de
Biotecnología Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción.
Selective pressures vary in space and time, forcing local populations to evolve unevenly to be better
adapted to local conditions. In marine systems, the presence of barriers to gene flow and environmental
heterogeneity are both persistent. Concomitant genetic differentiation between local populations in
several species, even in highly connected populations, suggests that local adaptation could be common
in the sea. The tunicate Pyura chilensis is a conspicuous commercial species that inhabits the intertidal
and shallow subtidal in the highly heterogeneous Humboldt Current System (HCS). This species is
characterized by sessile adults and short larval dispersal potential (12-24hrs), which could favor local
adaptation. We studied six local populations of P. chilensis throughout the HCS (24ºS- 42ºS), using SNPs
scattered throughout the genome detected by GBS (Genotyping-by-Sequencing). Of a total of 81,837
SNPs, were preserved only those have a MAF of 4% using a call rate of 90% to discard the most missing
data. Of the >2000 retained SNPs, we detected 81 loci putatively under selection using an FST-outlier
approach. Separating the dataset in outliers/neutral, we compare spatial distribution of the genetic diversity,
and genetic structure. In outliers SNPs, the spatial restriction of several alleles, the low effective gene flow,
and the different patterns respect to neutral markers, suggest that the genetic structure of this species
could be a result of recent natural selection, related to the different environmental conditions experienced
by this species in the HCS.
(Sponsored by Grant FONDECYT 1140862, Doctoral Scholarship CONICYT, Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB))
222
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FREEZING SURVIVAL OF ALPINE PLANTS
SIERRA-ALMEIDA, ANGELA1,2, REYES-BAHAMONDE, CLAUDIA1,2, CAVIERES, LOHENGRIN1,2,
1
Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de
Concepción.2IEB Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.
Plant life in the Mediterranean mountains is shaped not only by freezing temperatures, but also by
the existence of an additional stress due to summer drought, which could explain their greater plant
freezing resistance compared to alpine species from more mesic mountains. Alpine species from the
central Chilean Andes have shown temporal and spatial variation in freezing resistance that seems to be
influenced by summer drought. For example, Freezing Point (FP) and Lethal Temperature damage (LT50)
of several species showed intra-seasonal and altitudinal variation, where lower FP and LT50 occurred when
soil moisture was lower. In a field study, we assessed the relative importance of the soil moisture and
temperature increase on plant freezing resistance. Seven out of the twelve high-Andean species whose
plants were drought-exposed resisted on average 3.5K lower freezing temperatures than irrigated plants.
In contrast, most of species did not show differences in FP. Interestingly, the temperature increase changed
the effect of irrigation on LT50. Hence, warming was found to have no effect, to increase or to decrease the
effect of irrigation on LT50. Nevertheless, the effect size of irrigation on LT50 was greater than that of warming
for almost all species. Summer drought might be an important determinant of the plant freezing resistance
in Mediterranean Andes, but the mechanisms underlying this ability are unclear. Combined effects of
irrigation and warming on freezing survival suggest that warmer and moister growing seasons due to
climate change might threaten plant survival and persistence of alpine species in dry mountains.
(Sponsored by PAI-Conicyt Project #791100040 (AS-A), Fondecyt # (LAC), ICM-MINECON P02-005 (IEB))
223
POSTGLACIAL VEGETATION, PALEOFIRE AND CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN CENTRAL PATAGONIA
REVEALED BY LAGUNA CHURRASCO RECORD (~46°S)
SIMI, ENZO1, MORENO, PATRICIO1, VILLA-MARTÍNEZ, RODRIGO2, 1Ciencias Ecológicas, Ciencias,
Universidad de Chile.2GAIA-Antártica Universidad de Magallanes.
We report a high-resolution pollen and charcoal records from lake sediments obtained from Laguna
Churrasco (45°41’S, 71°49’W, 798 msnm), a small closed-basin lake located near to the forest-steppe
ecotone in central Patagonia. In this region the SWW are the only source of precipitation and is ideal
for reconstructing past changes in atmospheric circulation. This is facilitated by the marked west-east
precipitation gradient across the Patagonian Andes that induces a zonation of the regional vegetation
which can be used for inferring past changes in precipitation regimes based on fossil pollen and charcoal
records. The pollen record shows dominance of herbs (Poaceae, Acaena) and aquatics, and increased
trend in the abundances of Nothofagus between ~17-13,5 ka (1ka=1000 yr before present), under cold and
humid climate conditions. Nothofagus reach maximum abundances with little changes and low abundances
of herbs, shrubs and macrophytes over the last 13.5 ka, which suggest the establishment of deciduous
forest in the area under relatively humid conditions. We detect a sustained decline of forest during the 20th
century, along with increase of non-native plants (Pinus, Rumex, Plantago) and littoral macrophytes. We
interpret these changes as a forest opening and centripetal expansion of littoral environments driven by
lake-level lowering in response to lowered precipitation. Macroscopic charcoal increases at 10, 9.5 and 9
ka, suggesting local fires, followed by an increase during the last 50 years. We interpret the pre-20th century
charcoal maxima as dry intervals. Precipitation variations revealed by our record suggest changes in the
position/strength of the SWW.
(Sponsored by Fondecyt - 1121141, CONICYT Beca Magíster Nacional 2013, ICM P05-002, NC-120066, Fondap 15110009)
224
INTENSIFYING POSTFIRE WEATHER EXTREMES AND INVASION HISTORY DRIVE DIRECTIONAL
DIVERSITY LOSS IN A MEDITERRANEAN-TYPE CROWN-FIRE ECOSYSTEM
SLINGSBY, J1,2, MEROW, CORY3, AIELLO-LAMMENS, MATT4, HALL, STUART5, KILROY, HAYLEY3,
TURNER, ROSS6, WILSON, ADAM7, SILANDER JR, JOHN3, 1Fynbos Node, South African Environmental
Observation Network.2Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment
and Conservation, University of Cape Town.3Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut,
Storrs.4Biology, Pace University.5Botany, Stellenbosch University.6Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu
Natal.7Geography, Buffalo University.
Amid mounting evidence of climate change impacts on living systems there is increasing concern about the
potential negative effects of changes in the interaction between climate and disturbance regimes. Climatedriven changes in fire regime, or changes in weather conditions in the first years post fire, could drive major
shifts in ecosystem composition, structure and function. Increasingly stressful postfire weather conditions
may affect ecosystem resilience and diversity by inhibiting seed germination or increasing mortality of
seedlings or sprouting individuals. Here we examined the longest running set of permanent vegetation
plots in the Fynbos of South Africa (44 years), relating observed changes in diversity and composition to
fire history, the weather in the first summer post fire, and the history of alien species invasion. We found a
significant decline in the diversity of the plots, with significant negative effects of the history of alien species
invasion and the severity of postfire summer drought events (as indicated by the number of consecutive
days experiencing Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) values of -1). Weather
records indicate significant increases in temperature and the severity and length of periods subject to
intense seasonal drought. We need experiments exploring sensitivity to intensifying postfire weather
extremes across a broad suite of the local and alien flora if we are to understand the impacts of intensifying
postfire weather extremes and the potential for non-linear feedbacks affecting ecosystem composition,
structure and function.
225
RESPROUTING VARIABILITY IN BACCHARIS (ASTERACEAE) ALONG A FIRE REGIME GRADIENT
SOLANO-IGUARAN, JAIBER J1, PAUSAS, JULI G2, SEGARRA-MORAGUES, JOSE GABRIEL3, PAULA,
SUSANA4, 1Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile.2CIDE-CSIC Centro de Investigaciones
sobre Desertificación - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas.3Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas,
Universidad de Valencia.4Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad
Austral de Chile.
Resprouting ability is a mechanism by which plants regenerate their biomass after disturbances.
It has been proposed that resprouting ability would be an adaptation to fire; however, because
resprouting is widespread among environments and lineages, the role of fire shaping this trait has
been questioned. Alternatively, resprouting could be an evolutionary response to other disturbances, but it
allows the species to enter in fire prone communities. Here, we perform a common garden experiment to
assess the resprouting ability of several Baccharis species in relation to a) the type of disturbance (clipping
or burning) and b) the geographical provenance of the seeds (as a proxy for the historical fire regime). This
Neotropical genus occurrs in most of Chile with species widely distributed through different biomes and
species restricted to a single biome. Therefore, the study was conducted at two levels: intraspecific (seven
locations with B. linearis along a latitudinal gradient) and interspecific (10 species respresenting different
biomes). Our results support the prediction that resprouting ability depends on the type of disturbance.
Specifically, the ability to resprout after clipping does not predict resprouting in burnt plants. Furthermore,
we did not find any relationship between the ability to resprout andthe fire regime. The fact that the studied
species resprouted from non-specialized structures (root collar) and that post-fire resprouting was not
related to the fire regime of the plants provenance suggests that resprouting in these species has not been
shaped by fire, but likely represents an exaptation to it. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1120458)
226
DENDROCLIMATIC ANALYSIS OF SOUTHERN BEECH (NOTHOFAGUS BETULOIDES) FORESTS IN
CORDILLERA DARWIN, TIERRA DEL FUEGO, CHILE.
SOTO, P1, ARAVENA, JUAN-CARLOS1, Dirección de Programas Antárticos y Subantárticos, Universidad
de Magallanes.
Climate variability research should be based on the more complete climatic data coverage possible. In
southernmost South America, however, instrumental climatic records are scarce, short and incomplete
precluding a comprehensive description of the climate variability. To overcome this problem, natural
recorders of climatic variability may be used as proxies of past climate variations. Tree-ring series for
example are commonly used to reconstruct temperature and atmospheric circulation patterns. This work
seeks to study climate variability and the influence of the Antarctic Oscillation Index (AAO) on the radial
tree growth of Nothofagus betuloides forests in Cordillera Darwin, southernmost Chile. We developed four
tree ring width chronologies from Nothofagus betuloides forests in two areas of Cordillera Darwin: Glaciar
Schiaparelli (54°25\’ S, 70°54\’W) and Valle de los Divorcios (54°36\’S, 68°03W). We also compared our
results with another four close located tree-ring chronologies previously published. All chronologies were
analyzed looking for common growth patterns using Principal components analysis and correlated with
regional climatic variables. Climate-tree growth relationships show more significant correlations with air
temperature and Antarctic Oscillation Indexes than with precipitation, either using single chronologies or
Principal component series. In most of the cases the correlations are negative and varied on the months
involved. PC1 and PC2 resulted well correlated with the Antarctic Oscillation Index. The good climatic
signal shown by the studied N. betuloides tree-ring series allows to use it to study the environmental
fluctuations of the last few centuries in cordillera Darwin, extrapolating these findings for example to the
reconstruction glacier fluctuations.
227
IDENTIFYING GENETIC HOTSPOTS BY MAPPING MOLECULAR DIVERSITY OF WIDESPREAD
TREES: WHEN COMMONNESS MATTERS
SOUTO, CINTIA1, MATHIASEN , PAULA1, ACOSTA, M CRISTINA2, QUIROGA, M PAULA1, VIDALRUSSELL, ROMINA1, VIDAL-RUSSELL, ROMINA1, ECHEVERRÍA, CRISTIAN3, ECHEVERRÍA,
CRISTIAN3, PREMOLI, ANDREA1, 1Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET, Universidad Nacional
del Comahue.2Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal IMBIV, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de
Cordoba.3Laboratorio de Ecología de Paisajes, Universidad de Concepción.
Conservation planning requires setting priorities at the same spatial scale at which decision-making
processes are undertaken considering all levels of biodiversity, but current methods for identifying
biodiversity hotspots ignore its genetic component. We developed a fine-scale approach based on the
definition of genetic hotspots, which have high genetic diversity and unique variants that represent their
evolutionary potential and evolutionary novelties. Our hypothesis is that wide-ranging taxa with similar
ecological tolerances, yet of phylogenetically independent lineages, have been and currently are shaped
by ecological and evolutionary forces that result in geographically concordant genetic patterns. We
mapped previously published genetic diversity and unique variants of biparentally inherited markers and
chloroplast sequences for nine species from 360 populations of the four woody dominant families of the
austral temperate forest, an area considered a biodiversity hotspot. Spatial distribution patterns for genetic
polymorphisms differed among taxa according to their ecological tolerances. Eight genetic hotspots were
detected; and we recommend conservation actions for some in the southern Coastal Range in Chile.
Existing spatially explicit genetic data from multiple populations and species can help identify biodiversity
hotspots and guide conservation actions to establish science-based protected areas that will preserve the
evolutionary potential of key habitats and species.
228
ABOVE- AND BELOW-GROUND FUNCTIONAL TRAITS DIVERSITY IN PLANT COMMUNITIES OF
ATACAMA DESERT ALONG A RAINFALL GRADIENT
SQUEO, FRANCISCO A1, CARVAJAL, DANNY1, DELPIANO, CRISTIAN1, CASTILLO, ORNELLA1,
LOAYZA, ANDREA1, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena and Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad (IEB), Chile.
Plants have functional traits that reflect their evolutionary history and shape their performance. The study of
root traits and their relationship with aboveground traits can be particularly important for understanding how
different species persist in arid environments, and ultimately how plant communities are organized. It has
been hypothesized that strong selection along trait and life-history trade-off axes results in convergence
for any taxon on a uniformly fast, medium or slow strategy for resource acquisition among all organs
(i.e., economic spectrum theory). Moreover, along resource gradients, it is expected that species having
fast traits (i.e., ‘fast’ taxa) should be more prevalent towards in high-resource environments, whereas the
opposite pattern should be observed for slow taxa, because resource conservation enhances survival in
resource limited environments. The main objective of this study is to test the generality of the fast-slow
economic spectrum hypothesis within and between plant communities of the Atacama Desert located
along a rainfall gradient. We characterized different above- and below-ground functional traits of 10 to 15
dominant shrub species naturally growing in each of four localities along a precipitation gradient (from
14 to 80 mm, 30 years mean). Data from 2015 growth season (ENSO rainy year) revealed that the shrub
communities have more superficial and extensive root systems toward the most arid environments, as well
as greater root / shoot ratio and lower specific leaf area. However, there were only few changes in droughttolerance stem traits (e.g., xylem water potential, plant height) along the gradient. (Sponsored by Projects FONDECYT 1151020, ICM P05-002, CONICYT PFB 23, CONICYT Doctoral Fellowships 21140050 &
21150334)
229
LATE-HOLOCENE ECOSYSTEM HISTORY OF TWO CONTRASTING MOSS PEATBANKS ON
LITCHFIELD ISLAND, WESTERN ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
STELLING, JONATHAN1, YU, ZICHENG1, BEILMAN, DAVID2, LOISEL, JULIE3, 1Earth & Environmental
Sciences, Lehigh University.2Department of Geography, University of Hawaii.3Department of Geography,
Texas A&M University.
