Abstract
Species homogenization or floristic differentiation are two possible consequences of the fragmentation process in plant communities. Despite the few studies, it seems clear that fragments with low forest cover inserted in anthropogenic matrices are more likely to experience floristic homogenization. However, the homogenization process has two other components, genetic and functional, which have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to verify whether there was homogenization of tree reproductive functions in a fragmented landscape and, if found, to determine how the process was influenced by landscape composition. The study was conducted in eight fragments in southwest Brazil. The study was conducted in eight fragments in southwestern Brazil. In each fragment, all individual trees were sampled that had a diameter at breast height ≥3 cm, in ten plots (0.2 ha) and, classified within 26 reproductive functional types (RFTs). The process of functional homogenization was evaluated using additive partitioning of diversity. Additionally, the effect of landscape composition on functional diversity and on the number of individuals within each RFT was evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model. appeared to be in a process of functional homogenization (dominance of RFTs, alpha diversity lower than expected by chance and and low beta diversity). More than 50% of the RFTs and the functional diversity were affected by the landscape parameters. In general, the percentage of forest cover has a positive effect on RFTs while the percentage of coffee matrix has a negative one. The process of functional homogenization has serious consequences for biodiversity conservation because some functions may disappear that, in the long term, would threaten the fragments. This study contributes to a better understanding of how landscape changes affect the functional diversity, abundance of individuals in RFTs and the process of functional homogenization, as well as how to manage fragmented landscapes.
Highlights
One of the major threats to tropical biodiversity is the fragmentation process, which can cause changes in the structure, composition and functions of communities over time [1]
The individual dominance in a few reproductive functional types (RFTs) was reflected in the alpha and beta functional diversity (FD) of the fragments
Four aspects of our analysis suggest that the remnants studied are experiencing this process: (i) in general, the RFTs with more individuals are characteristics of generalist species; (ii) alpha diversity is lower than expected by change; (iii)the RFTs of the tree assemblage are very similar among the fragments(low beta diversity), and (iv) the beta diversity process is due to nestedness
Summary
One of the major threats to tropical biodiversity is the fragmentation process, which can cause changes in the structure, composition and functions of communities over time [1]. Species homogenization is when sensitive species disappear locally and fragments are dominated by tolerant species [4]. This process occurs in fragments within the same modified human landscape that have similar abiotic and biotic pressures (environmental conditions, matrix type). Floristic differentiation may occur in fragments under different environmental conditions and/or located in a heterogeneous landscape. In this scenario, the initial floristic differences may be amplified over time due to diverging environmental conditions caused by disturbance or other factors [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
