Summary: 60
BIOTROPICA 36(1): 60­67 2004
Changes in Patterns of Understory Leaf Phenology and Herbivory
following Hurricane Damage1
Pilar Angulo-Sandoval2
, H. Ferna´ndez-Mari´n2
, J. K. Zimmerman3
and T. M. Aide2
2
P.O. Box 23360, Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-3360,
U.S.A.
3
Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies, University of Puerto Rico, Box 23341, San Juan, Puerto Rico
00931-3341, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT
Hurricanes are important disturbance events in many forested ecosystems. They can have strong effects on both forest
structure and animal populations, and yet few studies have considered the impacts on plant­animal interactions. Reduc-
tion of canopy cover by severe winds increases light availability to understory plants, providing an opportunity for
increased growth. An increase in light availability should cause an increase in annual production of leaves and a more
even production throughout the year (i.e., less seasonality in production). This change will affect the availability of food

Source: Aide, Mitchell - Department of Biology, Universidad de Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras

Collections: Environmental Sciences and Ecology