The western Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming in recent decades. The marine record
from Palmer Deep shows sea surface temperature shifts up to 5°C during the last 2500 years. However,
we know little about how these changes might have affected terrestrial ecosystems in nearby coastal
regions. Here we present multi-proxy paleoecological data from two peatbanks on opposite aspects of
Litchfield Island (64.77°S, 64.09°W), about 50 km from Palmer Deep, to understand environmental controls
and climate sensitivity of these peat-forming ecosystems. Macrofossil results indicate that both peatbanks
show large-magnitude shifts in species dominance between drier Polytrichum strictum and wetter
Chorisodontium aciphyllum mosses, which were likely caused by external environmental changes, rather
than successional change. Furthermore, the two sites have very different developmental histories, despite
being only 100 m apart. The north-facing peatbank initiated 2500 years ago with a mean growth rate of 0.3
mm/yr (22 gC/m2/yr), much slower than the 500-year old south-facing bank that grows at 1.1 mm/yr (48
gC/m2/yr). We speculate that the greater frequency of species variability in the north-facing bank indicates
possible sensitivity to moisture regime shifts forced by regional climate changes. On the other hand, the
difference in peatbank formation and carbon accumulation appears to be influenced by local topography
and microclimate. The late-Holocene history recorded in the peat deposits show little similarity with climate
patterns as observed at Palmer Deep, highlighting the importance of other factors on peat development in
this region. 230
SEASONAL AND SYNOPTIC VARIABILITY IN OCEAN-RIVER BALANCE ALONG BAKER FJORD,
CENTRAL PATAGONIA
TAPIA, FABIAN1, Departamento de Oceanografia & COPAS Sur-Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y
Oceanograficas, Universidad de Concepción.
Hydrographic structure, circulation, and productivity regimes in fjords are strongly modulated by freshwater
inputs and their interaction with oceanic forcing. Assessing the extent to which temporal changes in the
river-ocean balance determine the scale and sharpness of hydrographic gradients, and the associated
productivity patterns, is of particular interest in Patagonian fjords given their potential role as sinks for
atmospheric carbon. We used hydrographic profiles and time series collected since 2009 along the
Baker fjord in central Patagonia (47.5 S) to assess the dominant scales of variability in the river–ocean
interaction, as well as temporal changes in the relative importance of ocean vs. river forcing. In particular,
we focused on the periodicity and extent of along-fjord excursions of a near-surface salinity front indicating
the transition between river-dominated and ocean-dominated conditions. The scale of along-fjord front
displacements changed seasonally, in a way that is consistent with seasonal changes in river outflow.
The salinity front was found farther from the river mouth during months of high river discharge (summer).
Non-seasonal variability in salinity front displacements was significantly correlated (p<0.01) with synoptic
variability in the main component of oceanic wind forcing. Incursions of up to 30 km were observed within
1 week after an intensification of eastward winds off the Penas Gulf, although the response was maximal
at 1 day lags. The front’s position along the fjord was often associated with maxima in near-surface
chlorophyll-a concentrations, suggesting that productivity patterns could be strongly modulated by these
seasonal and synoptic-scale interactions. 231
EPIPHYTE-HOST COMMENSALISTIC NETWORKS IN NEW ZEALAND AND SOUTHERN CHILE: A
SEARCH FOR GENERAL TRENDS
TAYLOR, AMANDA1, SALDAÑA , ALFREDO 2, ZOTZ, GERHARD3, KIRBY , CATHERINE4, DÍAZ,
IVÁN5, BURNS, KEVIN1, 1School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Victoria, University of
Wellington.2Departamento de Botánica, Universidad de Concepción.3Institute of Biology and Environmental
Sciences, University of Oldenburg.4Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato.5Laboratory of
Canopy Ecology and Biodiversity, Universidad Austral de Chile.
Ecological networks are becoming increasingly used as a framework to study epiphyte-host interactions.
However, efforts to quantify the properties of epiphyte-host networks have produced inconsistent results.
Interactions between epiphytes and their host trees in New Zealand and southern Chile were quantified
in an attempt to elucidate general patterns in epiphyte-host network structure. Null models tested for nonrandom patterns in nestedness, negative co-occurrences, number of links, and network specialisation.
Results showed that three out of five New Zealand networks were significantly more nested than null model
expectations, compared with just one out of four Chilean networks. Epiphytes co-occurred more often
than null model expectations in one New Zealand network and one in Chile. In all cases, the number of
links maintained by each epiphyte and host species was consistent with null model expectations. Lastly,
two New Zealand networks and one in southern Chile were significantly less specialised than null model
expectations, with all remaining networks returning low specialisation scores. As such, aside from the
general tendency for nestedness in New Zealand networks, most epiphyte species were distributed on their
host trees at random. We attribute the result of nestedness in New Zealand to the abundance of large nest
epiphytes, which facilitate the sequential colonisation of epiphyte species on developing host trees. The
lack of negative co-occurrences suggests that species interactions are not as important as establishment
limitations in structuring epiphyte assemblages. Low network specialisation scores suggest that epiphytes
are selecting for specific host traits, rather than specific host species for colonisation. 232
A GLOBAL STUDY OF THE IMPACTS OF LODGEPOLE PINE (PINUS CONTORTA) ON FUELS, FIRE
EFFECTS, AND UNDERSTORY PLANT COMMUNITIES
TAYLOR, KIMBERLEY1, MAXWELL, BRUCE1, PAUCHARD, ANÍBAL2, NUÑEZ, MARTIN3, REW, LISA1,
1
Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University.2Facultad de Ciencias Forestales,
Universidad de Concepción.3Grupo de Ecología de Invasiones INIBIOMA, CONICET, Universidad Nacional
del Comahue.
There is concern that widespread pine invasions in the Southern Hemisphere may alter fire regimes and
create a positive feedback with fire because fire can promote pine regeneration and many pine species
are highly flammable. To create a positive feedback, pine invasions would need to alter fire activity in a
way that benefits them over native plant communities. To understand potential changes in fire behavior,
we quantified fuel loads across a gradient of Pinus contorta invasion in four sites in New Zealand, Chile
and Argentina. We used fuel data to simulate fire effects (soil heating) with increasing invasion levels.
We assessed the response of vegetation and P. contorta to fire in a subset of sites that had recent fires.
We found that increased invasion led to higher fuel loads. Fuel loads increased more with invasion in
grasslands than shrublands. Simulated soil heating during fire increased with invasion age and could
contribute to the difference in post-fire plant communities observed between burned and highly invaded
plots and burned and uninvaded plots. We only saw an increase in P. contorta density post-fire when an
invasion threshold was crossed. High density invasions, both with and without fire, had different plant
communities than uninvaded sites. We conclude that once P. contorta invasions cross a density threshold
they will contribute to lost biodiversity both through impacts on native plants pre-fire and increased fire
severity and pine regeneration post-fire. A positive feedback between P. contorta invasions and fire is likely,
but only in high density invasions.
(Sponsored by NSF-WildFIRE PIRE, OISE 09667472; Fondecyt Grants 1100792 and 1140485; Instituto de Ecología y
Biodiversidad Grants ICM P05-002 and CONICYT PFB-23. Biosilva #5 from MAGyP, Argentina)
233
SPATIAL PHYLOGENETICS: DETERMINING PATTERNS OF DIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM AT
DIFFERENT SCALES USING EXAMPLES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FLORA
THORNHILL, ANDREW1, MILLER, JOSEPH2, KNERR, NUNZIO3, GONZALEZ-OROZCO, CARLOS4,
LAFFAN, SHAWN5, COSTION, CRAIG6, CRAYN, DARREN7, MISHLER, BRENT1, 1University and Jepson
Herbaria, Integrative Biology, University of California - Berkeley.2Division of Environmental Biology,
National Science Foundation.3Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, CSIRO - National
Research Collections.4Institute for Applied Ecology and Collaborative Research Network for Murray-Darling
Basin Futures, University of Canberra.5Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and
Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales.6Botany Department National Museum of Natural
History, Smithsonian Institute.7Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University.
One advantage of phylogenetic approaches to diversity and endemism is that clades can be compared at
various levels, rather than just at the species level as in classic approaches. The geographic distribution
of clades can be examined at any phylogenetic level – the information for one clade might come
from hundreds of species. Understanding the differences in spatial patterns that are seen at different
phylogenetic scales (e.g., a genus of 800 species being treated as one terminal in an analysis versus
800 separate terminals) is critical to the use of spatial phylogenetic metrics. There are over 5 million plant
records stored in Australia’s Virtual Herbarium (AVH), most of which are georeferenced. Of the records in
the AVH, 5% are eucalypts (Angophora, Corymbia, and Eucalyptus). We developed two phylogenies, one
containing 90% of Australia’s flowering plant genera as terminals using seven genes, and another with
over 700 eucalypt species using four genes. We combined the genus level phylogeny with a spatial data
set of 3.4 million records to discover ecologically and biogeographically significant areas using unique
combinations of phylogenetic metrics. To investigate the effect of phylogenetic scaling, we treated the
eucalypt phylogeny at different clade depths, i.e. as 50 terminals, 170 terminals, or 700 terminals. We show
that the phylogenetic metrics can be used to explain significant areas, some of which have been previously
been identified through interpretation of the fossil record. We also show that areas of significant endemism
change depending on the phylogenetic scale of terminals that are used.
234
TIME SINCE FIRE SHAPES VEGETATION STRUCTURE AND FUEL AVAILABILITY IN NORTHERN
PATAGONIA
TIRIBELLI, FLORENCIA1, MORALES, JUAN MANUEL1, KITZBERGER, THOMAS1, INIBIOMA,
Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche.
Fire plays a key role shaping vegetation dynamics in many ecosystems worldwide. In northern Patagonia,
fire has historically determined vegetation patterns and plant community composition. After a fire, shrubs
rapidly dominate the post-fire community due to their resprouting capacity, while for obligate seeders trees
it takes longer to regenerate into a forest. Fire frequency is higher in shrublands and fire tends to spread
more readily than in forests. Thus, Patagonian forests and shrublands present different fire regimes,
perhaps due to their different vegetation structure, species composition and time since fire. Consequently,
there might be two alternative stable states dominating this landscape: one that burns frequently, possibly
associated to more flammable vegetation (i.e. shrublands) and another that burns less frequently and
may be less flammable (i.e. forests). The aim of our study is to understand how vegetation structure
changes with time since fire in Nothofagus dombeyi forests and Nothofagus antarctica shrublands. We
found that shrublands’ vegetation structure has characteristics that makes fire spread more likely in
shrubs than in forests. In the latter, both vertical and horizontal vegetation continuity decreases with time
while in shrublands it remains constant and higher. Moreover, fine fuel availability decreases in forests
while it rapidly increases in shrublands. Hence, old forests would be fuel limited and discontinuous, while
shrublands would not have fuel limitations and present vegetation continuity. Finally, we conclude that the
opposite responses of their vegetation to time since fire found in this work could explain the distinct fire
regimes of these two communities.
(Sponsored by PIP 112 201101 00058 (to JMM))
235
RESPONSE OF RADIAL GROWTH OF ARAUCARIA ARAUCANA AND NOTHOFAGUS SPP TO
ERUPTIONS OF VILLARRICA, LLAIMA AND MOCHO – CHOSHUENCO VOLCANOES
TOLEDO GUERRERO, ISADORA1, MUÑOZ, ARIEL1, AGUILERA-BETTI, ISABELLA1, PUCHI, PAULINA1,
SHEPPARD, PAUL2, APAZ, PABLO1,3, GONZÁLEZ-REYES, ALVARO4,5, 1Laboratorio de Dendrocronología
y Estudios Ambientales, Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.2Laboratory of
Tree-Ring Research, The University of Arizona.3Región de Antofagasta Paisaje Antofagasta.4Departamento
de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile.5Advanced Mining
Technology Centre (AMTC), Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile.
The recent volcanic eruptions of several of the most active volcanoes in Chile, that belong to the Southern
Volcanic Zone (SVZ), has motivated the study of its effects on nearby ecosystems and productive activities
taking place there. Araucaria Araucana, Nothofagus dombeyi and Nothofagus pumilio forests, near of
Llaima, Villarrica and Mocho-Choshuenco volcanoes, we evaluate the response of radial growth of these
species using dendrochronology. The tree-ring width chronologies of A. araucana near of Villarrica volcano
showed high sensitivity to these events, while Nothofagus spp did not record significant changes in radial
growth when evaluating the eruptions of Mocho - Choshuenco volcanic complex. The growth series
corresponding to nearby forests of Villarrica volcano recorded recurrence of increased ring-width in the
years after eruptive events, particularly the eruption of 1822, where the index of volcanic explosion (VEI)
was 2, presented a sustained increase during the 10 years following the disturbance. In forest near the
Llaima volcano an abrupt behavior in growth by a series of eruptions originated in 1862 was observed.
Also, in the sites near Llaima and Villarrica volcanoes, the growth showed a significative response to some
eruption but not necessarily in correspondence to the VEI for each eruption. The response of forests to
these events could help to clarify the dates of eruptive events, to estimate the time of the effects of volcanic
eruptions in the environment and identify the degrees of disturbance caused by them.
236
MONITORING CARBONATE SYSTEM PARAMETERS IN COASTAL WATERS OF CHILEAN PATAGONIA TORRES, R1, MURCIA, SILVIA2, DAVIS, ERNESTO3, MANRIQUEZ, PATRICIO4, ALARCON, EMILIO5,
IRIARTE, JOSE LUIS6, VERGARA, MAXIMILIANO5, FRANGOGPULOS, MÁXIMO3, 1Departamento de
Sistemas Acuaticos CIEP.2Ciencias, Universidad de Magallanes.3Centro de Estudios del Cuaternario Fuego
- Patagonia - Antartica.4Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas. 5Ciencias Universidad Austral de
Chile.6UdeConce - Centro COPAS, Universidad Austral de Chile.
