Distribution Patterns Of Plant Species Research Articles

Predicting the patterns of plant species distribution under changing climate in major biogeographic zones of mainland India

Predicting the patterns of plant species distribution under changing climate in major biogeographic zones of mainland India

Revisiting Oligo-Miocene epoch through the altitudinal patterns study of plant species and phylogenetic diversity of Mt. Elgon in Africa

The variation in patterns of plant species distribution has been of interest to naturalists and ecologists. However, African mountains remain nature's laboratories least explored. This study aims to identify the altitudinal pattern of plant taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, and community structure of Mt. Elgon, which is an isolated ancient volcanic mountain of the Oligocene-Miocene epoch in Africa, hosting a rare species pool. Species diversity data (1606 species) was obtained through random walk field surveys, herbaria collections and online databases. We calculated Faiths’ phylogenetic diversity and its standard effect size (SES_PD), net related index (NRI) and nearest taxon index (NTI) among its four vegetation zones, six habitats and 28–100m elevation bands. Our results indicated that herbaceous plants had higher species richness than woody plants and they both assumed a monotonic decline pattern among vegetation zones, and a hump shaped pattern among habitats and 100m elevation bands. However, standardized phylogenetic diversity and structure (SES_PD, NTI and NRI) pattern differed and fluctuated between woody and herbaceous plants demonstrating a zigzag pattern. Mid-elevation phylogenetic overdispersion structure was observed based on NRI (clade level), while phylogenetic clustering progressively increased with elevation in NTI (taxon level). The complex phylogenetic diversity and structure in this study indicate a unique ecosystem worth conservation and more scientific exploration. Consequently, we recommend regions of phylogenetic overdispersion structure for priority conservation.

Contrasting patterns of host selection and performance of insect seed predators on three sympatric host plant species

Abstract Characterising host selection mechanisms and the performance of seed‐predating insects on different hosts has broad implications for ecology and applied entomology. We assessed host selection and performance of endophagous seed‐predating insects on three species of Copaifera, testing two hypotheses: (i) large‐sized trees produce larger seeds and have higher levels of seed predation than their smaller congeneric relatives, and (ii) endophagous seed‐predating insects that develop in larger‐seeded trees exhibit higher body mass, lipid content, and muscle mass as they obtain higher amount of food resources. Unpredated seeds of the large‐sized Copaifera langsdorffii showed greater mass than their smaller congeneric relatives C. arenicola and C. oblongifolia. Two species of endophagous seed‐predating beetles (Rhinochenus brevicollis and Apion sp.) were found attacking seeds of the three Copaifera species. Rhinochenus brevicollis preyed on a higher percentage of seeds than Apion sp. The shrub C. oblongifolia had the highest percentage of seed predation, contradicting our original hypothesis that larger species have a higher percentage of seed predation. Rhinochenus brevicollis preyed on a higher percentage of seeds of larger‐sized species than Apion sp. The higher dispersal ability of R. brevicollis associated with different patterns of plant species distribution may be the mechanism driving differential seed predation among Copaifera species. Adult insects that emerged from C. langsdorffii seeds showed higher body mass and lipidic content. It is likely that insects developing in larger seeds obtain a higher amount of food resources during their development. Finally, we observed a positive relationship between body weight and lipidic content in adults of R. brevicollis. We suggest that studies shedding light onto insect performance in different host‐sized seeds are necessary to understand host selection by beetles.

Herbs, Shrubs and Trees in Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Campus, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

The aim of the investigation was to analyse the floral characteristics and phytodiversity pattern of the vegetation of Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University Campus, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The results reflect dominancy of monocots over the dicots in the four studied sites. Primarily there are three types of plant present in the college campus Firstly, planted, secondly natural or wild and medicinal plants. Wild species grows very fast which cause a great threat to the natural indigenous medicinal plants. Therefore, proper management and conservative measures needs to be implemented for conservation of indigenous plant species at Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University Campus. Distribution pattern of plant species in university campus is very much regular.

