A tiny fraction of tree species makes up half of Amazonian forest
In short: Researchers who analyzed data from over half a million trees across the Amazon Basin found that a small number of species dominate the landscape. While the region is famous for its immense biodiversity, just 227 "hyperdominant" species—representing only about 1.4% of the total tree variety—account for roughly half of all individual trees in the lowland forests.
This finding suggests that a very small portion of the forest's diversity is responsible for the majority of its ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling. The study used species-level data from 1,170 plots to estimate abundances across the region using geographic models and rank-abundance distributions.
A major limitation of this research is that while it identifies these dominant patterns, the specific reasons for hyperdominance remain unknown. Researchers noted that either superior competition or historical human cultivation could be responsible.
Why it matters: Understanding how a few common species drive the majority of forest processes can simplify complex ecological research.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Source: Research: Steege et al. (2013). Hyperdominance in the Amazonian Tree Flora. Science. · other-oa
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-research-a-tiny-fraction-of-tree-species-makes-up-half-of-amazonian-f.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Ecology · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics
