Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, 1982. / Typescript (photocopy).

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Cette thèse explore les dernières évolutions du débruitage d'images, et elle essaie de développer une vision synthétique des techniques utilisées jusqu'à présent. Elle aboutit à un nouvel algorithme de débruitage d'image évitant les artefacts et avec un meilleur PSNR que tous les algorithmes que nous avons pu évaluer. La première méthode que nous présentons est DA3D, un algorithme de débruitage fréquentiel avec guide, inspiré de DDID. La surprise de cet algorithme, c'est que le débruitage fréquentiel peut battre l'état de l'art sans produire artefacts. Cet algorithme produit des bons résultats non seulement en PSNR, mais aussi (et surtout) en qualité visuelle. DA3D marche particulièrement bien pour améliorer les textures des images et pour enlever les effets de staircasing.DA3D, guidé par un autre algorithme de débruitage améliore presque toujours le résultat de son guide. L'amélioration est particulièrement nette quand le guide est un algorithme à patchs, et alors on combine deux principes différents: auto-similarité suivi de seuillage fréquentiel. Le deuxième résultat présenté est une méthode universelle de débruitage multi-échelle, applicable à tout algorithme. Une analyse qualitative montre en effet que les algorithmes de débruitage à patchs éliminent surtout les hautes fréquences du bruit, à cause de la taille limitée des voisinages traités. Plutôt que d'agrandir ces voisinages nous décomposons l'image en une pyramide basée sur la transformée en cosinus discrète, avec une méthode de recomposition évitant le ringing. Cette méthode traite le bruit à basse fréquence, et améliore la qualité de l'image. Le troisième problème sérieux que nous abordons est l'évaluation des algorithmes de débruitage. Il est bien connu que le PSNR n'est pas un indice suffisant de qualité. Un artefact sur une zone lisse de l'image est bien plus visible qu'une altération en zone texturée. Nous proposons une nouvelle métrique basée sur un Smooth PSNR et un Texture PSNR, pour mesurer les résultats d'un algorithme sur ces deux types des régions. Il apparaît qu'un algorithme de débruitage, pour être considéré acceptable, doit avoir des bons résultats pour les deux métriques. Ces métriques sont finalement utilisées pour comparer les algorithmes de l'état de l'art avec notre algorithme final, qui combine les bénéfices du multi-échelle et du filtrage fréquentiel guidé. Les résultats étant très positifs, nous espérons que la thèse contribue à résoudre un vieux dilemme, pour lequel la méthode DDID avait apporté de précieuses indications : comment choisir entre le seuillage fréquentiel et les méthodes basées sur l'auto-similarité pour le débruitage d'images ? La réponse est qu'il ne faut pas choisir. Cette thèse termine avec quelques perspectives sur la faisabilité du débruitage "externe". Son principe est de débruiter un patch en utilisant une grande base de données externe de patches sans bruit. Un principe bayésien démontré par Levin et Nadler en 2011 implique que le meilleur résultat possible serait atteint avec cette méthode, à condition d'utiliser tous les patches observables. Nous donnons les arguments mathématiques prouvant que l'espace des patches peut être factorisé, ce qui permet de réduire la base de données de patches utilisés d'un facteur au moins 1000. / This thesis explores the last evolutions on image denoising, and attempts to set a new and more coherent background regarding the different techniques involved. In consequence, it also presents a new image denoising algorithm with minimal artifacts and the best PSNR performance known so far.A first result that is presented is DA3D, a frequency-based guided denoising algorithm inspired form DDID [Knaus-Zwicker 2013]. This demonstrates that, contrarily to what was thought, frequency-based denoising can beat state-of-the-art algorithms without presenting artifacts. This algorithm achieves good results not only in terms of PSNR, but also (and especially) with respect to visual quality. DA3D works particularly well on enhancing the textures of the images and removing staircasing effects.DA3D works on top of another denoising algorithm, that is used as a guide, and almost always improve its results. In this way, frequency-based denoising can be applied on top of patch-based denoising algorithms, resulting on a hybrid method that keeps the strengths of both. The second result presented is Multi-Scale Denoising, a framework that allows to apply any denoising algorithm on a multi-scale fashion. A qualitative analysis shows that current denoising algorithms behave better on high-frequency noise. This is due to the relatively small size of patches and search windows currently used. Instead of enlarging those patches, that can cause other sorts of problems, the work proposes to decompose the image on a pyramid, with the aid of the Discrete Cosine Transformation. A quantitative study is performed to recompose this pyramid