Pervasive impacts of climate change on the woodiness and ecological generalism of dry forest plant assemblages

Abstract Climate emergency is a significant threat to biodiversity in the 21st century, but species will not be equally affected. In summing up the responses of different species at the local scale, we can assess changes in the species quantity and composition of biotic assemblages. We used more than 420K curated occurrence records of 3060 plant species to model current and future patterns of plant species distribution in one of the world's largest tropical dry forests—the Caatinga. While allowing different model extrapolation scenarios, we estimated potential changes in the species richness and composition of dryland plant assemblages in response to projected climate change, and assessed how the ecological generalism and woodiness of plant assemblages can be impacted by the climate crisis. More than 99% of plant assemblages were projected to lose species by 2060, with biotic homogenisation—the decrease in spatial beta diversity—forecasted in 40% of the Caatinga. The replacement of narrow‐range woody species by wide‐range non‐woody ones should impact at least 90% of Caatinga plant assemblages. The exacerbated species loss in the dryland plant assemblages was connected to the heterogenisation and homogenisation of biotic assemblages. Still, the magnitude of climate change impacts on ecological generalism and woodiness patterns of dryland plant assemblages differ according to the direction of the biotic change process. Synthesis. The future increase in aridity will change the patterns of woodiness and ecological generalism of tropical dry forest plant assemblages by decreasing vegetation diversity and complexity. The projected biotic changes in dryland plant assemblages indicate the erosion of ecosystem services linked to biomass productivity and carbon storage. We highlight the importance of long‐term conservation planning for maintaining tropical dry forests.

Preliminary Study of Mangrove Eco-Structures and Natural Regeneration at Gili Lawang, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara)

Gili Lawang mangroves as a unique ecosystem, unstable, dynamic and complex. The purpose of this study is to determine the eco-structure and natural regeneration of the Gili Lawang mangroves as an initial study in sustainable mangrove forest management. This study used a systematic sampling method with random start, at 6 stations with a total of 60 plots. Seven types of mangroves were obtained, namely A. marina, B. cylindrica, B. gymnorrhiza, R. apiculata, R. mucronata, R. stylosa, and S. alba at the study site. The highest IVI was R. mucronata with a value of 79.34% (seedlings), B. gymnorrhiza with an IVI of 77% (saplings) and tree stage (96.2%). Canopy stratification is type C, D and E. The concentration of horizontal structures is in class 1 (10-16 cm). At the seedling growth stage H' was classified as moderate (1.33), E' was moderate (0.69), and R1 was low (1.13). At the stake level H' classified as Moderate (1.31), E' is moderate (0.67) and R1 is low (1.04) and at the tree level H' is classified as moderate (1.59), E' is high (0.82), R1 is low (0.95). The distribution of mangrove species in Gili Lawang was normally distributed with a distribution pattern of plant species generally clustered, except for S. alba at the sapling growth stage which were scattered randomly. The regeneration status of mangrove species in Gili Lawang is good in speciesA. marina, B. gymnorrhiza, R. apiculata,and R. mucronata, and sufficient/moderate on B. cylindrica, R. stylosa and S. alba.

Diversity, floral phenology, and socio-economic importance of melliferous plants in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract. Fassil A, Habtamu T, Tahir M, Terefe T. 2022. Diversity, floral phenology, and socio-economic importance of melliferous plants in Eastern Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience 14: 172-181. Beekeeping is a supply of extra money and financial gain for many thousands of farmer beekeepers in Ethiopia and plays a big role in preserving natural resources. Honeybees and flowering plants have co-evolved in their special symbiotic relationship. Bee plant types and their flowering duration differ from one place to another due to variations in topography, climate, and other cultural and farming practices. This study investigated and documented the diversity and floral phenology of honeybee plants in Doba, Gemechis, and Mi’eso Districts, Oromia National Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia, from January 2019 to July 2021. Ethnobotanical data were collected to reveal the diversity of melliferous plants, practices, and communities’ attitudes about honey production and melliferous plant conservation. A total of 422 respondents participated through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field walks for socio-economic data collection. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, ranking, and scores were used and presented with tables and figures to analyze ethnobotanical data. A total of 120 melliferous plant species were distributed under 108 genera and 55 families, of which 70 plants were found in the Gemechis District, followed by Doba and Mi’eso Districts with 47 and 42 plants each, respectively. Sorenson’s Similarity Index values showed the wide-ranging melliferous plant species distribution patterns in the three districts with 50.4 (between Doba and Mi’eso), 37.5 (between Doba and Gemechis), and 15.3 (between Gemechis and Mi’eso) species overlaps. Fabaceae and Asteraceae contribute a significant number of species, with 12 (10 %) and 9 (7.5 %) melliferous plants, respectively. Local communities have a good awareness of the seasonal availability of melliferous plants, indicating adequate supply (June to early December) and critical shortage (November to early May) of melliferous plant resources favoring strong and weak colony strength, respectively. Lack of nutrition, improper management practices, honey bee predators, and lack of beekeeping knowledge and equipment were the most important constraints deleteriously influencing the honey quality and amount in the study area. The shortage of pollen and nectar flow during the dearth periods (January to March) needs interventions like hive migration and bee floral plantations. Hence, there is an urgent need for intervention through awareness creation, campaign-based melliferous plant plantations, and technology transfers.

