1
|
Coe K, Carter B, Slate M, Stanton D. Moss functional trait ecology: Trends, gaps, and biases in the current literature. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2024; 111:e16288. [PMID: 38366744 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Functional traits are critical tools in plant ecology for capturing organism-environment interactions based on trade-offs and making links between organismal and ecosystem processes. While broad frameworks for functional traits have been developed for vascular plants, we lack the same for bryophytes, despite an escalation in the number of studies on bryophyte functional trait in the last 45 years and an increased recognition of the ecological roles bryophytes play across ecosystems. In this review, we compiled data from 282 published articles (10,005 records) that focused on functional traits measured in mosses and sought to examine trends in types of traits measured, capture taxonomic and geographic breadth of trait coverage, reveal biases in coverage in the current literature, and develop a bryophyte-function index (BFI) to describe the completeness of current trait coverage and identify global gaps to focus research efforts. The most commonly measured response traits (those related to growth/reproduction in individual organisms) and effect traits (those that directly affect community/ecosystem scale processes) fell into the categories of morphology (e.g., leaf area, shoot height) and nutrient storage/cycling, and our BFI revealed that these data were most commonly collected from temperate and boreal regions of Europe, North America, and East Asia. However, fewer than 10% of known moss species have available functional trait information. Our synthesis revealed a need for research on traits related to ontogeny, sex, and intraspecific plasticity and on co-measurement of traits related to water relations and bryophyte-mediated soil processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Coe
- Department of Biology, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA
| | - Benjamin Carter
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA
| | - Mandy Slate
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Present address: Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Daniel Stanton
- Department of Ecology Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chaurasia AN, Parmar RM, Dave MG, Krishnayya NSR. Integrating field- and remote sensing data to perceive species heterogeneity across a climate gradient. Sci Rep 2024; 14:42. [PMID: 38167992 PMCID: PMC10761838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50812-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropical forests exhibit significant diversity and heterogeneity in species distribution. Some tree species spread abundantly, impacting the functional aspects of communities. Understanding how these facets respond to climate change is crucial. Field data from four protected areas (PAs) were combined with high-resolution Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) datasets to extract large-scale plot data of abundant species and their functional traits. A supervised component generalized linear regression (SCGLR) model was used to correlate climate components with the distribution of abundant species across PAs. The recorded rainfall gradient influenced the proportion of PA-specific species in the observed species assemblages. Community weighted means (CWMs) of biochemical traits showed better correlation values (0.85-0.87) between observed and predicted values compared to biophysical traits (0.52-0.79). The model-based projection revealed distinct distribution responses of each abundant species to the climate gradient. Functional diversity and functional traits maps highlighted the interplay between species heterogeneity and climate. The appearance dynamics of abundant species in dark diversity across PAs demonstrated their assortment strategy in response to the climate gradient. These observations can significantly aid in the ecological management of PAs exposed to climate dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrita N Chaurasia
- Ecology Laboratory, Department of Botany, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Reshma M Parmar
- Ecology Laboratory, Department of Botany, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Maulik G Dave
- Ecology Laboratory, Department of Botany, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - N S R Krishnayya
- Ecology Laboratory, Department of Botany, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Blackman CJ, Halliwell B, Hartill GE, Brodribb TJ. Petiole XLA (xylem to leaf area ratio) integrates hydraulic safety and efficiency across a diverse group of eucalypt leaves. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:49-58. [PMID: 37680088 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
A theoretical trade-off between the efficiency and safety of water transport systems in plants is used to explain diverse ecological patterns, from tree size to community structure. Despite its pervasive influence, this theory has marginal empirical support. This may be partially due to obfuscation of associations by wide phylogenetic sampling or non-standard sampling between studies. To address this, we examine the coordination of structural and anatomical traits linked to hydraulic safety and efficiency in the leaves of an ecologically diverse group of eucalypts. We introduce a new trait for characterising leaf water transport function measured as the cross-sectional XA at the petiole divided by the downstream leaf area (XLApetiole ). Variation in XLApetiole revealed support for a safety-efficiency trade-off in eucalypt leaves. XLApetiole was negatively correlated with theoretical petiole xylem conductivity (Ks_petiole ) and strongly negatively correlated with leaf cavitation vulnerability (Ψ50leaf ). Species with lower Ψ50leaf exhibited petiole xylem with narrower vessels and greater fibre wall area fractions. Our findings highlight XLApetiole as a novel integrative trait that provides insights into the evolution of leaf form and function in eucalypts and holds promise for wider use among diverse species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Blackman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ben Halliwell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Gabrielle E Hartill
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Timothy J Brodribb