We describe the carbonate system in fjords of Patagonia based in a time series at 42°S and two decades
of coastal ocean surveys from Reloncavi Estuary (41°S) to Cape Horn (56°S), including data collected
from the new carbonate system monitoring program on opportunity ships (Cruceros Australis S.A.). A
full description of seawater carbonate system was calculated from discrete pH and total alkalinity (AT)
measurements or semi-continuous pCO2 and AT estimations from salinity. All data were derived from
recommended methods (DOE 1994). Inner fjord waters of southern Chile ranged from 7.7 to 8.5 pH units,
with a strong annual variability. The freshening (lowering salinity due to continental water inputs) of the
coastal ocean in the Patagonian archipelago fjords due to precipitation and glacial melting reduce Aragonite
and Calcite saturation state in surface waters to corrosive level even in CO2 equilibrated waters. Carbonate
system variability in surface coastal water was associated to several biological and physical factors,
including the lithology of continental basins of the Patagonian archipelago. (Sponsored by VCE 40000019; Fondecyt 1140385)
237
THE ROLE OF TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT FOR CONSERVATION AND
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
TORRES, JULIANA1, VELA-RUIZ, GERMAYNEE2, REPETTO, FIORELLA2, CABELLO, JOSE1, 1Estudios
Territoriales, Centro de Estudios del Cuaternario de Fuego y Patagonia y Antártica (CEQUA).2Estudios
Territoriales, Centro de Estudios del Cuaternario de Fuego y Patagonia y Antártica (CEQUA).
Natural destinations have experienced an impressive growth worldwide. However, tourism in these
environments can create negative impacts, such as, change in composition and distribution of flora
and fauna, erosion, and crowding among others. Reasons why managers, in protected areas, face the
challenge to achieve an appropriate balance between conservation and recreation. Torres del Paine
National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Chile, represents approximately 72% of the
touristic demand in the Magellan region, Patagonia, Chile, reaching 197.000 tourists in 2014. Currently,
it has a great diversity of infrastructure and equipment receiving thousands of tourists each year, which
has led to negative impacts that may affect natural resources and the touristic experience. The research
“Touristic management system in Chile´s protected natural areas: case study Torres del Paine National
Park”, has identified stakeholders, negative impacts due to tourism, and has suggested action to
enhance a touristic management system that helps minimize impacts found. Results have shown that
clear management objectives, associated indicators and defined standards are needed if a sustainable
destination is desired. This research aims to help CONAF (park managers) and the private sector to obtain
data and information, so that a monitoring process and the integrity of the place could be conserved,
managing carefully the visitor growth and promoting a synergistic relationship between natural areas and
stakeholders, creating an adaptive guide and a simple way to evaluate management actions.
238
A NEW RECORD OF STERILE AND FERTILE FRONDS OF THYRSOPTERIS IN THE LATE
CRETACEOUS OF LIVINGSTON ISLAND, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA TREVISON, CRISTINA1, WILBERGER, THIÈRS2, MANSILLA, HECTOR4, DUTRA, TÂNIA3, LEPPE,
MARCELO4, 1Postgraduation Program in Geology/Science Without Borders Program, Cnpq, Universidade
do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - Unisinos.2Independent research.3Postgraduation Program in Geology,
Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - Unisinos.4Scientific Department, Instituto Antártico Chileno.
New Thyrsopteris related remains are here described for the Santonian-Campanian volcanic succession
on Hannah Point, southern Livingston Island. K-Ar isotopic data obtained in the basalts that covers
and underlies the plant fossil levels confirm these age. In the fossil assemblage, angiosperms are rare
and accompanied by typically Mesozoic gymnosperms, conifers (Podocarpaceae and Araucariaceae)
and dominant pteridophytes (Gleicheniaceae, Aspleniaceae and tree ferns). Reported in previous
communications, the presence of Cyatheales is confirmed by sterile and fertile fronds with a morphology
that indicates a link with a modern species Thyrsopteris elegans Kunze, endemic of Juan Fernandez
Islands. Those characteristics are a tripinnate frond, very stout rachis, linear-lanceolate pinnae, slightly
falcate, and passing from alternate to subopposite. The pinnules are relatively wide, falcate and acuminate,
sori are large and reniform. The Cyatheales are common components of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic
floras from South America and Antarctic Peninsula, including forms assigned to Thyrsopteris, which
deposition indicates lowland areas submitted to high humidity, characteristic of islands located in a fore-arc
context. Their presence in the high paleolatitudes of Antarctica during the Cretaceous suggests that warm
subtropical conditions, similar to that today exists at 30o S, characterizes the past climate at this area. 239
DECEPTIVE UNIFORMITY, THE WWD AND AMAZON CONNECTIONS: PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC
DIVERSITY AMONG INTERTIDAL BED-FORMING MUSSELS FROM SOUTH AMERICA
(BRACHIDONTES)
TROVANT, BERENICE1, ORENSANZ, JOSE MARIA (LOBO)2, BASSO, NESTOR3, STOTZ, WOLFGANG4,
RUZZANTE, DANIEL5, 1Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución (IDEAus-CENPAT), Universidad Nacional del
Comahue.2Centro Nacional Patagonico (CONICET).3Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución (IDEAus), Centro
Nacional Patagonico (CONICET).4Marine Biology, Universidad Católica del Norte.5Biology, Dalhousie
University.
Several small mussel species (Brachidontes s.l.) dominate the physiognomy of mid-intertidal communities
along the temperate coasts of South America but they are difficult to distinguish due to their high phenotypic
similarity. We used two nuclear (28S and 18S) and one mitochondrial (COI) genes to reveal the existence
of five species in the region: B. solisianus, B. darwinianus, B. rodriguezii, B. granulatus and two distinct
clades of Perumytilus purpuratus. The southernmost species, Perumytilus purpuratus, the only brachidontin
occurring in cold-temperate waters of Chile and Argentina form a clade with Austromytilus rostratus
(Australia) and Mytilisepta virgata (Japan and Hong Kong). Species of this clade are distributed along the
temperate coasts of the Pacific Ocean. Austromytilus (Australia) and Perumytilus (South American) likely
diverged following the breakup of Australian, Antarctic and South American shelves. Perumytilus includes
two genetically distinct clades confined to the Chile-Peru (North Clade) and Magellanic (South Clade)
Biogeographic Provinces. Brachidontes solisianus (Brazil), the northernmost species along the Atlantic
coast is phylogenetically related to the ‘B. exustus complex’ (Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean) distributed
respectively south and north of a discontinuity that includes the mouth of the Amazon and Orinoco
Rivers, suggesting a role for their plumes in speciation within this complex and providing an example of
an antiequatorial distribution. Brachidontes rodriguezii (extant) is morphologically similar to a Miocene
fossil form (B. lepida), indicating a regional ancestry. Our work suggests that despite their apparent
uniformity, Brachidontes (s.l.) dominated communities in South America are assembled with components of
heterogeneous origins.
240
HOW DO ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND SOIL ENZYMES RESPOND TO ALTITUDE IN
NOTHOFAGUS PUMILIO FOREST?
TRUONG, CAMILLE1, GABBARINI , LUCIANO2, MORETTO, ALICIA3, MUJIC, ALIJA1, ESCOBAR, JULIO3,
SMITH, MATTHEW1, 1Plant Pathology, University of Florida.2Bioquímica, Microbiología e Interacciones
Biológicas en el Suelo, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes.3Ecología Terrestre, Centro Austral de
Investigaciones Científicas.
Climate change strongly affects the biosphere, including soil microorganisms. In Southern temperate
forests, Nothofagus trees are associated with a diverse community of ectomycorrhizal fungi that connect
them in the soil through a “web of fungi”. These mutualistic root symbionts favor tree growth and survival
on nutrient-poor soil by facilitating the degradation of organic matter and the mobilization of essential
nutrients to the plant. In Tierra del Fuego, Nothofagus pumilio forms continuous forests from almost sea
level to treeline (ca. 150–700 m elevation) without interference from any other ectomycorrhizal tree species.
The presence of a single ectomycorrhizal tree along an altitudinal gradient is not found anywhere else in
the world and represents a unique opportunity to study the effects of temperature on soil microorganisms.
We collected 180 soil samples along 6 altitudinal gradients in Nothofagus pumilio forest and identified
fungi communities by ITS1 metagenomic barcoding via the Illumina platform. At each sampling point, we
recorded soil properties and measured by spectrophotometry the activity of fungal enzymes involved in
carbohydrate degradation (CAZymes) and nutrient mobilization (acid phosphatases). Ectomycorrhizal fungi,
mainly from the class Agaricomycetes, dominated the soil community and were most diverse at middle
altitude (ca. 400 m) following a mid-domain effect. Shifts in fungal communities occurred along altitudinal
gradients, associated with changes in the activity of fungal enzymes and soil nutrients factors. These
results provide unprecedented resolution of ecological functions of soil fungi across altitudinal gradients and
may predict how climate change will impact these forest ecosystems.
241
NEW MYCORRHIZAL SPECIES OF “TRUFFLE-LIKE” AMANITA (BASIDIOMYCOTA) ASSOCIATED WITH
NOTHOFAGUS
KAPLAN, ZACK1, TRUONG, CAMILLE1, KUHAR, FRANCISCO2, SMITH, MATTHEW1, 1Plant Pathology,
University of Florida.2Protección Forestal, Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico.
The transoceanic distribution of Nothofagus forest in the Southern Hemisphere represents an example
of isolation by contiental drift after the split of the Gondwanan supercontinent. Nothofagus roots are
associated with a diverse community of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi that facilitate the degradation of
organic matter and the mobilization of essential nutrients to the plant. The question remains whether these
ECM fungi also originated in Gondwana or if they migrated via other means – e.g. long distance spore
dispersal or through the Panama land bridge with North America. Amanita are widespread ECM fungi that
can have fruiting bodies aboveground or belowground (“truffle-like”). We report for the first time a new
species of truffle-like Amanita from Nothofagus forests of northern Patagonia. We extracted DNA from
fruiting bodies and constructed a phylogeny based on ribosomal 18S, 28S, ITS as well as mitochondrial
16S and 26S loci. Our results support the placement of this new species in the same lineage as trufflelike Amanita species from Australia and New Zealand with similar morphological features, such as the
presence of oil droplets in spores and tissues. This suggests the Gondwanan origin of this ECM lineage
and subsequent species diversification by isolation on their respective landmasses.
242
PHYLOGENETIC DIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM IN THE VASCULAR FLORA OF CHILE URBINA-CASSANOVA, RAFAEL1, FREYMAN, WILL2, THORNHILL, ANDREW2, MISHLER, BRENT3,
SCHERSON, ROSA3, 1Depto. de Silvicultura y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Fac. Ciencias Forestales y
Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile.2Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of California,
Berkeley.3Dept. of Integrative Biology, University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California, Berkeley.
Phylogeny-based methods are increasingly being considered an important metric for conservation.
Chile has interesting potential for studies using these measures: it spans large latitudinal and altitudinal
gradients, containing all known climates. Biogeographically, it behaves as an island isolated by natural
barriers, with high levels of endemism. The combination of ancient and more recent geological processes
that have shaped the distribution of the flora (break-up of Gondwana, uplift of the Andes and Quaternary
glacial cycles), make evolutionary processes crucial to the understanding of its distribution patterns, and
developing efficient conservation strategies. Several phylogeny-based measures were analysed using
different genus level subsets of native flora (vascular flora, angiosperms, and endemic genera). The
distribution of each genus was determined based on field work, literature and herbaria records. In general,
for all subsets, Phylogenetic Diversity was significanlty higher than expected in the south of the country,
whereas the north showed the opposite pattern. However, the north of the country showed more areas of
significant Phylogenetic Endemism. Further analyses using the CANAPE approach, showed that these
are areas dominated by neo-endemisms. Fewer areas of significant endemism were found in the south
of the country, mostly paleo-endemic areas likely related to glacial refuges. Chile´s protected areas are
highly biased towards the south of the country. Our results show that even though the south of Chile is an
important reservoir of evolutionary history, the north of the country displays significant areas of phylogenetic
endemism, highlighting the importance of adding areas in which this endemism can be protected
(Sponsored by FONDECYT 11121579, CONICYT 7912010011, CONICYT-CLAS Cooperation Grant U-Chile-UC Berkeley)
243
LEAF TRAITS VARIATION IN UGNI MOLINAE TURCZ. ALONG ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS VALENZUELA, G1, NAULIN, PAULETTE1, Silvicultura y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Ciencias
Forestales y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile.
Plants have different features that allow them to live in variable environments or gradients. Some key
features in vascular plants are size and density of stomata, which could respond to different temperature,
water and nutrient availability. Understanding how these traits vary in environmental gradients allows
evaluating how sessile species respond to fluctuating environments. Three leaves of 10 individuals were
collected from different populations of Ugni molinae, along its natural distribution in Chile. Samples were
cleared according to Dizeo In Stittmatter (1973), photographed using a light microscope and measured
using the ImageJ program. Leaf area and perimeter, length, width and density of stomata were evaluated.
The results show strong contrasts in morphological and anatomical traits among populations. However, it
was not possible to observe a response related to latitudinal or altitudinal gradients, except for leaf area
which increases in the latitudinal gradient (north to south) in both Costal and Andean populations. Stomatal
density shows less variation in the mountain population (Andes), while Coastal populations show greater
variability. Preliminarily conclusions indicate that anatomical and morphological studied traits in Ugni
molinae are independent of environmental gradients. Future studies should aim at correlating the traits with
environmental variables such as local rainfall and temperature at each locality, to evaluate the relationship
between trait and environment at the microsite level.
(Thanks to Antonia Serey, Chiara Ferrari, Victoria Arevalo and Elias Queupil for support during some stages of this research)
244
CHANGES IN VEGETATION AND CLIMATE IN THE ANDES OF THE CHILEAN LAKE DISTRICT OVER
THE LAST 17,000 YEARS
VALENZUELA, M1, MORENO, PATRICIO1,2, 1Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad.2Departamento de
Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.