Phyto-ecological studies and distribution pattern of plant species and communities of Dhirkot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

Plant species represent the hierarchical expression of vegetation as it is affected by various environmental gradients. We explored the plant species composition, distribution pattern, communities formation and their respective indicators under the influence of various environmental factors in the Dhirkot region, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It was hypothesized that different environmental factors were responsible for the formation of various plant communities each with a distinct indicator. Quantitative ecological techniques were used for the sampling of vegetation. A total of 114 quadrats were established in 13 selected sampling sites. Phytosociological attributes were calculated for each plant species at each quadrat. Soil samples were collected and analyzed using different standard protocols. All the collected data were analyzed using Cluster Analysis, Indicator Species Analysis and Canonical Correspondence Analysis of PCORD and CANOCO software, respectively. A total of 145 plant species were recorded belong to 62 different families. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant families, represented by 12 species each (8.27%). Cluster Analysis classify all the stations and plants into four major plant communities as 1) Olea-Desmodium-Prunilla community. 2) Abies-Zanthoxylum-Pteracanthus community 3) Cedrus-Elaeagnus-Hypericum community 4) Alnus-Myrsine–Ranunculus community. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, soil saturation, organic matter and altitude were the significant environmental factors that play its essential role in the plant species distribution, composition, formation of major plant communities and their respective indicators in the region. It is recommended that the identified indicator and rare plant species of the investigated area can further be grown for conservation and management purposes in in-situ environment.

Investigating the effects of distribution patterns on ecological indices of plant species in a simulated environment

Species diversity is a combination of species richness with species evenness. It helps us differentiate between communities or areas that have the same number of different species, but not in the same abundance. The spatial distribution pattern of plant species is an important topic in plant ecology, the assessment of which is an essential part of research into plant communities. This study aimed to investigate the differences between richness, diversity, and evenness indices obtained for random, uniform, and clumped distribution patterns. For this investigation, three plant distribution patterns were simulated and then random sampling was performed with 10 plots of the size 1 m2 for each pattern, each with five repeats for greater accuracy. Finally, the number of species, the Margalef index, and the Menhinick index for richness, the Simpson index and the Shannon-Wiener index for diversity, and the Simpson index, the Shannon-Wiener index, and the Pielou index for evenness were computed and compared. The results of the analysis of variance showed a significant difference between richness, diversity, and evenness indices in different distribution patterns. Accordingly, Shannon-Wiener diversity is the best index when the management objective is more concerned with rare species. Also, Simpson’s diversity, would be more appropriate where dominant species are more important.

Pattern of functional diversity along the elevation gradient in the dry evergreen Afromontane forest of Hararghe Highland, Southeast Ethiopia

Understanding plant species distribution patterns along environmental gradients is fundamental to managing ecosystems, particularly when habitats are fragmented due to intensive human land use pressure. The variation pattern of functional diversity of plant communities along the elevation gradient in the Dindin dry evergreen Afromontane forest was tested. Fifty four plots of 20 x 20 m (400 m2) were established at 200 m intervals starting 2,300–2,900 m a. s. l. and woody species composition, and environmental variables were recorded. Nine functional diversity indices based on functional distances were employed to esimate functional diversity. The mixed effect model was used to determine the effect of elevation, aspect and slope on functional diversity indices. The results showed that functional diversity in communities varied greatly; functional diversity revealed a decrease with increasing elevation and a‘‘humped’’ pattern, with peak diversity appearing at middle elevation. Functional diversity was significantly correlated with elevation, slope, and aspect. Functional diversity was significantly correlated with species richness and evenness. Environmental filtering was important to the functional diversity pattern; the nine indices were all successful in the analysis of functional diversity in the plant community with different effectiveness, and modified functional attribute diversity, plot-based functional diversity, community based functional diversity, functional richness, and community weight mean of woody density performed better than the other four indices in this study.

