Estudio florístico en el ecosistema páramo de la quebrada Galgalán, comunidad de Atillo, parroquia Cebadas, cantón Guamote, provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

The present investigation proposes: to determine the floristic diversity at different altitudinal ranges in the moorland ecosystem of the Galgalán ravine, Atillo community, Cebadas parish, Guamote canton, Chimborazo province; establishing 3 latitudinal ranges every 100 m, from 3580 to 3880 m.a.s.l, where 6 plots were installed (two per latitude) of 5x5 m? each with 4 quadrants 1m, in which field data were taken for identification, quantification and plant diversity analysis. Where were registered: 21 samples of terrestrial vascular plants, corresponding to 14 botanical families, 20 genera and 23 species, in addition 2 mosses from an unidentified family were collected, which add up to 23 species samples. The greatest richness is found in the range of 3680 to 3780 m.a.s.l., with 14 families, 18 genera, 20 species and 2526 individuals. With respect to the number of species found, nor decrease or increase was observed depending on the altitudinal gradient. It was the moss of undetermined family, the most important species in the range of 3580-3680 m.a.s.l, followed by Bidens andicola; at 3680-3780 m.a.s.l. The most important species was Paspalum pallidum, and at 3780-3880 m.a.s.l. Calamagrostis intermedia. At 3580-3680m.a.s.l. the most important family was Asteraceae; and in the ranges 3680-3780m.a.s.l. and 3780-3880m.a.s.l. The most important family was Poaceae. According to Simpson's diversity index, the three ranges studied have a high diversity. According to the Margalef and Shannon index, the three altitudinal ranges have a medium diversity. According to the Sorensen's index, the three ranges are very similar and no patterns of increasing or decreasing diversity were identified with relation to the altitudinal gradient.