All palynological studies ranging from the last glacial termination to the present along the Pacific Andean
slopes of northwestern Patagonia have been carried out in valleys and low-altitude sectors of the Chilean
Lake District. In this study we present the fossil pollen and charcoal records from Lago Reflejos (41.55ºS,
72.58ºW, 800 masl) a small closed basin lake located on the lateral base of a glacial cirque near the
treeline. The record shows predominance of Drimys winteri and Myrtaceae between 14.8-17 ka, followed by
abrupt increases in Podocarpus nubigena between ~12-14.8 ka, and Weinmannia trichosperma between
~11-12.5 ka. Thermophilous trees such as Eucryphia/Caldcluvia increase between ~7-12 ka along with
the cold-resistant/hygrophylous conifer Fitzroya /Pilgerodendron and macroscopic charcoal suggesting
changes in fire regimes and climate considering the necessity of a dry season for the dessication of coarse
fuels for the occurrence of fires in this montane sector. Eucryphia/Caldcluvia and Fitzroya/Pilgerodendron
show high abundance between 7-12 ka followed by declines contemporary with increases in Podocarpus
nubigena and Drimys winteri in response to increases in precipitation. We observe increased occurrence
of fire during the last 2600 years most likely associated with increased rainfall variability at centennial time
scales. Our results from Lago Reflejos replicate the patterns observed in low-altitude sites in the region
suggesting a regional climate control through changes in temperature and precipitation amount/seasonality
associated with variations the southern westerlies at regional scale.
(Sponsored by ICM Grants P05-002 and NC120066, Fondap 15110009, Fondecyt Grant 1151469)
245
MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION BETWEEN ISLAND AND MAINLAND POPULATIONS OF THE
MICROBIOTHERIID MARSUPIAL DROMICIOPS GLIROIDES (THOMAS, 1894) IN SOUTHERNCENTRAL CHILE. VALLADARES-GÓMEZ, ALEJANDRO1, CELIS-DIEZ, JUAN LUIS2, PALMA, R. EDUARDO2,
MANRÍQUEZ, GERMÁN SOTO3, 1Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile.2Escuela de Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los
Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso.3Centro de Análisis Cuantitativo en Antropología
Dental, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile.
Dromiciops gliroidesis a small arboreal and nocturnal marsupial of about 186- 277 mm of body lengh and
26-35 g of weigth (Iriarte 2010). This species is the only living member of the Order Microbiotheria (Reig
1955) distributed in the Chilean Mediterranean and Temperate rainforests and adjacent parts of Argentina
(Man 1955). Phylogenetically, D. gliroides is more related to Australian marsupials than to the American
forms (Palma & Spotorno 1999). In the southernmost part of its distribution in Chile, D. gliroides occurrs in
the Chiloé Island as well as in the mainland (Martin 2010). Such disjunct distribution gave us the possibility
to evaluate classical biogeographic patterns which apparently are affecting mammal’s size, as predicted
by the “island rule” (Lomolino 2005). The latter is associated with insular resource limitation, affecting
large-sized mainland mammals leading to dwarfism in islands, and to gigantism for the small mainland
forms (Foster 1964, Lomolino 1985). We tested the island rule for Dromiciops expecting to find larger
individuals in the Chiloé Island related to the mainland area. We analyzed 53 Dromiciops’ skulls using
standard three-dimensional geometric morphometric tools. Non-significant differences on size (centroide
size) were detected when comparing island and mainland populations. We discussed these results based
on developmental constraints of marsupials, the geophysical characteristics of the Chiloé Island, and the
biogeographic history of southern Chile. (Sponsored by FONDECYT 1130467; PIA-CONICYT Anillo ACT 96; Colegio de Programas Doctorales, Vicerrectoría de
Investigación, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile)
246
A CONTINUOUS RECORD OF LATE HOLOCENE GLACIER FLUCTUATIONS ON SOUTH GEORGIA,
PLACED IN A SOUTHERN OCEAN CLIMATE CONTEXT
VAN DER BILT, WILLEM1, BAKKE, JOSTEIN1, WERNER, JOHANNES1, PAASCHE, ØYVIND2,
ROSQVIST, GUNHILD3, SOLHEIM VATLE, SUNNIVA 4, 1Earth Science, University of Bergen.2Bergen
Marine Research Cluster, Bergen.3Physical Geography, Stockholm University.4Geography, University of
Bergen.
Due to its location in the pathway of major global circulation systems, the Southern Ocean plays a critical
role in Earth`s climate system. Increasingly, proxy climate records are used to understand the signature of
associated climatic teleconnections beyond instrumental timescales. However, existing datasets remain
scarce, unevenly distributed and coarse. High-resolution datasets are urgently needed to improve our
understanding of Southern Ocean climate dynamics. Glaciers are common features in the region and
rapidly respond to climate shifts. The signature of these changes is reflected by variations in glacial
flour production and recorded in the sediments of downstream glacier-fed lakes. Here, we present Late
Holocene sediment records from two glacier-fed lakes located on the island of South Georgia. Using a
toolbox of physical, geochemical and magnetic proxies, we fingerprinted a continuous glacier signal from
these sediments on centennial timescales. Investigating two sites allowed testing the representativeness
of this signal, applying a Bayesian hierarchical approach to find greatest similarity within individual agedepth model uncertainties. We also calibrated the dated lake sediment signal against documented glacier
front positions. Our findings indicate that Late Holocene glacier-climate on South Georgia appears to be
modulated by the long-term behavior of SAM and ENSO patterns. Also, timing of reconstructed advances
agrees with evidence from Patagonian glaciers, further suggesting that the investigated sites record regionwide shifts in climate forcings. Finally, we find evidence for a synchronous inter-hemispheric onset of the
Little Ice Age, though its magnitude is smaller than that of other reconstructed Neoglacial glacier maxima on
South Georgia. 247
SOURCES OF DISSOLVED SILICA TO THE FJORDS OF NORTHERN PATAGONIA (44-48°S): THE
IMPORTANCE OF VOLCANIC ASH SOIL DISTRIBUTION AND WEATHERING
VANDEKERKHOVE, E1, BERTRAND, S1, REID, B2, BARTELS, A1, CHARLIER, B3, 1Department of
Geology and Soil Science, University of Ghent.2Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia,
Universidad Austral de Chile.3Department of Geology, University of Liège.
Dissolved silica (DSi) is considered as one of the main nutrients in marine and lacustrine environments.
It plays a particularly important role in the fjords of northern Chilean Patagonia, where it drives high
biogenic productivity in coastal regions. It is generally believed that the DSi river input to lake and coastal
environments is controlled by a combination of factors including lithology, climate, topography, and glacial
input. In northern Chilean Patagonia several authors have suggested that postglacial volcanic ash soils
(andosols) may also play an important role in the supply of DSi to the regional fjords. To assess the
influence of andosols on DSi concentrations in north Patagonian rivers we mapped and compared regional
river chemistry to spatial variations in andosol thickness. We also investigated the efficiency of weathering
processes using mineralogical and geochemical analyses of three representative andosol profiles.
Our results indicate that the andosol parent material reflects the typical andesitic basaltic composition
of the regional volcanoes. Moreover, the andosol thickness map demonstrates that volcanic ash was
predominantly deposited on the eastern side of the regional volcanoes, reflecting the influence of the
prevailing westerlies on the dispersion of the pyroclastic material. Down-profile variations in soil mineralogy
and geochemistry indicate silica leaching. For the five studied watersheds, a highly positive correlation
(R²=0.98) was found between average andosol thickness and DSi concentrations, providing evidence
that andosols are the most significant source of DSi to the lakes and fjords of northern Chilean Patagonia,
explaining the particularly high regional rates of biogenic silica production.
248
LONG-TERM STUDIES IN A FURNARIID BIRD: IS SOUTHERN PATAGONIA AN EXTREME
ENVIRONMENT?
VASQUEZ, RODRIGO1, QUIRICI, VERÓNICA2, WINGFIELD, JOHN3, 1IEB, Departamento de Ciencias
Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.2Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad,
Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Andrés Bello.3Department of Neurobiology,
Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California.
High latitude environments pose challenges to avian living, such as high and permanent windy conditions,
cold weather, and snowing during every month of the year, in the case of southern Patagonia. Avian
species inhabiting along latitudinal gradients represent excellent targets to assess how species cope
with different environments. In order to assess how different ecological conditions affect reproductive and
coping strategies, we compared clutch size and the adrenocortical responses to standardized stressors
among populations of the Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), an endemic furnariid from the
Patagonian forests of Chile and Argentina. In four different populations from north-central Chile to the
extreme south of Chile, encompassing 25 degrees of latitude (Populations: Fray Jorge NP, Manquehue in
Santiago area, Chiloe island, and Navarino island), we found significant reproductive differences between
populations, with clutch size increasing from north to south, as follows: Fray Jorge (3.04±0.69 eggs; mean
± SE), Manquehue (3.46±0.63), Chiloé (4.50±0.78), and Navarino (4.95±0.94). We did not find differences
in egg size between populations, nor in adult survival. We found that baseline corticosterone levels tend
to be lower in the southernmost populations. On the other hand, the stress response did not vary among
populations in any of the three years of the study. We concluded that low environmental temperatures do
not represent a stress situation for rayaditos if food abundance is sufficient to support energetic demands,
and possibly larger clutch size in southern populations are the result of greater seasonality.
(Sponsored by ICM-P05-002, PFB-23-CONICYT, FONDECYT 1140548, FONDECYT 11130245)
249
CLIMATE CHANGE, WILDFIRE AND FEEDBACKS IN SOUTHERN TEMPERATE FOREST
ECOSYSTEMS: AN INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
VEBLEN, THOMAS1, HOLZ, ANDRES2, PARITSIS, JUAN3, KITZBERGER, THOMAS3, MUNDO,
IGNACIO4, 1Geography University of Colorado.2Geography, Portland State University.3INIBIOMA-Conicet
Universidad del Comahue.4Conicet IANIGLA-Mendoza.
The rate of burning of many forests around the world is predicted to increase under a warming climate,
and specifically for southern temperate forests there have been recent upsurges in wildfire activity. In this
paper we provide an introduction to and overview on the causes and consequences of increased wildfire
activity in southern temperate forests. We examine the hypothesis that for many southern temperate
forest ecosystems increased wildfire activity driven by land-use practices and/or climate are exacerbated
by properties of post-fire vegetation that produce positive feedbacks, making recently burned areas
more prone to subsequent fire. Recent research in Patagonia and New Zealand has shown empirically
and through simulation modeling how initial burning of relatively low flammability mesic and sub-mesic
Nothofagus forests results in more fire prone vegetation through changes in fuel profiles and effects of
post-fire vegetation on microclimate and fuel moisture compared to conditions in the pre-burned forest
community. Building on that existing framework, we outline working hypotheses of similar fire-vegetation
feedbacks mediated by bamboo fuels and post-fire changes in soil drainage in southern temperate
rainforests, emphasizing those of southern South America. We will present a comparative research agenda
on fire in southern rainforests in order to identify (1) which plant traits and plant community properties drive
the strength of the positive feedbacks, (2) under what abiotic conditions are these positive feedbacks most
likely to lead to abrupt, nearly irreversible vegetation changes, and (3) management options for adapting to
increased wildfire activity in southern temperate rainforests. (Sponsored by USA National Science Foundation Awards 0956552 and 0966472 (Wildfire PIRE))
250
DESCRIPTION AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF IRREGULAR CELLULAR PATTERNS IN
NOTHOFAGUS PUMILIO TREE-RINGS AT CHOSHUENCO VOLCANO, NORTHERN PATAGONIA
VELASQUEZ-ALVAREZ, GONZALO1, ALVAREZ, CLAUDIO1, CHRISTIE, DUNCAN1, Laboratorio de
Dendrocronología y Cambio Global, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad
Austral de Chile.
Some cellular patterns in annual tree-rings may conform singular arrays of anatomical elements and/
or anomalies, which may be related to environmental variability. The objective of this contribution was to
identify, describe and register irregular cellular patterns and anomalies in the tree-rings of Nothofagus
pumilio growing in the upper and lower altitudinal distribution of the species. Study area is located in the
north-western flank of the Choshuenco Volcano, northern Patagonian Andes (39°53’ S, 72°03’ W). We
examined three different types of cellular patterns in annual tree-rings: tangential belts of multiple pores,
tangential belts with absent pores, and false rings. Two parameters were evaluated: temporal occurrence
and the relative position within the annual ring. We examined 99 and 113 tree-ring series from two
N. pumilio chronologies located at upper and lower altitudinal distribution of the species respectively.
Preliminary results indicates that the upper site presents 89% of total irregular patterns registered. False
rings are the most frequent at both sites, and were registered mainly in the last third of the annual rings
occurring mainly during the twentieth century. Belts of absent pores are more frequent in the first third of the
annual rings in both sites, however in the upper site the twentieth century concentrates the main proportion
of belts, unlike lower site in which they are distributed during the past two centuries. 73% of multiple pores
belts are located in the upper site, are equally distributed inside the growth rings and are almost exclusively
present during the twentieth century.
(Sponsored by FONDECYT Regular 1120965 CONICYT Chile)
251
DOES MAMMAL EXCLUSION ALTER THE COMPOSITION OR DIVERSITY OF INVERTEBRATE
COMMUNITIES? A STUDY AT ZEALANDIA, A FENCED RESERVE IN NEW ZEALAND
VERGARA, OLIVIA1, NELSON, NICOLA1, HARTLEY, STEPHEN1, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria
University of Wellington.
Introduced mammals, such as possums, rats, mice and stoats, have become a serious threat to native
flora and fauna in New Zealand over the past two-hundred years. Mammal exclusion reserves play an
important role in restoring and maintaining diversity of endangered species and their habitats. ‘Zealandia’ is
a fenced mainland reserve with no rats, possums and stoats, and an annually controlled mice population.
Outside the fence, there is pest control, but mammals are still present. In the summer of 2014 and 2015
we sampled the invertebrate communities inside the fenced area (where birds and reptiles are the main
predators) and in the adjacent non-fenced area, where mammals and birds are important predators, to look
for differences in diversity and composition. In addition, a field manipulation was performed to investigate
the effects of predator pressure on invertebrates (using mealworms as bait) in and outside the reserve.