A new digital method of data collection for spatial point pattern analysis in grassland communities.

A major objective of plant ecology research is to determine the underlying processes responsible for the observed spatial distribution patterns of plant species. Plants can be approximated as points in space for this purpose, and thus, spatial point pattern analysis has become increasingly popular in ecological research. The basic piece of data for point pattern analysis is a point location of an ecological object in some study region. Therefore, point pattern analysis can only be performed if data can be collected. However, due to the lack of a convenient sampling method, a few previous studies have used point pattern analysis to examine the spatial patterns of grassland species. This is unfortunate because being able to explore point patterns in grassland systems has widespread implications for population dynamics, community‐level patterns, and ecological processes. In this study, we developed a new method to measure individual coordinates of species in grassland communities. This method records plant growing positions via digital picture samples that have been sub‐blocked within a geographical information system (GIS). Here, we tested out the new method by measuring the individual coordinates of Stipa grandis in grazed and ungrazed S. grandis communities in a temperate steppe ecosystem in China. Furthermore, we analyzed the pattern of S. grandis by using the pair correlation function g(r) with both a homogeneous Poisson process and a heterogeneous Poisson process. Our results showed that individuals of S. grandis were overdispersed according to the homogeneous Poisson process at 0–0.16 m in the ungrazed community, while they were clustered at 0.19 m according to the homogeneous and heterogeneous Poisson processes in the grazed community. These results suggest that competitive interactions dominated the ungrazed community, while facilitative interactions dominated the grazed community. In sum, we successfully executed a new sampling method, using digital photography and a geographical information system, to collect experimental data on the spatial point patterns for the populations in this grassland community.

Моделирование распространения видов секции Xerobia Bunge рода Oxytropis DC. на территории Центральной Азии при климатических изменениях в прошлом и будущем