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu A, Anderegg LDL, Dawson TE, Trugman AT. Leaf trait coordination and variation of blue oak across topo-environmental scales. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:2098-2108. [PMID: 37847600 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpad127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Trees are arguably the most diverse and complex macro-organisms on Earth. The equally diverse functions of trees directly impact fluxes of carbon, water and energy from the land surface. A number of recent studies have shed light on the substantial within-species variability across plant traits, including aspects of leaf morphology and plant allocation of photosynthates to leaf biomass. Yet, within-tree variability in leaf traits due to microclimatic variations, leaf hydraulic coordination across traits at different physiological scales and variations in leaf traits over a growing season remain poorly studied. This knowledge gap is stymieing the fundamental understanding of what drives trait variation and covariation from tissues to trees to landscapes. Here, we present an extensive dataset measuring within-tree heterogeneity in leaf traits in California's blue oak (Quercus douglasii) across an edaphic gradient and over the course of a growing season at an oak-grass savanna in Southern CA, USA. We found a high level of within-tree crown leaf area:sapwood area variation that was not attributable to sample height or aspect. We also found a higher level of trait integration at the tree level, rather than branch level, suggesting that trees optimize water use at the organismal level. Despite the large variance in traits within a tree crown and across trees, we did not find strong evidence for adaptive plasticity or acclimation in leaf morphological traits (e.g., changes to phenotype which increased fitness) across temporal and spatial water availability gradients. Collectively, our results highlight strong variation in drought-related physiology, but limited evidence for adaptive trait plasticity over shorter time scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Wu
- Department of Integrative Biology, 3040 Valley Life Sciences Building, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Leander D L Anderegg
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, Noble Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Todd E Dawson
- Department of Integrative Biology, 3040 Valley Life Sciences Building, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anna T Trugman
- Department of Geography, Ellison Hall, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poyatos C, Sacristán-Bajo S, Tabarés P, Prieto-Benítez S, Teso MLR, Torres E, Morente-López J, Lara-Romero C, Iriondo JM, Fernández AG. Differential patterns of within- and between-population genetically based trait variation in Lupinus angustifolius. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 132:541-552. [PMID: 37647862 PMCID: PMC10667004 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Within-population genetic and phenotypic variation play a key role in the development of adaptive responses to environmental change. Between-population variation is also an essential element in assessing the evolutionary potential of species in response to changes in environmental conditions. In this context, common garden experiments are a useful tool to separate the genetic and environmental components of phenotypic variation. We aimed to assess within- and between-population phenotypic variation of Lupinus angustifolius L. in terms of its evolutionary potential to adapt to ongoing climate change. METHODS We evaluated populations' phenotypic variation of foliar, phenological and reproductive traits with a common garden experiment. Patterns of functional trait variation were assessed with (1) mixed model analyses and coefficients of variation (CVs) with confidence intervals, (2) principal component analyses (PCAs) and (3) correlations between pairs of traits. Analyses were performed at the population level (four populations) and at the latitude level (grouping pairs of populations located in two latitudinal ranges). KEY RESULTS Phenotypic variation had a significant genetic component associated with a latitudinal pattern. (1) Mixed models found lower specific leaf area, advanced flowering phenology and lower seed production of heavier seeds in southern populations, whereas CV analyses showed lower within-latitude variation especially in phenological and reproductive traits in southern populations. (2) PCAs showed a clearer differentiation of phenotypic variation between latitudes than between populations. (3) Correlation analyses showed a greater number of significant correlations between traits in southern populations (25 vs. 13). CONCLUSIONS Between-population phenotypic variation was determined by contrasting temperature and drought at different latitude and elevation. Southern populations had differential trait values compatible with adaptations to high temperatures and drought. Moreover, they had lower within-population variation and a greater number of trait correlations probably as a result of these limiting conditions, making them more vulnerable to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Poyatos
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Sacristán-Bajo
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Tabarés
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Luisa Rubio Teso
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro 2-4, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Morente-López
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Ecología y Evolución en Islas, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 3, 38206, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos Lara-Romero
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Iriondo
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo García- Fernández
- Grupo de Ecología Evolutiva (ECOEVO), Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-ESCET, Tulipán s/n. 28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Martínez-Vilalta J, García-Valdés R, Jump A, Vilà-Cabrera A, Mencuccini M. Accounting for trait variability and coordination in predictions of drought-induced range shifts in woody plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:23-40. [PMID: 37501525 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Functional traits offer a promising avenue to improve predictions of species range shifts under climate change, which will entail warmer and often drier conditions. Although the conceptual foundation linking traits with plant performance and range shifts appears solid, the predictive ability of individual traits remains generally low. In this review, we address this apparent paradox, emphasizing examples of woody plants and traits associated with drought responses at the species' rear edge. Low predictive ability reflects the fact not only that range dynamics tend to be complex and multifactorial, as well as uncertainty in the identification of relevant traits and limited data availability, but also that trait effects are scale- and context-dependent. The latter results from the complex interactions among traits (e.g. compensatory effects) and between them and the environment (e.g. exposure), which ultimately determine persistence and colonization capacity. To confront this complexity, a more balanced coverage of the main functional dimensions involved (stress tolerance, resource use, regeneration and dispersal) is needed, and modelling approaches must be developed that explicitly account for: trait coordination in a hierarchical context; trait variability in space and time and its relationship with exposure; and the effect of biotic interactions in an ecological community context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Martínez-Vilalta