in order to avoid the appearance of ringing artifacts. This method removes most of the low-frequency noise, and improves both PSNR and visual results for smooth and textured areas.A third main issue addressed in this thesis is the evaluation of denoising algorithms. Experiences indicate that PSNR is not always a good indicator of visual quality for denoising algorithms, since, for example, an artifact on a smooth area can be more noticeable than a subtle change in a texture. A new metric is proposed to improve on this matter. Instead of a single value, a ``Smooth PNSR'' and a ``Texture PSNR'' are presented, to measure the result of an algorithm for those two types of image regions. We claim that a denoising algorithm, in order to be considered acceptable, must at least perform well with respect to both metrics. Following this claim, an analysis of current algorithms is performed, and it is compared with the combined results of the Multi-Scale Framework and DA3D.We found that the optimal solution for image denoising is the application of a frequency shrinkage, applied to regular regions only, while a multiscale patch based method serves as guide. This seems to resolve a long standing question for which DDID gave the first clue: what is the respective role of frequency shrinkage and self-similarity based methods for image denoising? We describe an image denoising algorithm that seems to perform better in quality and PSNR than any other based on the right combination of both denoising principles. In addition, a study on the feasibility of external denoising is carried, where images are denoised by means of a big database of external noiseless patches. This follows a work of Levin and Nadler, in 2011, that claims that state-of-the-art results are achieved with this method if a large enough database is used. In the thesis it is shown that, with some observation, the space of all patches can be factorized, thereby reducing the number of patches needed in order to achieve this result. Finally, secondary results are presented. A brief study of how to apply denoising algorithms on real RAW images is performed. An improved, better performing version of the Non-Local Bayes algorithm is presented, together with a two-step version of DCT Denoising. The latter is interesting for its extreme simplicity and for its speed.

The problem of constructing a surface from the information provided by the Marr-Poggio theory of human stereo vision is investigated. It is argued that not only does this theory provide explicit boundary conditions at certain points in the image, but that the imaging process also provides implicit conditions on all other points in the image. This argument is used to derive conditions on possible algorithms for computing the surface. Additional constraining principles are applied to the problem; specifically that the process be performable by a local-support parallel network. Some mathematical tools, differential geometry, Coons surface patches and iterative methods of convergence, relevant to the problem of constructing the surface are outlined. Specific methods for actually computing the surface are examined.

The Allen Paradox is the observation that, in aquatic communities, there is insufficient prey production to support predator growth. An assessment of the literature reveals that this paradox remains apparent in one of every four studies. Here, a novel explanation for this paradox is proposed: predators that feed in a spatially-heterogeneous-prey environment (SHPE) may experience a greater net energy gain than in a corresponding uniform-prey environment (UPE), meaning that predators may require less food than has been traditionally perceived. A model was developed to simulate a predator’s energy gain while feeding in a SHPE rather than a UPE. According to the simulation, a greater net energy gain in a SHPE than a UPE is possible, but only under certain conditions. Since prey can be utilized more efficiently in a SHPE, a given amount of prey production can supply more predator growth, which can have positive implications in fish stocking.

The Allen Paradox is the observation that, in aquatic communities, there is insufficient prey production to support predator growth. An assessment of the literature reveals that this paradox remains apparent in one of every four studies. Here, a novel explanation for this paradox is proposed: predators that feed in a spatially-heterogeneous-prey environment (SHPE) may experience a greater net energy gain than in a corresponding uniform-prey environment (UPE), meaning that predators may require less food than has been traditionally perceived. A model was developed to simulate a predator’s energy gain while feeding in a SHPE rather than a UPE. According to the simulation, a greater net energy gain in a SHPE than a UPE is possible, but only under certain conditions. Since prey can be utilized more efficiently in a SHPE, a given amount of prey production can supply more predator growth, which can have positive implications in fish stocking.

