Born in Mexico. B.Sc. Forest Engineer studies obtained in 1991 from Autonomous University of Chapingo, Mexico. M.Sc.(1999) and Ph.D. (2004) degrees obtained from Postgraduate College of Agricultural Sciences, Mexico. Postdoctoral position (2005) at Instituto de EcologÃa, A.C., Mexico. Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, Engineer Faculty professor and Arid Zones Research Institute researcher (2006 to date).
Part of the book: Global Warming Impacts
The distribution of the endangered species Dioon edule is in populations scattered throughout the Sierra Madre Oriental in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Its habitat is tropical dry forests at lower elevations and oak forests at higher elevations, mainly disturbed by anthropic activities. We determined and analyzed nine populations’ demographic structure and explored the genetic diversity of five using SSR markers. The population density averaged 2050 individuals ha-1 and have an aggregated distribution pattern. Differences in the plants’ size among localities are due to site quality, based on their adaptation capacity and response to climate and soil traits. Most populations have the highest mortality in the early stages of life, with a low mortality rate for those who survive this bottleneck. Two populations have a relatively constant mortality rate, attributed to disturbance of the habitat. The populations show low genetic diversity and an excess of homozygotes. Their similarity is probably related to the formation of natural corridors favoring connectivity between populations. The deterioration and fragmentation of the habitat have severe effects on the populations’ viability, like reducing gene flow, which has led to inbreeding and genetic drift.
Part of the book: Natural History and Ecology of Mexico and Central America