No significant differences were found in the average number of invertebrates due to mammal exclusion
and/or year of sampling except for Araneae (year p<0.01) and Collembola (year × exclusion p<0.001).
Our predator-pressure experiment demonstrated that robins were the main predator of mealworms
(first encounter) inside the fence and blackbirds (p<0.01) outside, for all treatments. We conclude that
abundances of large epigeous invertebrates at order level were similar on either side of the fence probably
due to an apparent similarity in vertebrate predation pressures. Studies on the effect of covariates, such as
vegetation, soil organic matter and season activity, would further support this conclusion. (Sponsored by Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology (CBRE), Victoria University of Wellington)
252
HOLOCENE LAKE LEVEL AND PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN A CHILEAN PATAGONIAN LAKE
NEAR THE TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
VERLEYEN, ELIE1, ROBERTS, STEVE2, VAN NIEUWENHUYZE, WIM1, MCCOLLOUGH, ROBERTS3,
STERKEN, MIEKE1, HEIRMAN, KATRIEN4, VAN WICHELEN, JEROEN1, HODGSON, DOMINIC2, SABBE,
KOEN1, VYVERMAN, WIM1, 1Biology, Sciences, Ghent University.2NERC British Antarctic Survey.3Biological
and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling.4GLANAM Geological Survey of Denmark.
We undertook a multi-proxy investigation of a sediment core from Lago Pato, a small lake adjacent to
Lago del Toro, to reconstruct Holocene variations in glacier retreat, lake level and regional vegetation.
Pre-Holocene sediments were deposited in a glaciolacustrine environment when the site was part of an
enlarged proglacial palaeo-lake that encompassed an enlarged Lago del Toro. When this palaeo-lake
drained, water levels at Lago Pato fell below the c. 40 m above sea level (a.s.l.) and it developed into an
independent basin, which was exclusively fed by precipitation for the last 10,000 years. During the earlymid Holocene, Lago Pato remained isolated and relatively unproductive, with either highly-fluctuating lake
levels, interspersed with periods of elevated sediment oxidation that reflect near-drying out or, alternatively,
the development of a larger lake with an extended wetland. After c. 5700 years lake levels stabilised.
Benthic diatoms were replaced by a planktonic community and extensive Nothofagus forests developed.
The catchment vegetation has remained relatively stable for the last 5400 cal yr. BP. However, an abrupt
return to a benthic/tychoplanktonic-dominated diatom community occurred after c. 1850 cal. yr. BP and
likely reflects a period of infilling, which culminated at c. 1400 cal. yr. BP with the redeposition of outwash
sands . Introduced European plant species reflect human impact in the area during the recent decades.
We conclude that lakes in Torres del Paine that are exclusively fed by precipitation contain interesting
sedimentary records for the reconstruction of changes in the precipitation-evaporation balance during the
Holocene.
(Sponsored by FWO Vlaanderen, BelSPO, NERC)
253
RECENT WILDFIRES IN TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE: BIODIVERSITY IMPLICATIONS
AND RESTORATION CHALLENGES
VIDAL, OSVALDO1, NICULCAR, ROBERTO2, RADIC, SERGIO3, HENRÍQUEZ, JUAN MARCOS3,
MUÑOZ, RENE4, MORANO, SUSANA4, 1Laboratorio de Botánica, Instituto de la Patagonia, Universidad
de Magallanes.2Laboratorio de Germoplasma, Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero Magallanes.3Laboratorio de
Suelos, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Magallanes.4Laboratorio de SIG, Facultad de Ciencias,
Universidad de Magallanes.
Torres del Paine National Park (TPNP) is one of the most important natural areas in Chile. This park is
located in a strong precipitation gradient containing beauty landscapes and rich biodiversity that attract
yearly a growing number of tourists. During the last seasons near 200,000 tourists have entered to TPNP.
However, mass tourism represents a real threat for biodiversity conservation. For instance, three megafires caused by tourists in the last 30 years, have devastated about 50,000 hectares of natural and seminatural ecosystems within the TPNP. The ecological consequences of these events are barely known, but a
regeneration fail in forests and other ecosystems after fire has been observed. The lack of knowlege about
fire impact on biodiversity has pauperize the strategies of ecological restoration. In this work, we present
information of fire-effects on local biodiversity attributes (e.g. soil, vegetation, wildlife), giving evidence
of biotic homogenization and that biological invasions has affected in middle-term the sucesional paths
of natural ecosystems. Also, we give information about the relative success of the post-fire reforestation
initiatives inside TPNP, including results of control of exotic plants on tree growth. Finally, we propose
protocols of germination and re-introduction of fire-sensitive species to restore ecosystems like shrubs and
steppes. We discuss about the difficulties of lacking scientific information to generate ecological restoration
plans, under a scenario that shows an impoverished political interest in supporting these initiatives in the
long term.
(Sponsored by Proyecto Implementación de Acciones de Restauración Ecológica, Ministerio del Medio Ambiente, Chile)
254
PHYLOGENETIC RECONSTRUCTION OF THE GENUS TRIPTILION RUIZ ET PAVÓN (ASTERACEAENASSAUVIEAE)
VIDAL, PAULA1, JARA-ARANCIO, PAOLA1, ARROYO, MTK1, Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas,
Facultad de Ciencias and Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Chile.
The genus Triptilion is endemic to central Chile, the Mendoza Province and western Patagonia in
Argentina. It is currently composed of seven species: T. achilleae, T. benaventii, T. berteroi, T. capillatum,
T. cordifolium, T. gibbosum and T. spinosum. Five of these are endemic to Chile, while T. achilleae and
T. capillatum are shared byChile and Argentina. Historically a close relation has been described between
genus Triptilion and Nassauvia. To contribute to knowledge about the relations within the genus Triptilion
and Nassauvia, we studied rDNA and cpDNA of all the currently recognized species of Triptilion and
representatives of all the sections of Nassauvia recognized by Cabrera. We also traced the evolution of
annual and perennial forms. Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Triptilion and more closely related genera
was done using the total evidence matrix with four primers including two nuclear (ITS, ETS) and two
chloroplast (trnL-F, RPL32). The topology of the Bayesian inference tree shows that the genus Triptilion is
paraphyletic, since N. lagascae, the only representative of the section Caloptilium, groups with the species
of Triptilion. N. lagascae inhabits mountain zones as does T. achilleae; the two species are the most
basal. The other members of the genus Triptilion formed two main lineages: Lineage I (T. capillatum and T.
gibbosum) and Lineage II (T. spinosum, T. cordifolium, T. benaventii and T. berteroi). (Sponsored by Fondecyt Iniciación 11130299, Proyectos ICM-MINECON P05-002-IEB Y PFB23)
255
IDENTIFYING HIGH-VALUE AREAS TO STRENGTHEN MARINE CONSERVATION IN THE CHANNELS
AND FJORDS OF THE SOUTHERN CHILE ECOREGION
VILA, ALEJANDRO1, FALABELLA, VALERIA2, 1Chile Program Wildlife Conservation Society.2Marine
Program Wildlife Conservation Society.
Using the Marxan decision support tool we conducted a systematic planning process to identify High
Conservation Value Areas in the channels and fjords of the southern Chile ecoregion. In close cooperation
with WWF, we involved 74 experts in identifying conservation features, setting targets and compiling
distribution data. Current distributions of 39 features were used in Marxan analyses. In one scenario we
locked planning units that contained the Francisco Coloane Marine Protected Area. In a second scenario
we also excluded planning units that overlapped with Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture, defined by the
Chilean government’s coastal zoning process. One-hundred percent of the proposed conservation targets
were met in both scenarios. Although the distribution of 12 conservation features overlapped to a certain
extent (>10%) with Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture, Marxan identified conservation solutions avoiding
these areas. Our suggested portfolio of High Conservation Value Areas comprises a preliminarily network
of 33 sites, covering 99,432 km2 (12% of the ecoregion). These results provide the first science-based
roadmap for decision makers and conservationists, and were used by the Chilean government in its
coastal zoning process to define priority areas for conservation. We are currently working on an improved
and updated version of this analysis through a joint effort with Huinay Foundation, including more tha 200
conservation features and modelling distributions of them. 256
VEGETATION CHANGE DURING THE LAST GLACIAL–INTERGLACIAL TRANSITION IN THE MODERN
FOREST-STEPPE ECOTONE OF CENTRAL PATAGONIA (~46° S)
VILANOVA, ISABEL1, HENRÍQUEZ , WILLIAM2, MIRANDA , CARMEN2, VILLA-MARTÍNEZ, RODRIGO3,
MORENO, PATRICIO2, 1Sección Palinología del Cuaternario, Paleobotany Division. Paleontology Area,
CONICET-Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia.2Ecological Sciences, Universidad
de Chile. Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity.3GAIA-Antártica, Universidad de Magallanes.
Very little is known about the timing and extent of Andean glaciers and the glacial/deglacial vegetation in
the Aysén region of Central Chilean Patagonia (44°-49°S), a key sector of the southern mid-latitudes to
understand the tempo, mode and forcing mechanisms of climate change during the last glacial-interglacial
transition (LGIT). Here we present palynological results from Lago Unco (45°34’29.4”S; 71°43’7.6”W, 756
masl), a small closed-basin lake located in the modern forest-steppe ecotone, in direct association with
moraines deposited by the Coyhaique-Balmaceda piedmont glacier lobe during the last glacial maximum
(LGM). The Unco record contains multiple tephras, the lowermost of which are Ho and MENo with calendar
ages of ~17.8 ka. This tephra duplet is an excellent chronostratigraphic marker for the onset of the LGIT
in this Andean sector of central Patagonia. The pollen record features predominance of herbs and shrubs
characteristic of cold alpine environments and the Patagonian steppe between 12-18 ka, along with
increasing Nothofagus and persistence of the hygrophilous, cold-resistant Gunnera, Drymis and the conifer
Fitzroya/Pilgerodendron. This non-analogue assemblage suggests cold and hyperhumid conditions east
of the Andes at the commencement of the LGIT. The early appearance of hygrophilous taxa (characteristic
of the modern rainforest vegetation along the Pacific coast of Patagonia) in Lago Unco suggests that
hygrophilous vegetation thrived along the eastern glacier margins during the LGM and may have been a
source for the postglacial colonization of the Pacific coastal environments. Our results and interpretations
challenge traditional paleoclimate and biogeographic inferences for this region during the LGIT.
(Sponsored by ICM Grants P05-002 and NC120066, Fondecyt 1121141 and 1131055)
257
COCKROACH-PLANT INTERACTION IN CHILE, A RELICTUAL RELATIONSHIP FROM A TROPICAL
PAST?
VILLAGRA, CRISTIAN1, LÓPEZ-URIBE, MARGARITA2, VERA, ALEJANDRO3, SCHAPHEER,
CONSTANZA 4, 1Instituto de Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana
de Ciencias de la Educación.2Department of Entomology, Sciences, North Carolina State
University.3Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana
de Ciencias de la Educación.4Instituto de Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad
Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación.
Despite popular culture ideas, most cockroach lineages (Insecta: Blattodea, excluding Termitidae) are
not associated with human-modified environments and do not represent a treat to human health. By the
contrary; wild cockroaches are sensitive to human-derived habitat degradation and can be found associated
to native plants litter and floral resources. Historically this interaction dates back to Carboniferous period. In
tropical regions of Central and South America, such as Brazil and Mexico, several mutualistic interactions
have been described between cockroaches and plants, especially within Bromeliaceae plant family.
However, to date, there are no records of such interaction in a Mediterranean biome. In this work, we
studied the interaction of neotropical genera Moluchia and Phidon (Blattodea: Ectobiidea) and native plants
from Mediterraean Matorral of Central Chile. We observed a recurrent association of these two taxa with
plant taxa such as Puya (Bromeliaceae), among others plant lineages. Bromeliads provide shelter, food
and oviposition site for at least three species from Moluchia genus and at least one Phidon species. We
propose this may correspond to the most southern relationship between a bromeliad and wild cockroach in
the world. 258
HUMANS, CLIMATE, VEGETATION CHANGES AND MEGAFAUNAL EXTINCTIONS AT THE END OF
THE PLEISTOCENE IN SOUTH AMERICA: THE CASE OF SOUTHERN PATAGONIA
VILLAVICENCIO, NATALIA1, LINDSEY, EMILY1, MARTIN, FABIANA2, BORRERO, LUIS3, MORENO,
PATRICIO4, MARSHALL, CHARLES1, BARNOSKY, ANTHONY1, 1Integrative Biology, Museum of
Paleontology, University of California-Berkeley.2CEHA, Instituto de la Patagonia, Universidad de
Magallanes.3DIPA CONICET-IMHICIHU.4Department of Ecological Sciences, Universidad de Chile.
During the Pleistocene-Holocene transition South America lost >80% of all its mammalian
megafauna. Analysis of the megafaunal extinction chronology in relation to human arrival and major climate
changes have revealed different extinction patterns in different eco-regions of the continent, highlighting the
importance of detailed regional analysis to understand how the possible drivers of extinction operated. Here
we present an analysis of the megafaunal extinction in the Última Esperanza (UE) area of southwestern
Patagonia, Chile. We compiled a chronology of megafaunal extinction and human arrival based on 114
radiocarbon dates and encompassing the time period between 18-7 cal kyr BP. We calculated confidence
intervals to estimate the true times of megafaunal extinctions and human arrival, and then compare these
chronologies to the timing of major vegetation and climate changes. In addition, we compare them to a
smaller dataset from southeastern Patagonia. Our results suggest that a combination of human impacts
and climate-vegetation change drove megafaunal extinctions in UE. Competition with humans seems to
be a plausible cause for the extinction of the mega-carnivores. Coexistence of humans with extinct horses,
extinct camels and mylodonts for several thousand years rules out a scenario of blitzkrieg-overkill of
megafauna by humans. Vegetation changes could have had a role in the extinction of Hippidion saldiasi,
Lama cf. owenii and mylodonts, as the first two disappear during the transition from cold grasslands to
Nothofagus forests, and the mylodonts after the full establishment of forests. Coexistence of humans with
megafauna for millennia and megafaunal extinctions coincident with changes in vegetation are also seen in
southeastern Patagonia.