Les foules sont de plus en plus présentes dans les médias grands publics, comme le cinéma ou les jeux vidéo. Elles permettent de renforcer l'immersion du sujet dans l'environnement qui lui est présenté. Or, la création de mouvement de foule est la plus part du temps basé sur des modèles dures à prendre en main et qui n'offrent pas un contrôle direct sur le mouvement de foule que l'on souhaite créer. Dans cette thèse nous proposons des contributions sous forme de méthodes pour concevoir des mouvements de foules par le biais d'outils interactifs et intuitifs. Dans un premier temps, nous présentons une méthode interactive permettant de concevoir des foules en les déformant comme de l'argile. L'utilisateur peut tirer, compresser et torde la forme global de des foules pour leurs donner la forme qu'il ou elle souhaite. Les personnages qui composent la foule s'adaptent automatiquement à la nouvelle forme imposée par l'utilisateur. Dans un second temps, nous présentons une méthode permettant de peindre les mouvements et la densité de la foule pour la créer. Nous offrons la possibilité à l'utilisateur de créer des foules en peignant une carte de densité en niveau de gris, et une carte de mouvement via des dégradés. Ses cartes de couleurs sont utilisées par notre système pour le transformer en un mouvement de foule, via un algorithme itératif cherchant à optimiser les différentes valeurs des cartes de couleurs. Les foules obtenues par ces méthodes peuvent occupées un espace très large, et sont animées indéfiniment. Contrairement aux méthodes classiques de création de foules qui se basent sur l'ajustement de paramètres de modèles, nos méthodes permettent de concevoir les mouvements de foules en se basant sur des caractéristiques plus hauts niveaux de la foule, comme sa forme globale, ses mouvements internes ou sa densité. Ce qui offre la possibilité de créer du contenu de foule animée de manière simple, rapide et intuitif. / Crowds are increasingly present in audio-visual media, such as movies or video games. They help to strengthen the immersion of the subject in the virtual environment. However, creating crowds is most of the time based on models hard to master and which do not offer a direct control on the motion that you want to create. In this thesis we propose contributions for designing crowd motions through interactive and intuitive tools. Firstly, we present an interactive method for designing the crowds by distorting it like clay. The user can stretch, compress and twist the overall shape of the crowd to give it the shape he or she wishes. The inner characters of the crowd automatically adapt to the new shape imposed by the user. Secondly, we present a method to paint the motion and the density of the crowd to create it. We offer the opportunity to the user to create crowds by painting a grayscale density map and a motion map by gradients. Its colored maps are transformed by our system to crowds, thanks to our iterative algorithm seeking to optimize the different values of colored maps. Crowds obtained by these methods can occupy a very large space and are animated indefinitely. Unlike conventional methods of creating crowds, that are based on the adjustment of model parameters, our methods allow to design crowd motions based on higher level features of the crowd, as its overall shape, its internal movement or density. This offers the possibility to simply, quickly and intuitively create animated crowd contents.

O efeito de borda em florestas é bastante estudado, porém pouco se sabe sobre as respostas das interações entre espécies a este efeito. O mesmo acontece quando se trata de distúrbios antrópicos, muitas vezes presentes após o processo de fragmentação. Apesar de não terem sido originadas por tal processo, as transições floresta-campo existentes nas florestas com Araucaria do sul do Brasil são submetidas aos distúrbios causados pelo pastejo e manejo por fogo, possuindo características semelhantes às bordas florestais mantidas no seu ponto de criação. No Capítulo 1, o efeito de borda e de distúrbios antrópicos sobre a fauna de insetos galhadores foi testado em transições floresta-campo, em termos de riqueza e composição destes organismos, comparando-se tanto bordas e interiores florestais quanto graus de distúrbio (com distúrbio e em regeneração), e adicionalmente foram feitas comparações entre manchas florestais naturais e a floresta contínua. Considerando as hipóteses propostas para os padrões de distribuição dos insetos galhadores, espera-se que existam mais espécies nas bordas de florestas comparadas ao interior, e que os distúrbios afetem estas respostas. Apesar das bordas em geral não terem apresentado maior riqueza de espécies que o interior, o padrão foi oposto