Modern botanical studies revealing patterns of plant species distribution are based on analysis of big datasets. Despite publishing many maps of diversity and species richness on the global scale and for huge biogeographic regions of the world, the territories of Northern and Central Asia remain poorly studied. We elaborated a special database, including distribution of 19 Oxytropis species of the section Xerobia with 1353 localitites (See Fig. 1). For all species, we analyzed their whole distribution range, including data from Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. Species distribution was detected according to the main foreign and Russian herbaria, online databases, field data and relevés. Species distribution modeling was performed using Maxent 3.3.3k with MIROC-ESM model in resolution of 2.5 arc-minutes. 19 BIOCLIM and 18 ENVIREM variables were analyzed. Past climate change was evaluated using ENVIREM variables for the Mid-Holocene (ca. 6.000 yr. BP) and the Last Glacial Maximum (ca. 22.000 yr. BP). Future distribution modeling was carried out basing on different climatic scenarios, according to IPCC AR5: RCP8.5, RCP2.6 and RCP6.0. Species distribution from the section Xerobia mostly occupied the territory of Central Asia (See Fig. 1). Few species, such as Oxytropis grandiflora (Pall.) DC. and O. leptophylla (Pall.) DC., were mostly found in the western part of Xerobia section distribution on the territory of Zabaykal’skiy region of Russia, Eastern province of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia province of China. The most part of Xerobia species have isolated distribution and often occupy specific habitats. In such case, using SDM with only bioclimatic variables for local endemic species is pointless. So, we chose species Oxytropis ampullata (Pall.) Pers. (See Fig. 2) with Central Asian distribution and O. grandiflora with Manchuro-Dahurian distribution for modeling (See Fig. 3A). The selected species differ in their ecology: O. ampullata is a mountainous species, whereas most habitats for O. grandiflora are river valleys and mid-mountainous regions. Our analysis showed that ENVIREM variables provide more correct modeling results than BIOCLIM variables (See Fig. 2). Predictive maps on the basis of BIOCLIM variables showed wide potential distribution for O. ampullata, which does not correspond well to the species ecology. The main habitats for this species are such mountainous regions as the Khangai mountains, the Russian and the Mongolian Altai mountains, the Dzhungarian mountains, and the Tarbagatai ridge. Additionally, modeling showed potential distribution for the species in the Selenga river valley. Modern distribution of O. grandiflora was studied quite well; suitable habitats with new localities for the species can be found in the Khentii mountains (See Fig. 3A). The determinants for O. ampullata are mean annual temperature, isothermality and potential evapotranspiration (PET) of the driest and coldest quarter (See Table 1). PET parameters in the driest and the coldest time of the year have the key meaning because in arid conditions plants receive the main portion of moisture in the colder period when the evaporation is not intense, also it is important to conserve the moisture during the dry season. Distribution of O. grandiflora is limited by temperature and precipitation seasonality, temperature annual range, PET seasonality, and PET of the driest quarter (See Table 1). Determinants for the species with Central-Asian distribution O. ampullata are connected with temperature variables, whereas for Manchuro-Daurian species O. grandiflora precipitation matters (See Table 1 and Fig. 3A). The key factors for modern distribution of the studied Xerobia species are mean monthly potential evapotranspiration of the driest quarter, continentality index and climatic moisture index (See Fig. 3B). All these variables were determinants for the mid-Holocene and the Last Glacial Maximum (See Table 2 and Fig. 4), which might give evidence of relatively stable environmental conditions in the studied region. Central Asia has not been severely affected by glaciation as more northern latitudes and climate conditions on that territory were relatively stable during a long period. Modeling for the past climate showed a wider distribution for Xerobia species in the north-west during the Last Glacial Maximum and future shrinking during the Mid-Holocene till modern time (See Fig. 4). The north-eastern territories, such as Zabaykal’skiy region of Russia and, partially, the central part of Siberia, are characterized by a wider distribution under modern climate conditions. Species habitats of that territory are mostly confined with mountains. It is consistent with previous studies that described Southern Siberia as one of the centers of speciation for the genus Oxytropis. This region has now high Oxytropis species richness with a great number of endemics.Predictive maps for different climate scenarios reveal insignificant changes in distribution of the section Xerobia, even for the maximum climate warming (RCP8.5 scenario) (See Fig.5). Under predicted climate change, potential habitats in the southwest and in the north-east of Xerobia distribution, as well as a slight shrinking in the south-east can be observed in the future.

Presence frequency of plant species can predict spatial patterns of the species in small patches on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Patchiness is an important feature in grassland ecosystems, but the distribution pattern of plant species in small patches on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is largely unknown. We questioned: (1) whether the power law can be applied to determine the spatial pattern of plant species in small patches; and (2) how species frequency (dominant, companion and rare) affects the spatial heterogeneity of small patches on the QTP? The power law was used to examine the spatial pattern of plant species and examine the relationship between the plant species presence frequency and spatial pattern in three types of small patches (Cyperaceae, Polygonaceae and Compositae), each with three spatial extents according to the size of the area (scale 1: 0.6–0.9 m2, scale 2: 3.0–3.8 m2 and scale 3: 6.5–8.8 m2) on the QTP. Plant species in patches showed an aggregated distribution and the spatial heterogeneity index differed among species. The spatial heterogeneities of Cyperaceae and Polygonaceae patches were influenced strongly by dominant and companion plant species, while the Compositae patch was influenced by dominant and rare species. The Compositae patches exhibited a lower species diversity and higher spatial heterogeneity index than the other patches, and the extensive distribution of Compositae community can be linked to degradation processes in the alpine meadow. We concluded that the spatial pattern of plant species and the heterogeneity index for small patches could be determined by the species presence frequency on the QTP.

