Abstract

In this paper we synthesize the information obtained from a research project within the Programa Sectorial Biomas y Climas Terrestres y Marines en el Norte de Chile carried out during two years in the Atacama Desert and adjacent Andean area (Latitude 21 degrees-26 degrees S). We start by providing a climatic context for the study area emphasizing the high variability observed in rainfall and temperature at different spatial and temporal scales. Of great importance is the altitudinal variability in both variables. We continue by characterizing the Lomas, Riparian and Puna ecosystems within the area, in terms of their location, dominant abiotic conditions, component species and representative food webs. in the context of the observed variability in abiotic conditions within the area, we characterize the physiological strategies of two rodent species that enable them to survive in a fluctuating, unpredictable, and harsh environment. In the same context we synthesize the available information on patterns in ecosystem structure, mainly in relation to species diversity and abundance of rodents, birds, insects, and plants. Finally, we characterize the human-environment interaction in the area based on archeological, palynological, and anthropological data. These data allowed us to distinguish several episodes of interaction. As a detailed study case we present the history of human-environment interactions for the locality of Beter.