ao esperado em locais com presença de distúrbio, com interiores mais ricos que bordas. A composição de espécies foi diferente entre os habitats e entre graus de distúrbio, e as porções de floresta contínua amostradas foram mais ricas que manchas florestais. Além disso, a fauna de insetos galhadores das manchas florestais foi um subconjunto da floresta contínua. Os resultados reforçam a relação dos padrões de distribuição da vegetação com os insetos galhadores, que indiretamente responderam ao efeito de borda e de distúrbios antrópicos atuando sobre suas plantas hospedeiras. No Capítulo 2 é apresentado de forma pioneira um inventário das galhas de insetos da Floresta com Araucária, referente às galhas coletadas para o estudo apresentado no primeiro capítulo. São listadas as espécies de insetos galhadores e suas plantas hospedeiras, com informações sobre a morfologia das galhas e a ocorrência nos locais amostrados. Foram encontradas 57 espécies de insetos galhadores (a maioria Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), em 43 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 18 famílias botânicas. As galhas foram predominantemente caulinares ou em gemas, glabras, isoladas, fusiformes e de coloração verde. Myrtaceae, Asteraceae e Melastomataceae foram as famílias de plantas mais representativas. Os valores brutos totais de galhas por habitat ou local mostraram-se semelhantes entre borda e interior, porém foram relativamente maiores na área sem distúrbio e na floresta contínua, esta última abarcando um grande número de galhas que ocorreram nas manchas. A existência de áreas sem distúrbio do pastejo e manejo por fogo se mostrou relevante para a conservação da fauna de insetos galhadores, que podem se estabelecer e manter suas populações. O conhecimento da diversidade destes organismos é um fator chave para o desenvolvimento de ações mais claras visando sua preservação. / The edge effect on forests is widely studied, however little is known about species interactions responses to this effect. The same is true for anthropogenic disturbances, many times present after the fragmentation process. Despite not originated by this process, forest-grassland boundaries of Araucaria forests in southern Brazil are under disturbance by cattle grazing and fire, presenting characteristics similar to forest edges maintained at their point of creation. In Chapter 1, edge and anthropogenic disturbance effects on the galling insect fauna were tested in forest-grassland boundaries, in terms of richness and composition of this organisms, comparing both forest edges and interiors as degrees of disturbance (disturbed and recovering), and additional comparisons were performed between natural forest patches and a continuous forest. Considering hypotheses proposed to distribution patterns of the galling insects, it is expected that forest edges would harbor more species compared to forest interior, and that disturbances would affect the outcome. Although edges in general did not present higher species richness than forest interiors, the pattern was opposite to the expected in disturbed sites, with forest interiors richer than edges. Species composition differed between habitats and disturbance degrees, and portions of continuous forest were richer than forest patches. Furthermore, the galling fauna of forest patches was a subset of the continuous forest. Results strengthen the relation between vegetation distribution patterns and galling insects, which indirectly responded to edge and disturbance effects acting on their host plants. In Chapter 2 it is pioneering presented an inventory of insect galls from Araucaria forest, referring to the galls collected to the study presented in first chapter. Galling insect species and their host plants are listed, with information about gall morphology and occurrence in sites sampled. Fifty seven galling insect species were found (mostly Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in 43 host plants belonging to 18 plant families. Galls were predominantly induced on stem or buds, glabrous, isolated, fusiform and green. Myrtaceae, Asteraceae e Melastomataceae were the most representative plant families. Total raw values of galls per habitat or site were similar between forest edge and interior, but were relatively higher in the recovering area and in continuous forests, the latter embracing a great number of galls occurring on forest patches. The existence of areas without disturbance by cattle grazing and fire management was important to the conservation of galling insect fauna, which can establish and keep their populations. Knowledge of the diversity of these organisms is a key factor to the development of clearer actions seeking its preservation.