- CREAF, E08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raúl García-Valdés
- CREAF, E08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Catalonia, Spain
- Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), E25280, Solsona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, School of Experimental Sciences and Technology, Rey Juan Carlos University, E28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alistair Jump
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, UK
| | - Albert Vilà-Cabrera
- CREAF, E08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Catalonia, Spain
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, UK
| | - Maurizio Mencuccini
- CREAF, E08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Catalonia, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, E08010, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quetin GR, Anderegg LDL, Boving I, Anderegg WRL, Trugman AT. Observed forest trait velocities have not kept pace with hydraulic stress from climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:5415-5428. [PMID: 37421154 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The extent to which future climate change will increase forest stress and the amount to which species and forest ecosystems can acclimate or adapt to increased stress is a major unknown. We used high-resolution maps of hydraulic traits representing the diversity in tree drought tolerance across the United States, a hydraulically enabled tree model, and forest inventory observations of demographic shifts to quantify the ability for within-species acclimation and between-species range shifts to mediate climate stress. We found that forests are likely to experience increases in both acute and chronic hydraulic stress with climate change. Based on current species distributions, regional hydraulic trait diversity was sufficient to buffer against increased stress in 88% of forested areas. However, observed trait velocities in 81% of forested areas are not keeping up with the rate required to ameliorate projected future stress without leaf area acclimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G R Quetin
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - L D L Anderegg
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - I Boving
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - W R L Anderegg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - A T Trugman
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Iozia LM, Varone L. Tackling local ecological homogeneity: Finding intraspecific trait variability in local populations of Mediterranean plants. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10550. [PMID: 37732284 PMCID: PMC10507572 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Local homogeneity, in ecology, is the often undisclosed assumption that variability within populations is negligible or mostly distributed evenly. In large areas, this can lead to the aggregation of different populations without regard for their unique needs and characteristics, such as drought sensitivity and functional trait distributions. Here, we discuss whether this assumption can be justified, and we hypothesize that discerning the source of variation between plasticity and adaptation could be a feasible approach to formulate an informed decision. We test this hypothesis on plants, resorting to a common garden experiment to determine the source of variation of several plant functional traits at a local scale (~60 km) of three wild species: Quercus ilex, Pistacia lentiscus, and Cistus salviifolius. Individuals of each species were sourced from three key sites chosen along a local aridity gradient. Our approach led to the rejection of the local homogeneity assumption for Q. ilex and C. salviifolius at this scale due to the adaptive divergence observed among neighboring populations. This case study provides evidence that addressing local homogeneity can highlight diverging populations in a relatively simple way. We conclude that gathering empirical evidence on intraspecific variability is a feasible approach that can provide researchers with solid bases to decide whether to adopt the local homogeneity assumption or not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Varone
- Department of Environmental BiologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Archambeau J, Benito Garzón M, de Miguel M, Brachi B, Barraquand F, González-Martínez SC. Reduced within-population quantitative genetic variation is associated with climate harshness in maritime pine. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 131:68-78. [PMID: 37221230 PMCID: PMC10313832 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
How evolutionary forces interact to maintain genetic variation within populations has been a matter of extensive theoretical debates. While mutation and exogenous gene flow increase genetic variation, stabilizing selection and genetic drift are expected to deplete it. To date, levels of genetic variation observed in natural populations are hard to predict without accounting for other processes, such as balancing selection in heterogeneous environments. We aimed to empirically test three hypotheses: (i) admixed populations have higher quantitative genetic variation due to introgression from other gene pools, (ii) quantitative genetic variation is lower in populations from harsher environments (i.e., experiencing stronger selection), and (iii) quantitative genetic variation is higher in populations from heterogeneous environments. Using growth, phenological and functional trait data from three clonal common gardens and 33 populations (522 clones) of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton), we estimated the association between the population-specific total genetic variances (i.e., among-clone variances) for these traits and ten population-specific indices related to admixture levels (estimated based on 5165 SNPs), environmental temporal and spatial heterogeneity and climate harshness. Populations experiencing colder winters showed consistently lower genetic variation for early height growth (a fitness-related trait in forest trees) in the three common gardens. Within-population quantitative genetic variation was not associated with environmental heterogeneity or population admixture for any trait. Our results provide empirical support for the potential role of natural selection in reducing genetic variation for early height growth within populations, which indirectly gives insight into the adaptive potential of populations to changing environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Archambeau
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, BIOGECO, F-33610, Cestas, France.
