Correspondence of seed traits with niche position in glacier foreland succession

Abstract

Changes in species composition during succession are driven by biotic and abiotic factors leading to a multitude of niches occupied by distinct species. Gradient analyses of plant communities provide opportunities to approximate the niche position of species along a successional gradient. Several plant traits have been used to explain mechanisms governing successional sequences, but generalising changes in species traits during primary succession is still controversial. This study examined whether the seed mass and the optimum temperature for germination could explain the niche position of several glacier foreland species along a primary successional gradient in the Austrian Central Alps. We hypothesised that pioneer species should possess lighter seeds and a lower optimum temperature for germination than late successional species. We found significant differences in the seed mass between species, but the seed mass did not correspond with the assigned niche position on the successional gradient. Germination responses to temperature also differed significantly between species. Pioneer species performed better at lower temperatures than late successional species, suggesting that the optimum temperature for germination is a driver of niche separation. We discuss the interactions between seed traits and environmental conditions along the primary successional gradient emphasising the importance of temperature requirements for the germination. Differences in the regeneration characteristics are a major cue governing species turnover in glacier foreland succession.