O efeito de borda em florestas é bastante estudado, porém pouco se sabe sobre as respostas das interações entre espécies a este efeito. O mesmo acontece quando se trata de distúrbios antrópicos, muitas vezes presentes após o processo de fragmentação. Apesar de não terem sido originadas por tal processo, as transições floresta-campo existentes nas florestas com Araucaria do sul do Brasil são submetidas aos distúrbios causados pelo pastejo e manejo por fogo, possuindo características semelhantes às bordas florestais mantidas no seu ponto de criação. No Capítulo 1, o efeito de borda e de distúrbios antrópicos sobre a fauna de insetos galhadores foi testado em transições floresta-campo, em termos de riqueza e composição destes organismos, comparando-se tanto bordas e interiores florestais quanto graus de distúrbio (com distúrbio e em regeneração), e adicionalmente foram feitas comparações entre manchas florestais naturais e a floresta contínua. Considerando as hipóteses propostas para os padrões de distribuição dos insetos galhadores, espera-se que existam mais espécies nas bordas de florestas comparadas ao interior, e que os distúrbios afetem estas respostas. Apesar das bordas em geral não terem apresentado maior riqueza de espécies que o interior, o padrão foi oposto ao esperado em locais com presença de distúrbio, com interiores mais ricos que bordas. A composição de espécies foi diferente entre os habitats e entre graus de distúrbio, e as porções de floresta contínua amostradas foram mais ricas que manchas florestais. Além disso, a fauna de insetos galhadores das manchas florestais foi um subconjunto da floresta contínua. Os resultados reforçam a relação dos padrões de distribuição da vegetação com os insetos galhadores, que indiretamente responderam ao efeito de borda e de distúrbios antrópicos atuando sobre suas plantas hospedeiras. No Capítulo 2 é apresentado de forma pioneira um inventário das galhas de insetos da Floresta com Araucária, referente às galhas coletadas para o estudo apresentado no primeiro capítulo. São listadas as espécies de insetos galhadores e suas plantas hospedeiras, com informações sobre a morfologia das galhas e a ocorrência nos locais amostrados. Foram encontradas 57 espécies de insetos galhadores (a maioria Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), em 43 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 18 famílias botânicas. As galhas foram predominantemente caulinares ou em gemas, glabras, isoladas, fusiformes e de coloração verde. Myrtaceae, Asteraceae e Melastomataceae foram as famílias de plantas mais representativas. Os valores brutos totais de galhas por habitat ou local mostraram-se semelhantes entre borda e interior, porém foram relativamente maiores na área sem distúrbio e na floresta contínua, esta última abarcando um grande número de galhas que ocorreram nas manchas. A existência de áreas sem distúrbio do pastejo e manejo por fogo se mostrou relevante para a conservação da fauna de insetos galhadores, que podem se estabelecer e manter suas populações. O conhecimento da diversidade destes organismos é um fator chave para o desenvolvimento de ações mais claras visando sua preservação. / The edge effect on forests is widely studied, however little is known about species interactions responses to this effect. The same is true for anthropogenic disturbances, many times present after the fragmentation process. Despite not originated by this process, forest-grassland boundaries of Araucaria forests in southern Brazil are under disturbance by cattle grazing and fire, presenting characteristics similar to forest edges maintained at their point of creation. In Chapter 1, edge and anthropogenic disturbance effects on the galling insect fauna were tested in forest-grassland boundaries, in terms of richness and composition of this organisms, comparing both forest edges and interiors as degrees of disturbance (disturbed and recovering), and additional comparisons were performed between natural forest patches and a continuous forest. Considering hypotheses proposed to distribution patterns of the galling insects, it is expected that forest edges would harbor more species compared to forest interior, and that disturbances would affect the outcome. Although edges in general did not present higher species richness than forest interiors, the pattern was opposite to the expected in disturbed sites, with forest interiors richer than edges. Species composition differed between habitats and disturbance degrees, and portions of continuous forest were richer than forest patches. Furthermore, the galling fauna of forest patches was a subset of the continuous forest. Results strengthen the relation between vegetation distribution patterns and galling insects, which indirectly responded to edge and disturbance effects acting on their host plants. In Chapter 2 it is pioneering presented an inventory of insect galls from Araucaria forest, referring to the galls collected to the study presented in first chapter. Galling insect species and their host plants are listed, with information about gall morphology and occurrence in sites sampled. Fifty seven galling insect species were found (mostly Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in 43 host plants belonging to 18 plant families. Galls were predominantly induced on stem or buds, glabrous, isolated, fusiform and green. Myrtaceae, Asteraceae e Melastomataceae were the most representative plant families. Total raw values of galls per habitat or site were similar between forest edge and interior, but were relatively higher in the recovering area and in continuous forests, the latter embracing a great number of galls occurring on forest patches. The existence of areas without disturbance by cattle grazing and fire management was important to the conservation of galling insect fauna, which can establish and keep their populations. Knowledge of the diversity of these organisms is a key factor to the development of clearer actions seeking its preservation.

