ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an outline of the distribution and edaphoclimatic characteristics of tropical forest as a basis for the more detailed discussion of diversity and function of main life-forms. Dicot trees constitute the dominant life-form of the majority of tropical forest communities. Leaves of deciduous trees were characterized by shorter leaf life spans, higher N concentration, and higher mass-based photosynthesis compared with leaves of evergreen trees. Leaf life span increased along the successional status of the species considered from pioneer, early, mid, and late successional. The number of leaf scars after the bending of the stems multiplied by the average leaf life span was found to be an accurate measure of the time elapsed since the disturbance. The life cycle of a liana begins by germinating in the forest floor, either in a process of natural regeneration or in explosive growth events after natural or man-made disturbances in forest gaps.