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, UK.
| | | | - Marina de Miguel
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, BIOGECO, F-33610, Cestas, France
- EGFV, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, INRAE, ISVV, F-33882, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rowland L, Ramírez-Valiente JA, Hartley IP, Mencuccini M. How woody plants adjust above- and below-ground traits in response to sustained drought. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023. [PMID: 37306017 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Future increases in drought severity and frequency are predicted to have substantial impacts on plant function and survival. However, there is considerable uncertainty concerning what drought adjustment is and whether plants can adjust to sustained drought. This review focuses on woody plants and synthesises the evidence for drought adjustment in a selection of key above-ground and below-ground plant traits. We assess whether evaluating the drought adjustment of single traits, or selections of traits that operate on the same plant functional axis (e.g. photosynthetic traits) is sufficient, or whether a multi-trait approach, integrating across multiple axes, is required. We conclude that studies on drought adjustments in woody plants might overestimate the capacity for adjustment to drier environments if spatial studies along gradients are used, without complementary experimental approaches. We provide evidence that drought adjustment is common in above-ground and below-ground traits; however, whether this is adaptive and sufficient to respond to future droughts remains uncertain for most species. To address this uncertainty, we must move towards studying trait integration within and across multiple axes of plant function (e.g. above-ground and below-ground) to gain a holistic view of drought adjustments at the whole-plant scale and how these influence plant survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Rowland
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK
| | | | - Iain P Hartley
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK
| | - Maurizio Mencuccini
- CREAF, Campus de Bellaterra (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aspinwall MJ, Blackman CJ, Maier C, Tjoelker MG, Rymer PD, Creek D, Chieppa J, Griffin‐Nolan RJ, Tissue DT. Aridity drives clinal patterns in leaf traits and responsiveness to precipitation in a broadly distributed Australian tree species. PLANT-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:70-85. [PMID: 37288162 PMCID: PMC10243541 DOI: 10.1002/pei3.10102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Aridity shapes species distributions and plant growth and function worldwide. Yet, plant traits often show complex relationships with aridity, challenging our understanding of aridity as a driver of evolutionary adaptation. We grew nine genotypes of Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis sourced from an aridity gradient together in the field for ~650 days under low and high precipitation treatments. Eucalyptus camaldulesis is considered a phreatophyte (deep-rooted species that utilizes groundwater), so we hypothesized that genotypes from more arid environments would show lower aboveground productivity, higher leaf gas-exchange rates, and greater tolerance/avoidance of dry surface soils (indicated by lower responsiveness) than genotypes from less arid environments. Aridity predicted genotype responses to precipitation, with more arid genotypes showing lower responsiveness to reduced precipitation and dry surface conditions than less arid genotypes. Under low precipitation, genotype net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance increased with home-climate aridity. Across treatments, genotype intrinsic water-use efficiency and osmotic potential declined with increasing aridity while photosynthetic capacity (Rubisco carboxylation and RuBP regeneration) increased with aridity. The observed clinal patterns indicate that E. camaldulensis genotypes from extremely arid environments possess a unique strategy defined by lower responsiveness to dry surface soils, low water-use efficiency, and high photosynthetic capacity. This strategy could be underpinned by deep rooting and could be adaptive under arid conditions where heat avoidance is critical and water demand is high.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Aspinwall
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
- College of Forestry and Wildlife SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
- Formation EnvironmentalLLCSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chris J. Blackman
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and AgricultureSchool of Natural Sciences, University of TasmaniaHobartAustralia
| | - Chelsea Maier
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark G. Tjoelker
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paul D. Rymer
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Danielle Creek
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)ÅsNorway
| | - Jeff Chieppa
- College of Forestry and Wildlife SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | | | - David T. Tissue
- Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNew South WalesAustralia