Country-scale mapping of ecosystem services provided by semi-natural grasslands

Semi-natural grasslands harbour high biodiversity and play a key role in the supply of ecosystem services (ES). However, abandonment, changes in traditional management practices and agricultural intensification constitute a major threat to these grasslands worldwide and these practices have led to declines in species diversity. In this paper the multi-functionality of semi natural-grasslands is assessed from the ES perspective, within a range of common semi-natural grassland types throughout Estonia. The analysis follows a stepwise approach based on the ES cascade model. Firstly, analyses of the relationships between plant species distribution patterns and environmental factors are described. Secondly, the effect of grassland abandonment on plant species diversity, as well as on the presence of rare and protected plant species is tested. In order to overcome the lack of data on ES at the national scale, plant species diversity and soil organic carbon are tested as surrogate indicators for five ESS: pollination, herbs for traditional medicinal use, nutrient cycling, nutrient retention and biomass production. In the final step, the spatial distribution of ES is assessed, based on an ES hotspots map obtained by detecting areas where high levels of plant species diversity and soil organic carbon overlap. The results show that the majority of ES hotspots are present in wooded meadows and pastures. However, there is an important threat to these hotspots because 45% are not eligible for agri-environmental support.

Spatial patterns of species diversity in sand dune plant communities in Yucatan, Mexico: importance of invasive species for species dominance patterns

Background: Coastal ecosystems in Mexico remain understudied in spite of their ecological, economic and conservation value and are being impacted by human activities along the coast. Knowledge on spatial patterns of plant species distribution that helps preserve these fragile ecosystems is crucial.Aims: We evaluated differences in species richness, species diversity and species dominance patterns in 16 plant communities as well as the degree to which differences were driven by climatic conditions in sandy dunes in Yucatán. We evaluated the importance of invasive species in mediating patterns of species diversity and species dominance patterns.Results: We found wide variation in plant species richness, species diversity and species dominance patterns among communities that stems from broad climatic differences along dune systems. Invasive plants represent almost one-third of total species richness and seem to be drastically changing the species dominance patterns in these communities.Conclusions: Regional climatic differences along the Yucatán north coast seems to be a major driver of plant diversity and species composition. Our findings suggest that invasive plants have successfully colonised and spread along the coast over the past 30 years. Even though invasive species do not alter spatial patterns of species diversity, they are becoming more dominant with potential detrimental consequences for native plants.

Phylogeny, habitat together with biological and ecological factors can influence germination of 36 subalpine Rhododendron species from the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

The reproductive stages of the life cycle are crucial in explaining the distribution patterns of plant species because of their extreme vulnerability to environmental conditions. Despite reported evidence that seed germination is related to habitat macroclimatic characteristics, such as mean annual temperature, the effect of this trait in controlling plant species distribution has not yet been systematically and quantitatively evaluated. To learn whether seed germination can predict species distribution along altitude gradients, we examined germination data of 36 Rhododendron species in southeastern Tibet originating from contrasting altitudes, habitats, plant heights, seed masses, and phylogenies. Germination varied significantly with altitude, habitat, plant height, and phylogeny and was higher in the light than in the dark. Germination percentage was highest at 10:20°C in the light and 15:25°C in the dark. As altitude increased, germination percentages first rose and then decreased, being highest at 3,500–4,000 m. Germination percentage and rate were highest on rocky slopes, increasing as seed mass and plant height rose. Variations in germination percentage and rate were not significant at subgenera, section, and subsection levels, but they were significant at species level. The results suggested that the relationship between germination and altitude may provide insights into species distribution patterns. Further, germination patterns are a result of long‐term evolution as well as taxonomic constraints.

Relation between species distribution of plant community and soil factors under grazing in alpine meadow

The research selected the alpine meadow located in the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to study the changes of vegetation community and soil properties under different grazing intensities, as well as the quantitative relation between the distribution patterns of plant species and the physical and chemical properties of soil. The results showed that the grazing caused the differentiation of the initial vegetation community with the dominant plants, Elymus nutans and Stipa grandis. In the plots with high and low grazing intensities, the dominant plants had changed to Kobresia humilis and Melissitus ruthenica, and E. nutans and Poa crymophila, respectively. With the increase of grazing intensity, the plant richness, importance value and biomass were significantly decreased. The sequence of plant species importance value in each plot against grazing intensity could be fitted by a logarithmic model. The number of required plant species was reduced while the importance value of the remaining plant species accounted for 50% of the importance value in the whole vegetation community. The available P, available K, soil compaction, soil water content, stable infiltration rate and large aggregate index were significantly changed with grazing intensity, however, the changes were different. The CCA ordination showed that the soil compaction was the key factor affecting the distribution pattern of the plant species under grazing. The variance decomposition indicated that the soil factors together explained 30.5% of the distribution of the plant species, in particular the soil physical properties alone explained 22.8% of the distribution of the plant species, which had the highest rate of contribution to the plant species distribution. The soil physical properties affected the distribution pattern of plant species on grazed alpine meadow.

