AGATE

Patterns and interactions of plant diversity in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems are analysed across scales from local field research to global information systems. On a continental to global scale, the main focus is on mapping diversity patterns and, above all, on analysing the relationship between geodiversity and plant biodiversity. Another central issue is the identification of hotspots and priority areas for protection under the aspect of anthropogenic environmental change. On the basis of comparative analyses of natural vegetation islands and anthropogenically fragmented habitats, factors and processes controlling diversity are to be investigated, particularly with regard to the dynamics of the systems and extinction rates. Conversely, the role of biodiversity for the various ecosystem functions will also be examined. The epiphytes as a well distinguishable subsystem of tropical forests will be used as a further model to answer the questions raised.