(Sponsored by NSF Grant EAR 1148181, BECAS CHILE PhD Fellowship)
259
A GONDWANAN ORIGIN OF SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE LACUSTRINE MICROBIOMES?
VYVERMAN, W1, Biology, Protistology & Aquatic Ecology, Sciences, Ghent University.
Understanding the processes shaping the spatio-temporal dynamics of microbiomes is of key importance
to predict future changes in ecosystem structure and function, as well as to assist conservation planning.
Our large-scale inventories of high-latitude lacustrine microbiomes based on high-throughput sequencing of
environmental DNA, standard microscopy and culture-based approaches, revealed strong biogeographical
patterns in the Southern Hemisphere for both prokaryote and eukaryote phyla and the foodwebs they are
part of. These patterns are remarkably congruent with those observed for macroscopic organisms and
suggest a shared evolutionary history of microbiota and multicellular organisms on southern hemisphere
landmasses. For well-studied taxa such as diatoms, evidence indicates that southern lacustrine
microbiomes share few species with those from environmentally similar lake districts in the (sub)-Arctic.
This suggests a high level of endemism as well as other key features of canonical island biota, including a
marked taxonomic imbalance and adaptive radiation. Comparison with Miocene freshwater diatom deposits
shows the loss of a more temperate flora with a distinct Gondwana signature in the Antarctic, resulting
from strong climatic sorting of microbiota since the onset of the Miocene glaciations. Furthermore, both
fossil evidence and phylogeographic studies indicate a strong species turnover since the Mid-Miocene,
due to in situ adaptation and speciation of native taxa as well as from multiple colonization events. These
observations form compelling evidence for the combined role of historical and contemporary processes
in shaping aquatic microbiomes. Furthermore, our results call for increased attention to prevent human
introductions of microorganisms and the subsequent homogenization of microbiomes.
260
THE ECOLOGY OF THE TRIODIA-DOMINATED HUMMOCK GRASSLANDS IN ARID AUSTRALIA
WARDLE, GLENDA1, DICKMAN, CHRIS1, GREENVILLE, AARON1, School of Biological Sciences, The
University of Sydney.
Globally grasslands support livestock grazing to feed the growing human population. While vast areas of
grasslands elsewhere have been converted to exotic pastures, in arid Australia, vegetation dominated
by the perennial hummock-forming grass, Triodia, extends over 60% of the continent. These grasslands
are repositories of biotic diversity and contain richer communities of lizards, small mammals and some
insects than any other of the world’s deserts. Here we use long-term monitoring data and a recent review
of the vegetation to synthesize the current understanding of this poorly-studied biome. The environment
is characterised by low and unpredictable rainfall, punctuated with episodic flooding, and nutrient-poor
soils that are nonetheless patchy across the landscape. These factors interact through two key ecological
processes: ‘pulse-reserve productivity’ and ‘fire’, which in turn shape the diversity of the communities
supported by hummock grasslands. Typically the ecological responses to increased productivity change
plant cover and composition; stimulate biological soil crusts and microorganisms, and flow through the
trophic levels to influence the interactions among consumers and predators. Big rain years potentially
stimulate population responses in invertebrates, birds and mammals and alter ecosystem processes, such
as litterfall. However, rainfall connectivity is also important with high variability among sequences of rain
events. But big rains also fuel fires, and the 69 Triodia species include resprouters and others that rely
on soil seed banks for post-fire recruitment. Major conservation issues include increased pressure from
pastoralism, clearing for mining, interest in commercial harvest for materials and increased extremes due to
global climate change. 261
METAPHORS IN FIELD ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY: POETIC COMMUNICATION SURROUNDING
ORNITHOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONSERVATION AT THE OMORA ETHNOBOTANICAL PARK,
CHILE
WILLIAMS, JUSTIN1,8, PAREDES CASTELLANOS, ANGELINA2,8, AILLAPAN, LORENZO3, JARA MILLAR,
ROCIO4, KONO, TETSUYA5, CASTRO, VICTORIA6, MASSARDO, FRANCISCA7,9,8, JIMÉNEZ, JAIME4,1,9,8,
ROZZI, RICARDO1,8,9,4, 1Philosophy and Religion, University of North Texas.2Filosofía, Universidad
Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo.3Poet, Omora Ethnobotanical Park.4Biological Sciences, University
of North Texas.5Education, Rikkyo Univerisity.6Anthropology, Universidad de Chile.7Puerto Williams Center,
Universidad de Magallanes.8Chile, Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, (IEB).9Omora Ethnobotanical Park,
Universidad de Magallanes.
To effectively address global environmental change, Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER)
networks offer ideal platforms to integrate research at multiple ecological, cultural, and political scales.
However, this socio-ecological work still requires better integration of social components beyond economic
factors and the inclusion of an ethical dimension. A central reason for the omission of ethical dimensions
in LTSER is the lack of methodologies. To resolve this limitation, at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park (OEP)
we have developed approaches based on the “field environmental philosophy” (FEP) methodology. FEP
integrates ecological research and environmental ethics into biocultural education and conservation through
an interrelated four-step cycle: i) interdisciplinary ecological and philosophical research, ii) composition
of metaphors, and communication through simple narratives, iii) design of guided field experiences with
an ecological and ethical orientation, and iv) implementation of in situ conservation areas. This work
focuses on step 2 “poetic communication,” as an important epistemological bridge. The complementarity
of metaphors resituates traditional and contemporary ornithological knowledge as epistemological coconstituents. The tree of life and the web of life metaphors coupled with Mapuche and Yahgan narratives
re-edifies our kinship with the living natural world. This edification has ethical, epistemological, and
conservation implications. In this way, FEP’s approaches are contributing to broaden the definition of the
social (“S”) component in LTSER, and to generate methodologies to integrate, at multiple scales, ecological
and ethical dimensions into socio-ecological research, as well as biocultural education and conservation
programs, which could be implemented and assessed at other LTER sites.
262
A 500-YEAR RECORD OF ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION CHANGE IN SOUTHERN PATAGONIA FROM
DUAL WATER ISOTOPES OF SUBFOSSIL SPHAGNUM MOSS CELLULOSE
XIA, ZHENGYU1, YU, ZICHENG1, LOISEL, JULIE2, STELLING, JONATHAN1, 1Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences, Lehigh University.2Department of Geography, Texas A&M University.
The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is a large-scale control on the Southern Hemisphere extra-tropical
climate, and its positive phase observed since the late 20th century might be unprecedented in amplitude
over the recent centuries. However, long-term behavior of the SAM and its role in climate and atmospheric
circulation changes are still poorly understood, calling for paleo proxy records to extend the short
instrumental records. Here we derived a 500-year high-resolution record of isotopic composition of moss
source water (and presumably precipitation), through isotope analysis of subfossil Sphagnum cellulose
in Harberton bog, southern Patagonia (54.87° S, 67.28° W, leeward side of the Andes), to evaluate the
potential of using paired water isotopes for reconstructing climate and atmospheric circulation changes.
Both δ18O and δD values show generally decreasing trends over the last 500 years with slight high values
~200 years ago. Furthermore, calculated deuterium excess (d-excess) shows a significant decrease of
~10‰ in our record. The negative shifts of isotopic compositions and d-excess reflect stronger isotopic
rain shadow effect and increased contribution from humid moisture source (likely SE Pacific Ocean),
respectively, suggesting persistent intensification of zonal flow from the southern westerly wind belt over
the last 500 years. The general pattern is similar to the SAM index reconstruction from other proxy records.
Our results imply that dual water isotopes approach could help unravel changes in moisture source regions
and trajectories if we extend our analysis further back in time from a network of peatland sites in southern
Patagonia.
263
DYNAMICS OF PEAT-FORMING ECOSYSTEMS DURING THE LATE HOLOCENE ON THE WESTERN
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
YU, ZICHENG1, LOISEL, JULIE1, BEILMAN, DAVID2, 1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
Lehigh University.2Department of Geography, University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Here we used paleo records of climate and ecosystem changes from peats on the western Antarctic
Peninsula (WAP) to understand climate-cryosphere-ecosystem connections. Continuing retreat of ice and
permanent snow has recently exposed numerous entombed mosses and intact peatbanks (aerobic peatforming ecosystems) at several locations around 65°S latitude that were buried during the cold “Little Ice
Age” (LIA). Radiocarbon dating indicates ages of 850-600 cal yr BP from re-exposed moss samples from
retreating ice and of 100 cal yr BP from near shrinking snow. All basal ages from >10 peatbanks in the WAP
around 65°S are younger than 3000 cal yr BP, suggesting that the inception of peat-forming ecosystems
might have responded to warmer conditions in the late Holocene. Furthermore, detailed macrofossil
and pollen analysis of a peat core show dramatic shifts from a waterlogged peatland dominated by pure
stands of Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica) before the LIA at 2400-600 cal yr BP to an aerobic
peatbank dominated by erect mosses (Polytrichum strictum and Pohlia) in the last 50 years. At present the
nearest known occurrence of hairgrass “bog peats” is in South Georgia at 54°S, a location having a mean
annual temperature 6°C higher than the study region on the WAP. Using this modern spatial relationship as
an analogue suggests that the climate along the WAP a few centuries ago was much warmer than today
and supported very different ecosystems. These results imply that major ecological transformations in
Antarctica should be anticipated in the near future under rapid climate warming. (Sponsored by the US National Science Foundation Antarctic Earth Sciences Program. We thank Kate Cleary and Jonathan
Stelling for laboratory assistance)
264
SEEDLING PERFORMANCE OF PILGERODENDRON UVIFERUM (CIPRÉS DE LAS GUAITECAS) IN A
BURNED PEATLAND, LOWER BAKER RIVER WATERSHED: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESTORATION
ZARET, KYLA1, HOLZ, ANDRÉS1, Geography, Portland State University.
Pilgerodendron uviferum is the world’s southernmost conifer. Currently, the species is listed as globallythreatened due to widespread burning and logging across its range. However, the tree remains iconic of
Southwestern Chile’s natural and cultural heritage, and standing dead individuals are a resource for local
people. In the Aysén Region, there appears to have been a lack of post-fire P. uviferum regeneration since
the 1970s-1980s. Identification of the factors (both biotic and abiotic) that affect successful tree recruitment
and survival is needed in order to understand, 1) the biophysical factors that cause the alleged regeneration
failure, and 2) associated conservation needs (e.g. whether and how active restoration activities should
be undertaken). We conducted a pilot study of P. uviferum seedling performance on a peatland subject to
multiple fires in the Lower Baker River Watershed near the town of Tortel. Using a stratified, random block
design, we sampled P. uviferum seedling abundance and health associated with the following variables
across three distinct patch types: floristic structure and composition, distance to nearest seed tree,
dominant ground cover, microtopographic relief, and water table depth. Preliminary results indicate that
water table depth drives differences in seedling abundance and floristic composition across patch types. In addition, seedlings of different height/age classes were found to differ in their responses to water table
depth. These results highlight the need to account for microsite variability and changes in hydrology when
designing restoration methods for P. uviferum on peatland sites.
265
RAPID EVOLUTION OF AN INVASIVE PINE RESULTS IN INCREASED INVASIVENESS ACROSS SIX
REPLICATED AND INDEPENDENT INVASIONS
ZENNI, RAFAEL1, CUNHA, WANDERSON1, SENA, GUILHERME1, Ecology, University of Brasilia.
It is becoming increasingly clear that rapid evolution is a common phenomenon in biological invasions and
that it can aid invasion success. A previous study showed that six naturalized populations of Pinus taeda
rapidly evolved and became invasive due to positive genetic provenance-climate interactions. Specifically,
certain adapted provenances were able to spread and invade, whereas maladapted provenances tended
not to contribute offspring and genes along the naturalization-invasion continuum. Here, we present results
of a follow-up study showing that rapid genetic changes in these six populations produced plants with
higher annual growth rates and/or higher constitutive chemical defenses (e.g., resin and total phenolics).
Out of the six invasive populations, four were evolving higher mean annual growth rates with up to twofold
increases from the rear to the leading edges; two populations were increasing allocation to chemical
defenses, whereas other two populations were decreasing allocation to defenses; two populations were
decreasing in specific leaf area, but increasing in leaf area, whereas other two did not chang. We found
not trade-offs between investments in growth and investments in chemical defenses. Also, total population
spread is positively associated to faster rates of evolution in productivity and growth. In conclusion, in the
40 years since introduction, the invasive populations are successfully adapting to their new habitats. The
notion that invasive plants may rapidly evolve greater invasive potential stresses the importance of early
detection and rapid responses in invasion management.
(Sponsored by CNPq-Brazil)
266
GEOGRAPHIC OCCURRENCES IN BIOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSES: AUTOMATED TOOLS FOR
DEALING WITH SAMPLING BIASES, PROBLEMATIC COORDINATES AND SPECIES-TO-AREA
CLASSIFICATION
ZIZKA, ALEXANDER1, ANTONELLI, ALEXANDRE2,3, 1Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of
Gothenburg.2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg.3Department
of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothernburg Botanical Garden.
South America, Africa and South-East Asia harbour the vast majority of global plant diversity. Increasing
knowledge on species distributions, based on the improved availability of collection records, is playing a
major role in understanding the patterns and processes underlying this diversity. Large-scale biogeographic
analyses using hundreds of thousands of occurrence records from thousands of species are now possible.
However, in the context of historical biogeography, where a classification of occurrences into complex,
discrete operational areas is needed, the large amount of data often makes classification time-consuming
and error-prone. Furthermore, concerns on the quality of publicly available georeferenced occurrences
and sampling biases have led to a discussion on the reliability of results obtained from such data. This
is particularly problematic in parts of the Southern hemisphere, where sampling for most taxonomic
groups remains scarce. Here we present two new bioinformatics tools to automatically clean species
occurrence data, account for sampling bias and prepare large scale species occurrence data for the use
in biogeographic analyses, invoking discrete areas and phylogenetic trees. We exemplify the use of these
tools on studies from the southern hemisphere, including a comparison of angiosperm diversification
among the austral continents. These tools are available from http://www.antonelli-lab.net/.
