Functional Traits and Ecological Strategies of Bryophytes in Response to Environmental Gradients of the Western Ghats of Sahyadri Mountain Range, Maharashtra (India)

Abstract

The Western Ghats, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, houses a diverse array of flora and fauna, including bryophytes. These non-vascular plants play critical roles in ecosystem functioning, but their functional traits and ecological strategies in response to environmental gradients remain poorly understood in this region. This study aims to investigate the functional traits and ecological adaptations of bryophytes along temperature, humidity, and altitude gradients in the Sahyadri Mountain Range of Maharashtra, Western Ghats, India.In this research, field surveys are conducted across distinct forest types to sample bryophyte communities. Specific leaf area, shoot density, growth forms, and reproductive strategies ire quantified as key functional traits. Relationships between functional traits and environmental gradients ire analysed using regression models and multivariate techniques. Additionally, dominant ecological strategies among bryophytes ire identified based on trait composition.Our findings reveal a rich diversity of bryophytes in the Western Ghats, with 120 species identified across the sampled sites. Species composition varied significantly along the environmental gradients, with higher species richness observed in areas with higher humidity and lair altitude. Specific leaf area exhibited a negative correlation with temperature, indicating water conservation strategies in response to warmer conditions. Shoot density sloid positive associations with humidity, suggesting competitive adaptations under higher moisture availability.Furthermore, bryophytes in higher altitudes and cooler climates exhibited distinct growth forms, such as cushions and mats, likely to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Ecological strategies predominantly varied among forest types, with stress-tolerant strategies prevailing in the drier, low-altitude regions, and competitive strategies dominant in the cooler, high-altitude regions.These findings shed light on the adaptive capabilities of bryophytes in the Western Ghats and their ecological responses to changing environments. Understanding bryophyte functional traits and ecological strategies is vital for assessing their roles in ecosystem resilience and functioning. The insights from this study hold implications for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and climate change assessments in the Western Ghats and other mountainous regions worldwide