O efeito de borda em florestas é bastante estudado, porém pouco se sabe sobre as respostas das interações entre espécies a este efeito. O mesmo acontece quando se trata de distúrbios antrópicos, muitas vezes presentes após o processo de fragmentação. Apesar de não terem sido originadas por tal processo, as transições floresta-campo existentes nas florestas com Araucaria do sul do Brasil são submetidas aos distúrbios causados pelo pastejo e manejo por fogo, possuindo características semelhantes às bordas florestais mantidas no seu ponto de criação. No Capítulo 1, o efeito de borda e de distúrbios antrópicos sobre a fauna de insetos galhadores foi testado em transições floresta-campo, em termos de riqueza e composição destes organismos, comparando-se tanto bordas e interiores florestais quanto graus de distúrbio (com distúrbio e em regeneração), e adicionalmente foram feitas comparações entre manchas florestais naturais e a floresta contínua. Considerando as hipóteses propostas para os padrões de distribuição dos insetos galhadores, espera-se que existam mais espécies nas bordas de florestas comparadas ao interior, e que os distúrbios afetem estas respostas. Apesar das bordas em geral não terem apresentado maior riqueza de espécies que o interior, o padrão foi oposto ao esperado em locais com presença de distúrbio, com interiores mais ricos que bordas. A composição de espécies foi diferente entre os habitats e entre graus de distúrbio, e as porções de floresta contínua amostradas foram mais ricas que manchas florestais. Além disso, a fauna de insetos galhadores das manchas florestais foi um subconjunto da floresta contínua. Os resultados reforçam a relação dos padrões de distribuição da vegetação com os insetos galhadores, que indiretamente responderam ao efeito de borda e de distúrbios antrópicos atuando sobre suas plantas hospedeiras. No Capítulo 2 é apresentado de forma pioneira um inventário das galhas de insetos da Floresta com Araucária, referente às galhas coletadas para o estudo apresentado no primeiro capítulo. São listadas as espécies de insetos galhadores e suas plantas hospedeiras, com informações sobre a morfologia das galhas e a ocorrência nos locais amostrados. Foram encontradas 57 espécies de insetos galhadores (a maioria Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), em 43 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 18 famílias botânicas. As galhas foram predominantemente caulinares ou em gemas, glabras, isoladas, fusiformes e de coloração verde. Myrtaceae, Asteraceae e Melastomataceae foram as famílias de plantas mais representativas. Os valores brutos totais de galhas por habitat ou local mostraram-se semelhantes entre borda e interior, porém foram relativamente maiores na área sem distúrbio e na floresta contínua, esta última abarcando um grande número de galhas que ocorreram nas manchas. A existência de áreas sem distúrbio do pastejo e manejo por fogo se mostrou relevante para a conservação da fauna de insetos galhadores, que podem se estabelecer e manter suas populações. O conhecimento da diversidade destes organismos é um fator chave para o desenvolvimento de ações mais claras visando sua preservação. / The edge effect on forests is widely studied, however little is known about species interactions responses to this effect. The same is true for anthropogenic disturbances, many times present after the fragmentation process. Despite not originated by this process, forest-grassland boundaries of Araucaria forests in southern Brazil are under disturbance by cattle grazing and fire, presenting characteristics similar to forest edges maintained at their point of creation. In Chapter 1, edge and anthropogenic disturbance effects on the galling insect fauna were tested in forest-grassland boundaries, in terms of richness and composition of this organisms, comparing both forest edges and interiors as degrees of disturbance (disturbed and recovering), and additional comparisons were performed between natural forest patches and a continuous forest. Considering hypotheses proposed to distribution patterns of the galling insects, it is expected that forest edges would harbor more species compared to forest interior, and that disturbances would affect the outcome. Although edges in general did not present higher species richness than forest interiors, the pattern was opposite to the expected in disturbed sites, with forest interiors richer than edges. Species composition differed between habitats and disturbance degrees, and portions of continuous forest were richer than forest patches. Furthermore, the galling fauna of forest patches was a subset of the continuous forest. Results strengthen the relation between vegetation distribution patterns and galling insects, which indirectly responded to edge and disturbance effects acting on their host plants. In Chapter 2 it is pioneering presented an inventory of insect galls from Araucaria forest, referring to the galls collected to the study presented in first chapter. Galling insect species and their host plants are listed, with information about gall morphology and occurrence in sites sampled. Fifty seven galling insect species were found (mostly Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), in 43 host plants belonging to 18 plant families. Galls were predominantly induced on stem or buds, glabrous, isolated, fusiform and green. Myrtaceae, Asteraceae e Melastomataceae were the most representative plant families. Total raw values of galls per habitat or site were similar between forest edge and interior, but were relatively higher in the recovering area and in continuous forests, the latter embracing a great number of galls occurring on forest patches. The existence of areas without disturbance by cattle grazing and fire management was important to the conservation of galling insect fauna, which can establish and keep their populations. Knowledge of the diversity of these organisms is a key factor to the development of clearer actions seeking its preservation.