267
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CLUSTER ROOTS FUNCTIONING, A RADICULAR ADAPTATION OF
EMBOTHRIUM COCCINEUM (PROTEACEAE), ON YOUNG VOLCANIC SOILS IN SOUTHERN SOUTH
AMERICA ZÚÑIGA-FEEST, ALEJANDRA1,2, DELGADO , MABEL1, AVILA , ANDREA3, PIPER, FRIDA4,5,
VALLE, SUSANA6,2, MARTÍNEZ, OSCAR7,2, 1Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Ciencias,
Universidad Austral de Chile.2Centro de investigación en Suelos volcánicos, CISVo, Universidad Austral
de Chile.3Escuela de Graduados, Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Austral de Chile.4CIEP Centro de
Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia .5IEB Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad .6Instituto de
Suelos, Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Austral de Chile.7Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Ciencias,
Universidad Austral de Chile.
Proteaceae species have cluster roots (CR) that improve phosphorus (P) acquisition through carboxylate
exudation and phosphatase activity, solubilizing minerals bound P. Proteaceae species from southern
South America grow in a variety of soils with different P availability. Recently Embotrium coccineum has
been proposed to act as an “ecosystems engineer”, providing mineral nutrients to neighbor species. E.
coccineum has a wide geographical distribution in Chile and Argentina showing high colonizing capacity
in temperate and cold environments. We investigated i) the effect of CR functioning of E. coccineum on P
availability and microbial community structure in the rhizosphere soil (controlled and natural conditions) and
ii) the interaction between E. coccineum and two species: Shophora cassioides (controlled conditions) and
Acaena integerrima (natural conditions). We tested if these two species grow better when are associated
with E. coccineum than when they grow alone. E. coccineum increased the P availability in the rhizosphere
soil, both under greenhouse and natural conditions. Additionally, CR increased the microbiological activity
and modified their composition in the rhizosphere of CR compared with bulk, soil. Also, E. coccineum
improved the nutritional P status of both species: Sophora casioides and Acaena intergerrima, probably
through the positive influence of its CR. We conclude that cluster roots of E. coccineum promote P
solubilization and mineralization in the rhizosphere soil allowing an increment on P availability for itself and
also for neighbor species. These results are consistent with the proposal that E. coccineum acts as an
“ecosystem engineers” by root-soil interaction. (Sponsored by Fondecyt 1130440 (AZ), Postdoctoral Research Grant Fondecyt N°3150187 (MD))
268
RAPID MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION IN PATAGONIAN DARKLING BEETLES: DRIFT OR
SELECTION, THAT IS THE QUESTION
ZÚÑIGA-REINOSO, A1, JEREZ, VIVIANE2, MUÑOZ-RAMÍREZ, CARLOS3, 1Departamento de Ciencias
Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile.2Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias
Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción.3Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology,
University of Michigan.
The relative role of natural selection and genetic drift on phenotypic differentiation is an open question in
evolutionary biology. Strong natural selection is expected to cause rapid trait evolution and differentiation
between populations or closely related species, although genetic drift can also produce similar patterns
if population sizes are sufficiently small to produce rapid trait fixation. Nyctelia multicristata and Nyctelia
confusa are two species of darkling beetles from Patagonia that have recently been established based on
morphological and morphometric data. In addition, these species are separated by the Andes and occupy
areas with different climatic conditions. Despite the morphological and climatic differences observed
between these species, preliminary molecular data (COI) shows very low genetic differentiation between
them, suggesting they may have diverged very recently. Given that the morphological differences conflict
with the levels of genetic differentiation observed in these species, we asked the question on to what
extent these differences are likely to occur by drift or natural selection. We conducted climatic niche
modelling for these species to establish the degree of overlap in their potential geographic distribution
and to determine potential for gene flow. Subsequently, we conducted coalescent simulations to test the
relative support for natural selection as the mechanism explaining morphological differentiation. Our results
showed that genetic drift is unlikely to produce the observed levels of morphological differentiation between
these species, suggesting a role of natural selection. Further studies should focus on understanding the
ecological role of these traits and identifying the selective forces driving their differentiation
(Sponsored by Proyecto DIUC 212.113.080-1.0 Universidad de Concepción)
269
AUTHOR INDEX
A
Abarzua Ana 200
Abarzúa Leslie 142
Ackerley Duncan 193
Acosta M Cristina 18, 148, 199, 228
Aguilera Paula 88
Aguilera-Betti Isabella 3, 168, 178, 236
Ah-Peng C 4, 75
Aiello-Lammens Matt 225
Aillapan Lorenzo 262
Aizen Marcelo 5, 163
Alarcon Emilio 237
Alfaro Fernando 34, 133
Alloway Brent 6, 7
Altwegg Res 77
Alvarez Claudio 8, 251
Álvarez Denisse 116
Alves Lua 30
Anderson John 71
Anjos Santos Danielle 164
Antonelli Alexandre 9, 267
Antonio Lara 214
Apaz Pablo 236
Aracena C 10
Aragon R. 141
Araneda Alberto 116
Arata J 11
Araujo Fernanda 70
Aravena Juan-Carlos 50, 122, 189, 216, 227
Araya Katerine 200
Arce Patricio 142
Armesto Juan J. 12, 79, 177, 189, 201
Armstrong Joel 163
Arnold Richard 153
Arredondo-Núñez A 13
Arriagada Gonzalo 41
Arroyo Mary T.K. 14, 15, 32, 117, 179, 255
Arz Helge 10
Assal Timothy 89
Avila Andrea 268
Avila Luciano 92
B
Baeza Oscar 10
Bahr Andre 124
Bakke Jostein 247
Bakker Pepijn 193
Barnard Phoebe 16, 17
Barnosky Anthony 259
Barratt Barbara 113
Barrett Neville 28
Bartels A 248
Basso Nestor 240
Beale Colin 77
Bechis Florencia 18
Beet Clare 104
Beilman David 230, 264
Bennett Kristi 104
Benson Alexa 73
Berchez F 19
Berriel Verónica 3
Bertolín María 52
Bertrand Sebastien 10, 20, 21, 51, 248
Biersma E 22
Bizama Gustavo 23, 162
Blanz Thomas 49
Bond-Buckup Georgina 190
Borrero Luis 24, 259
Bostock Helen 186
Bowman David 73, 106, 158
Boy Jens 88, 147
Bracegirdle Tom 44
Bradshaw Peter 77
Briones Paulina 136
Briscoe Laura 132
Brito Carla 191
Bronken Eidesen Pernille 57
Brüniche-Olsen Anna 74
Brysch Sven 25, 114
Buck William 132
Buitenwerf Robert 157
Burley Hugh 26
Burns Kevin 27, 232
Burridge Christopher 28
Burrows Larry 29
Bustamante Ramiro 13, 23, 30, 162, 188
Bustos Manuel 31
Bybee Seth 164
270
C
Caballero P 19
Cabello Jose 238
Cabezas Josefina 32
Camarero Jesús 195
Canete J 33
Carrevedo Goytia Maria Laura 34, 162
Carswell Fiona 76
Carvajal Danny E 35, 53, 229
Carvallo Gaston 36
Castillo Maria Loreto 30
Castillo Ornella E 53, 229
Castro Sergio 36
Castro Victoria 262
Cavieres Lohengrin 37, 195, 223
Celis-Diez Juan Luis 180, 246
Cereghetti Joaquin 115
Chang Jie 38
Charlier B 248
Chase Brian 186
Chau John 175
Chemale Farid 85
Chesoh Sarawuth 39
Chiapella Jorge 69
Chown Steven 90
Christen Philippe 13
Christie Duncan 8, 50, 118, 150, 168, 176, 178, 187,
210, 251
Clarke Peter 126
Cóbar-Carranza Ana 40
Cofré Hernán 127
Coleman Melinda 28
Collado Silvana 50
Collins Gemma 104, 105
Colville Jonathan 77
Contador Tamara 41, 19, 205
Convey P 22, 42, 43, 44
Coopman Rafael 45, 118, 176, 187, 210
Cornelius Cintia 127
Coronato Andrea 51
Costion Craig 234
Cotoras D 46
Cowling Richard 77
Crandall Keith 47, 190
Crayn Darren 234
Cretton Sylvian 13
Cruz F 48
Cunha Wanderson 266
Cunningham Saul 163
Cuq Emilio 214
D
Daley Tim 152
David Bruno 151
Davis Ernesto 132, 237
De Batist Marc 21
De Deckker Patrick 49
De Pol-Holz Ricardo 10, 50, 134, 166, 192, 211, 217
De Vleeschouwer Francois 51, 152
Dechêne Annika 147
Defossé Guillermo 52
Delgado Mabel 268
Delpiano Cristian A 53, 229
Demenocal Peter 124
Destombe Christophe 70
Díaz Angie 91, 151
Díaz C 54
Díaz Francisca 31
Díaz Iván 159, 177, 232
Diaz Stephany 55
Diaz-Hormazabal Ignacio 95
Dibán María J 56
Dickie Ian 29
Dickinson Katharine 57, 113
Dickinson Nicholas 78
Dickman Chris 261
Dimarco Romina 173
Docmac Felipe 58, 97
Domack Eugene 72
Dorador C 58
Dörner José 79
Dos Santos Guaciara 50
Downing Alison 185
Druschke Caroline 59
Duarte-Prissing Fernando 60
Dudley Leah 179
Dunbar Robert 167
Duncan Christie 45
Dunn Alistair 153
Dunn Matthew 153
Durrant Halley 28
Dutra Tânia 61, 62, 239
E
271
Eakin-Busher Emily 130
Easdale T. 141
Echeverría Cristian 228
Edgar Graham 28
Eglinton Timothy 99
Ellis A 63
Elvebakk Arve 135
Encina Carolina 207
Engel John 132
Engilis, Jr. Andrew 127
Enright Neal 64
Escobar Julio 241
Estades Cristián 65
F
Faith Daniel 15, 66
Fajardo Alex 67, 68, 195
Falabella Valeria 256
Fasanella Mariana 69
Faugeron Sylvain 70
Faul Franziska 81
Feral Jean-Pierre 151, 198
Fernandez Rodrigo 71, 72
Ferrier Simon 26
Fewster Rachel 215
Fierro Daniela 219
Fisher Alison 59
Fitzek Reinhard 200
Fletcher Michael-Shawn 73, 74, 106, 146, 219
Flores Lorena 178
Flores Olivier 4, 75
Foersterra Guenter 155
Fontaine Joseph 64
Fontes Daiana 62
Fontúrbel Francisco 121
Forbes Adam 76, 83
Forest Felix 77
Forrest Laura 103
Frangogpulos Máximo 237
Franklin Hannah 78
Frêne Cristián 79, 168
Frey Eberhard 136
Freyman Will 243
Frugrone Matías 34, 80
Fuentealba Magdalena 34, 80
G
Gabbarini Luciano 241
Gabriel Marvin 81
Gadd Patricia 86, 219
Gaiero Diego 85
Gallardo-Escárate Christian 222
Gañan Melisa 41, 205
García P 82
García Rafael 40, 182
García-Guzmán Patricio 35
Garibaldi Lucas 163
Gaxiola Aurora 83, 94, 100, 191
Gaymer Carlos 11
Gayo Eugenia 84, 134, 217
Gerard Karin 91, 151
Ghazoui Zakaria 20
Ghilardi-Lopes N 19
Gianoli Ernesto 202
Gili Stefania 85
Gillespie Rosemary 46
Gilmer Greer 86
Glade Nataly 87
Gleiser Gabriela 163
Godoy Roberto 88, 147
Godoy-Güinao Javier 159
Goffinet Bernard 137
Goldstein Steve 85
González Alvaro 174
González Charles 90, 91, 193
Gonzalez Edwin 136
González Mauro 89, 200, 214
González-Orozco Carlos 131, 234
González-Reyes Alvaro 168, 236
González-Wevar Claudio 198
Gonzalorena Lucía 82
Goralewski Jack 219
Gowda Juan 128
Granon Emma 21
Greenaway Alison 29
Greenville Aaron 261
Griffiths H 22
Groeneveld Jeroen 124
Grosjean Martin 218
Grummer Jared 92
Guerrero Pablo 93
Guilderson Thomas 167
Gulick Sean 72
Gutierrez Alvaro 94, 95
Gutiérrez Julio 127
272
Gutíerrez Nestor 194
H
Haberle Simon 158, 219
Haeussermann Verena 155
Hall Stuart 225
Hallet Bernard 71