- Global Centre for Land Based InnovationWestern Sydney UniversityRichmondNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Asefa M, Worthy SJ, Cao M, Song X, Lozano YM, Yang J. Above- and below-ground plant traits are not consistent in response to drought and competition treatments. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 130:939-950. [PMID: 36001733 PMCID: PMC9851322 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Our understanding of plant responses to biotic and abiotic drivers is largely based on above-ground plant traits, with little focus on below-ground traits despite their key role in water and nutrient uptake. Here, we aimed to understand the extent to which above- and below-ground traits are co-ordinated, and how these traits respond to soil moisture gradients and plant intraspecific competition. METHODS We chose seedlings of five tropical tree species and grew them in a greenhouse for 16 weeks under a soil moisture gradient [low (drought), medium and high (well-watered) moisture levels] with and without intraspecific competition. At harvest, we measured nine above- and five below-ground traits of all seedlings based on standard protocols. KEY RESULTS In response to the soil moisture gradient, above-ground traits are found to be consistent with the leaf economics spectrum, whereas below-ground traits are inconsistent with the root economics spectrum. We found high specific leaf area and total leaf area in well-watered conditions, while high leaf dry matter content, leaf thickness and stem dry matter content were observed in drought conditions. However, below-ground traits showed contrasting patterns, with high specific root length but low root branching index in the low water treatment. The correlations between above- and below-ground traits across the soil moisture gradient were variable, i.e. specific leaf area was positively correlated with specific root length, while it was negatively correlated with root average diameter across moisture levels. However, leaf dry matter content was unexpectedly positively correlated with both specific root length and root branching index. Intraspecific competition has influenced both above- and below-ground traits, but interacted with soil moisture to affect only below-ground traits. Consistent with functional equilibrium theory, more biomass was allocated to roots under drought conditions, and to leaves under sufficient soil moisture conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the response of below-ground traits to plant intraspecific competition and soil moisture conditions may not be inferred using above-ground traits, suggesting that multiple resource use axes are needed to understand plant ecological strategies. Lack of consistent leaf-root trait correlations across the soil moisture gradient highlight the multidimensionality of plant trait relationships which needs more exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengesha Asefa
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, Ethiopia
| | - Samantha J Worthy
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Min Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Xiaoyang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Yudi M Lozano
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
- Center of Plant Ecology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhao P, Li X, Ran R, Sun H, Zhao J, Chen G. Precipitation and local environment shape the geographic variation of seed size across natural populations of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:5682-5697. [PMID: 35603725 PMCID: PMC9467651 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum) is widely distributed on dunes in the Asian interior arid zone, and its large intraspecific trait variation makes it a very good model for investigating the ecological processes underlying its adaptation to the desert environment. In this study, seed size variation across 68 natural populations was used to establish geographic patterns and to quantify the effects of the climate, soil, and collection-year weather variables. The length of the seed major axis and thousand seed weight (TSW) both showed significant longitudinal patterns. Long-term climate variables accounted for most of the explained variances for seed major axis (57.20%) and TSW (91.54%). Specifically, annual precipitation and minimum monthly precipitation had the most significantly positive and negative effects, indicating that longitudinal clines are driven by a precipitation gradient across the species' distribution range. A substantial unique effect of soil variables (27.27%) was found for seed major axis variation, but only 3.64% of TSW variation was explained by soil variables. Two extreme groups were selected to evaluate the genetic and plastic effects on seed size in a common garden experiment. Large-seeded individuals were more competitive in semi-arid regions, and had stronger adaptive plasticity as well as better performance in early seedling establishment, and hence they have potential for use in future domestication projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Ruilan Ran
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Hong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Jiecai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Ecology in Cold and Arid Regions, Gansu Province, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P.R. China