Niche differentiation and expansion of plant species are associated with mycorrhizal symbiosis

Abstract Mycorrhizal symbiosis is a widespread association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, which is thought to contribute to plant niche differentiation and expansion. However, this has so far not been explicitly tested. To address the effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis on plants’ realized niches, we addressed how mycorrhizal status (i.e. the frequency of occurrence of mycorrhizal symbiosis), flexibility (i.e. the ability to grow both with and without mycorrhizal symbiosis) and type of a plant species affect the realized niche optima, widths and volumes. For this, we used co‐occurrence data from the flora of the Netherlands along soil fertility, moisture, pH, salinity, light and temperature gradients. Phylogenetic dependency of the species was taken into account using phylogenetic generalized least squares models. We show that facultatively and flexibly mycorrhizal plants have the widest niches compared to non‐mycorrhizal and obligately mycorrhizal, and inflexible plants respectively. Among obligate plant symbionts, ecto‐ and ericoid mycorrhizal plants exhibited the widest niches compared to plants with other mycorrhizal types. Also, plants with different mycorrhizal statuses and types differed in their realized niche optima. Synthesis. Our results indicate that mycorrhizal symbiosis mediates plant niche differentiation and expansion, facilitating the understanding of current distribution patterns of plant species, as well as predicting shifts in plant distribution and dominance due to environmental changes.

Tree diversity and elevational gradient: The case of Lauraceae in the Atlantic Rainforest

Lauraceae have an ancient evolutionary history and wide distribution, providing a great model for studies of the biogeographical distribution patterns of plant species. The effects of elevational variation on plant diversity in tropical forests have been the subject of many studies. We investigated the following question: How does the Lauraceae family contribute to the diversity of the tree community in the Atlantic Rainforest, along an elevational gradient? Data from 15 floristic surveys (plots of one ha) were analyzed, comparing the variation in the patterns of Lauraceae richness to the richness of the whole tree community. The similarity relations of the plots were analyzed based on Lauraceae species, and the distribution patterns of the family were tested through null distribution models of the species. The surveys recorded 22,895 live individual trees in total, distributed among 859 species belonging to 70 families. Lauraceae contributed 4.3% of the total abundance and presented the third highest species richness (6.4% of the total). In general, Lauraceae diversity was highest in the Montane region and their composition changed along the elevational gradient, presenting four elevational belts. The Lauraceae diversity has a strong positive relationship with abundance. We found an exponential positive correlation between elevation and the richness of the family, differing from the tree community pattern. The results showed a new pattern of species variation along elevational gradients for the tree component in the Tropical Forest. Thus, we suggest that patterns of diversity variation in tree communities should be analyzed separately among the richest families.

Habitat Ecology of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Western Nepal

As a valuable entomophagus fungus species, caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is endemic to the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and adjoining Himalayas. However, little is known about its ecological niche and habitat. We investigated its associated plant species and habitat across different sites in Dolpa, west Nepal, and explored how associated plant species and soil characteristics affect its density and growth during the months of June and July in 2 consecutive years. Detrended correspondence analysis was used to capture the distribution pattern of plant species. Principal component analysis was applied to visualize the gradients of the soil data, and generalized linear models were employed to test the effects of nutrients and vegetation on the availability and size of caterpillar fungus. A total of 33 plant species were frequently associated with caterpillar fungus across the investigated sites. The abundance of the fungus was significantly affected by vegetation composition, whereas the individual fungal traits were independent of soil nutrients or vegetation composition. Therefore, it is essential to protect associated plant species to better conserve caterpillar fungus at high elevations.