Hargrove E 96
Harrod Chris 97
Hartley Stephen 252
Haye Pilar 222
Hayward Jeremy 173
He Feng 186
Hedderson Terry 4
Heijnis Hendrik 73
Heijnis Henk 219
Heirman Katrien 253
Hengst Martha 58
Henríquez Juan Marcos 254
Henríquez William 257
Hernández Álvaro 20
Hernandez Klaudia 58
Hernández Gentina Iván 201
Herrle Jens 124
Hetherington Jillian 98
Hinojosa Jessica 99
Hinojosa L. F. 55, 56, 87, 100, 141, 194
Hodgson Dominic 101, 218, 253
Hofbauer Wolfgang 102, 103
Hogg Ian 104, 105
Holz Andres 94, 106, 200, 250, 265
Homberger Dominique G. 107, 108, 109
Hong Soon Gyu 135
Hopf Feli 106
Hopf Felicitas 158
Horton Thomas 173
Hughen Konrad 20
Hughes L 110
Hughes Paul 152
Hulme P 111
Hüne Mathias 90, 91, 198
Hunt John 191
Hychka Kristen 59
I
Iaconis Ariana 184
Iglesias Ari 112, 149, 203
Iriarte Jose Luis 237
Iwasaki Jay 113, 163
J
Jackson J 22
Jacobsen Geraldine 86
Jaeger Hartmut 114
Jäger Hartmut 25
Jahn Alex 115
Jana-Pinninghoff Patricia 116
Jansen Eystein 49
Jara Carlos 190
Jara Millar Rocio 262
Jara-Arancio Paola 15, 117, 255
Jaramillo C 119
Jaramillo David 45, 118, 210
Jax Kurt 120
Jerez Viviane 169, 269
Jiménez Jaime 19, 108, 109, 121, 122, 262
Jiménez Milagros 83
Jiménez-Castillo Mylthon 3, 141
Jochum Markus 186
Jolochin Gabriela 123
Jujihara Toshiro 136
Justin Williams 181
K
Kaplan Michael 216
Kaplan Zack 242
Karas C 124
Karlin Eric F 125
Keith David 126
Kelt Douglas 127
Kennedy J 19, 41, 205
Kilian Rolf 10
Kilroy Hayley 225
Kim Eun Hye 135
Kirby Catherine 232
Kissel Catherine 10
Kitzberger Thomas 128, 235, 250
Knerr Nunzio 131, 234
Kono Tetsuya 262
Kraft Sebastian 198
Kuhar Francisco 242
L
273
Lacy Shaw 129
Ladd P 130
Laffan Shawn 26, 131, 234
Lambert Fabrice 211
Lamy Frank 10
Lange Carina 10, 20
Lara Antonio 50, 168
Larraín Juan 132
Larridon Isabel 93
Latorre Claudio 31, 34, 80, 84, 133, 134, 217
Le Quesne Carlos 60
Leaché Adam 92
Lee Alan 17
Lee Hong Kum 135
Leite K 19
León Carolina 159
Leppe Marcelo 61, 114, 136, 143, 144, 239
Lequesne Carlos 168
Letten Andrew 126
Leventer Amy 72
Lewis Lily 137
Lima Mauricio 134
Linares Juan 195
Lindberg David 46
Lindner Dutra Tania 136
Lindsey Emily 259
Linse K 22
Little Lorna 57
Loader Neil 152
Loayza Andrea 35, 53, 138, 229
Lobos Viviana 136
Lohmann Lucia 139
Loisel Julie 230, 263, 264
López-Uribe Margarita 258
Lord Janice 57, 113, 163
Lovanomanjanahary M 75
Lu Feng 140
Lu-Irving Patricia 175
Luna Claudia 138
Lusk C.H. 141
M
Macek Petr 201
Mackenzie Roy 142
Macpherson Maggie 115
Maldonado Antonio 150
Manríquez Germán Soto 246
Manriquez Leslie 136
Manriquez Patricio 237
Mansilla Andrés 19, 91, 170
Mansilla Claudia 143, 145, 156
Mansilla Héctor 114, 136, 143, 144, 239
Marambio Johanna 170
Mariani Michela 74, 146
Marín César 88, 147
Maron Martine 16
Marquet Pablo 127, 129, 161
Marshall Charles 259
Martin Fabiana 259
Martínez Oscar 207, 268
Mason N. 141
Massardo Francisca 19, 262
Mathiasen Paula 18, 148, 149, 199, 203, 228
Matias Felipe 150
Maturana Claudia 151
Mauquoy D 152
Maxwell Bruce 154, 233
Maxwell Kimberley 153
Mayer Florian 102
Mayr Christoph 155
McCollough Robert 145, 156, 189, 253
McGlone Matt 157
McWethy Dave 158
Medel Rodrigo 127
Meek Sarah 4
Mellado-Mansilla Daniela 159, 177
Méndez César 206
Mendez Fabio 170
Mercer Alison 113
Merow Cory 225
Meserve Peter 127
Meyer Inka 21
Meza Francisco 129
Miller Joseph 131, 234
Minzoni Rebecca 71
Miranda Carmen 257
Mishler Brent 131, 234, 243
Miyaki Cristina 160
Moernaut Jasper 21
Mokany Karel 26
Molina Ernesto 161
Molina Veronica 58
Molina Ximena 162
Montalva José 163
Montecino Vivian 162
Morales Carolina 163
274
Morales Jael 30, 128
Morales Juan Manuel 128, 235
Morando M 164
Morando Mariana 92, 164
Morano Susana 254
Morano-Büchner Carolina 165
Moreira Andrés 178
Morello Flavia 145, 156
Moreno Patricio 6, 38, 82, 165, 166, 167, 192, 211,
213, 216, 224, 245, 257, 259
Moreno Ricardo 159
Moretto Alicia 241
Moros Matthias 49
Mouterde Médéric 68
Moy Chris 86
Moy Christopher 99, 167
Mujic Alija 241
Müller Eike 57
Mundo Ignacio 168, 250
Muñoz Ariel 3, 60, 89, 150, 168, 174, 178, 200, 236
Muñoz Orlando 13
Muñoz Paola 162
Muñoz Rene 254
Muñoz-Escobar Christian 169
Muñoz-Herrera Natalia 222
Muñoz-Ramírez Carlos 169, 269
Murcia Silvia 170, 237
Murray Alison 171
Murúa Roberto 3
N
Nagy L 172
Nakano Tomoyuki 90
Naretto Javier 198
Naulin Paulette 244
Nelson Nicola 252
Neumann Frank 158
Niculcar Roberto 254
Norton David 76
Nuernberg Dirk 124
Nuñez M 173
Nunez Martin 154, 173, 233
Núñez-Ávila Mariela 201
O
Ocaranza Paula 170
Oehl Fritz 88
Ojeda Jaime 19, 170
Ojeda Karla 31
Olea Matías 174
Olmstead Richard 175
Oñate Bastian 45, 176, 210
Orensanz Jose Maria (Lobo) 240
Ortega-Solis Gabriel 177
Ortiz Hector 136
Ortiz Javiera 178
P
Paasche Øyvind 247
Pacheco Diego 179
Palfner Götz 88
Palma R. Eduardo 180, 246
Pancotto Verónica 152
Pantoja Silvio 10, 20
Parad TEAM 51
Paredes Angelina 181
Paredes Castellanos Angelina 262
Parfitt Roger 189
Paritsis Juan 250
Park Chae Haeng 135
Pauchard Aníbal 40, 154, 182, 233
Paul Thomas 183
Paula Susana 187, 226
Pausas Juli G 226
Payne Richard 152
Peacock Ross 184, 185
Pedro Joel 186
Peltzer Duane 29
Peña Eduardo 40
Peña Mara 138
Peña María Paz 187
Peña-Gomez Francisco T 30, 188
Perdomo Carlos 3
Perez Cecilia 189
Pérez María Fernanda 32, 94, 100
Perez-Losada Marcos 190
Perez-Quezada Jorge 191
Perfetti Alessandra 116
Perner Kerstin 49
Perren Bianca 101, 218
Pesce Oscar 192
Pessacq Pablo 164
Phipps Steven 193
275
Pino Juan 194
Pinochet Constanza 15
Piotrowska Natalia 51
Piper Frida 195, 268
Polania D 196
Poncet R 75
Ponsac Claire 197
Poorter L. 141
Poulin Elie 90, 91, 151, 198, 222
Premoli Andrea 18, 69, 148, 149, 199, 203, 228
Pretorius Lulu 81
Puchi Paulina 168, 178, 200, 236
Pugnaire Francisco I. 201
Quezada Iván 202
Quirici Verónica 127, 249
Quiroga M Paula 149, 228
Quiroga P 203
Rodriguez Juan Pablo 170
Rodríguez-Serrano Enrique 180
Rojas Maisa 193, 211
Rojas Moises 60
Rojas Roke 45, 118, 176, 210
Roland Tom 51, 152
Rolando Carol 183
Román María José 204
Roque-Marca Natalio 197
Rosenfeld Sebastián 91, 170
Roßkopf Niko 81
Rosqvist Gunhild 247
Rozas Vicente 60
Rozzi Ricardo 19, 41, 121, 137, 181, 205, 212, 262
Ruiz Carolina 214
Ruiz Johana 213
Russell James 215
Ruzzante Daniel 240
Ryan Casey 158
R
S
Q
Radic Sergio 254
Ramirez Pamela 204
Ramos Victor 18
Rasmussen Sune 186
Read Jennifer 94
Rebolledo Lorena 155
Reid B 248
Remillard Jamie 59
Rendoll Javier 19, 41, 205
Repetto Fiorella 238
Retamales Hernan 221
Rew Lisa 154, 233
Reyes-Bahamonde Claudia 223
Reynhout Scott 216
Richardson Sarah 157
Riesselman Christina 86
Riquelme-Toro Isabella 206
Riul Pablo 170
Rivas Yessica 207
Rivera Diego 207
Riveros Natalia 208
Roberts Stephen 218
Roberts Steve 101, 253
Robins Judith 215
Robinson Brett 78
Rodrigo Cristian 72
Rodríguez Ana Carolina 209
Sabbe Koen 253
Sáez Agustín 5
Sagredo Esteban 216
Salazar Christian 114
Salazar Soto Christian 25
Saldaña Alfredo 202, 232
Salinas Francisco 162
Samain Marie-Stephanie 93
Samaniego Horacio 127
Santoro Calogero 84, 134, 217
Sarasola Jose 115
Saucède Thomas 91, 198
Sauchyn David 168
Saunders K 218
Saunders Krystyna 73, 101, 218, 219
Schaefer Joerg 216
Schapheer Constanza 220, 258
Scharaschkin Tanya 221
Scherson Rosa 204, 208, 221, 243
Schneider Ralph 49
Schneider Guilhon Larissa 219
Schöb Christian 201
Schwindt E 19
Sedlbauer Klaus 102
Segarra-Moragues Jose Gabriel 226
Segovia Nicolás 90, 222
Segovia Ricardo 12
276
Sena Guilherme 266
Shaw Blanka 132
Sheppard Paul 236
Shulmeister James 38
Siani Giuseppe 21
Sibold Jason 89
Sierra-Almeida Angela 223
Silander Jr John 225
Silva Wladimir 189
Simberloff Dan 173
Sime Louise 101, 218
Simi Enzo 224
Sites Jack 92
Skrip Megan 59
Slingsby J 225
Smith Matthew 241, 242
Smith Wellner Julia 20
Smouse Peter 125
Solano-Iguaran Jaiber J 226
Solheim Vatle Sunniva 247
Soto P 227
Soto Sergio 136
Southon John 50
Souto Cintia 228
Spencer Hamish 90, 91
Speranza Pablo 123
Squeo Francisco A 11, 35, 53, 138, 197, 229
Stahle Daniel 200
Standish Rachel 130
Steig Eric 186
Steinbruch Franziska 158
Stelling Jonathan 230, 263
Sterken Mieke 253
Stern David 47
Stinnesbeck Wolfgang 25, 114, 136, 144
Stirling Claudine 99
Stotz Wolfgang 240
Strasberg Dominique 4, 75
Street-Perrott Alayne 152
Strelin Jorge 216
Strelin Marina 163
T
Tanghe Niels 21
Tapia Fabian 231
Tapia Jorge 13
Taylor Amanda 232
Taylor Kimberley 154, 233
Tejo Camila 177
Tellier Florence 70
Tello Francisco 177
Théry-Parisot Isabelle 206
Thomson Stuart 18
Thornhill Andrew 131, 234, 243
Tiedemann Ralf 124
Till-Bottraud Irène 68
Tiribelli Florencia 235
Toader Camelia 81
Toledo Isadora 168, 178
Toledo-Guerrero Isadora 3, 236
Torrejón Fernando 116
Torres Juliana 238
Torres R 170, 237
Torres-Díaz Cristian 68
Torres-Pérez Fernando 180
Towner Ronald 200
Traveset Anna 5
Trevison Cristina 136, 143, 239
Troncoso Jose Max 116
Trovant Berenice 240
Truong Camille 241, 242
Tuero Diego 115
Tur Cristina 5
Turner Ross 225
U
Ugalde Paula 134
Urbina-Cassanova Rafael 204, 208. 243
Uribe Mauricio 217
Urretavizcaya Florencia 52
Urrutia Homero 142
Urrutia Roberto 21, 116
Urrutia Rocío 168, 214
V
Valenzuela Barbara 116
Valenzuela G 244
Valenzuela M 245
Valero Myriam 70
Valero Garces Blas 34, 80
Valladares-Gómez Alejandro 246
Valle Susana 268
Valsecchi Verushka 158
Van Bellen Simon 152
Van Daele Maarten 21
Van Der Bilt Willem 247
277
Van Dijck Toon 20
Van Nieuwenhuyze Wim 101, 218, 253
Van Tornhout Evi 20
Van Wichelen Jeroen 253
Vandekerkhove E 248
Vandergoes Marcus 86, 186
Vandoorne Willem 21
Vanneste Heleen 51
Varela Natalia 114
Vargas Alexander 136
Vargas Viviana 174
Vásquez Rodrigo 127, 196, 249
Veblen Thomas 8, 106, 250
Vela-Ruiz Germaynee 238
Velasquez-Alvarez Gonzalo 8, 251
Veliz David 70
Vera Alejandro 220, 258
Vergara Carolina 116
Vergara Maximiliano 237
Vergara Olivia 252
Verleyen Elie 101, 218, 253
Vidal Osvaldo 254
Vidal Paula 117, 255
Vidal-Russell Romina 228
Vila Alejandro 256
Vilanova Isabel 166, 216, 257
Villa-Martínez Rodrigo 165, 166, 167, 192, 213, 224,
257
Villagra Cristian A. 220, 258
Villalba Ricardo 168
Villavicencio Natalia 259
Vincent Ben 126
Viñegla Benjamín 195
Von Konrat Matt 132
Von Scheffer Clemens 51
Vyverman Wim 101, 218, 253, 260
Williams Erica 153
Williams Justin 262
Wilson Adam 225
Wilson Gary 99
Wingfield John 249
Wolfe Brent 73
Wood Sam 106
X
Xia Zhengyu 263
Y
Yu Zicheng 230, 263, 264
Z
Zaret Kyla 265
Zawadzki Atun 73, 219
Zeitz Jutta 81, 209
Zepeda Paulo 180
Zenni Rafael 266
Zizka Alexander 9, 267
Zotz Gerhard 232
Zúñiga Felipe 79
Zúñiga-Feest Alejandra 268
Zúñiga-Reinoso A 269
W
Walcroft Adrian 191
Walter Helmut 93
Ward Carly 106
Wardle Glenda 261
Wellner Julia 71
Werner Johannes 247
White, Jr. Thomas 122
Whitehead David 191
Wilberger Thiers 61, 136, 239
Wilding Nicholas 4, 75
278