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vicente E, Didion-Gency M, Morcillo L, Morin X, Vilagrosa A, Grossiord C. Aridity and cold temperatures drive divergent adjustments of European beech xylem anatomy, hydraulics and leaf physiological traits. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 42:1720-1735. [PMID: 35285500 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Understanding plant trait coordination and variance across climatic gradients is critical for assessing forests' adaptive potential to climate change. We measured 11 hydraulic, anatomical and leaf-level physiological traits in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) along a moisture and temperature gradient in the French Alps. We assessed how traits covaried, and how their population-level variances shifted along the gradient. The intrapopulation variances of vessel size and xylem-specific conductivity reduced in colder locations as narrow vessels were observed in response to low temperature. This decreased individual-level water transport capacity compared with the warmer and more xeric sites. Conversely, the maximum stomatal conductance and Huber value variances were constrained in the arid and warm locations, where trees showed restricted gas exchange and higher xylem-specific conductivity. The populations growing under drier and warmer conditions presented wide variance for the xylem anatomical and hydraulic traits. Our results suggest that short-term physiological acclimation to raising aridity and heat in southern beech populations may occur mainly at the leaf level. Furthermore, the wide variance of the xylem anatomical and hydraulic traits at these sites may be advantageous since more heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity could imply populations' greater tree-tree complementarity and resilience against climatic variability. Our study highlights that both intrapopulation trait variance and trait network analysis are key approaches for understanding species adaptation and the acclimation potential to a shifting environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Vicente
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, IMEM Ramón Margalef, University of Alicante, C. San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, Alicante 03080, Spain
- CEAM Foundation, Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, C. San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, Alicante 03080, Spain
| | - Margaux Didion-Gency
- Ecosystem Ecology, Forest Dynamics Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, Birmensdorf 8903, Switzerland
| | - Luna Morcillo
- CEAM Foundation, Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, C. San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, Alicante 03080, Spain
| | - Xavier Morin
- CEFE UMR 5175 (CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE, IRD), 1919 Route de Mende, Montpellier Cedex 5 F-34293, France
| | - Alberto Vilagrosa
- CEAM Foundation, Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, PO Box 99, C. San Vicente del Raspeig, s/n, Alicante 03080, Spain
| | - Charlotte Grossiord
- Plant Ecology Research Laboratory PERL, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, EPFL, PO box 96, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
- Functional Plant Ecology, Community Ecology Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape WSL, PO box 96, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Leaf Economic and Hydraulic Traits Signal Disparate Climate Adaptation Patterns in Two Co-Occurring Woodland Eucalypts. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11141846. [PMID: 35890479 PMCID: PMC9320154 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
With climate change impacting trees worldwide, enhancing adaptation capacity has become an important goal of provenance translocation strategies for forestry, ecological renovation, and biodiversity conservation. Given that not every species can be studied in detail, it is important to understand the extent to which climate adaptation patterns can be generalised across species, in terms of the selective agents and traits involved. We here compare patterns of genetic-based population (co)variation in leaf economic and hydraulic traits, climate–trait associations, and genomic differentiation of two widespread tree species (Eucalyptus pauciflora and E. ovata). We studied 2-year-old trees growing in a common-garden trial established with progeny from populations of both species, pair-sampled from 22 localities across their overlapping native distribution in Tasmania, Australia. Despite originating from the same climatic gradients, the species differed in their levels of population variance and trait covariance, patterns of population variation within each species were uncorrelated, and the species had different climate–trait associations. Further, the pattern of genomic differentiation among populations was uncorrelated between species, and population differentiation in leaf traits was mostly uncorrelated with genomic differentiation. We discuss hypotheses to explain this decoupling of patterns and propose that the choice of seed provenances for climate-based plantings needs to account for multiple dimensions of climate change unless species-specific information is available.
Collapse
|
16
|
de Juan S, Bremner J, Hewitt J, Törnroos A, Mangano MC, Thrush S, Hinz H. Biological traits approaches in benthic marine ecology: Dead ends and new paths. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9001. [PMID: 35784057 PMCID: PMC9163796 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological traits analysis (BTA) links community structure to both ecological functions and response to environmental drivers through species’ attributes. In consequence, it has become a popular approach in marine benthic studies. However, BTA will reach a dead end if the scientific community does not acknowledge its current shortcomings and limitations: (a) uncertainties related to data origins and a lack of standardized reporting of trait information; (b) knowledge gaps on the role of multiple interacting traits on driving the organisms’ responses to environmental variability; (c) knowledge gaps regarding the mechanistic links between traits and functions; (d) a weak focus on the spatial and temporal variability that is inherent to the trait expression of species; and, last but not least, (e) the large reliance on expert knowledge due to an enormous knowledge gap on the basic ecology of many benthic species. BTA will only reach its full potential if the scientific community is able to standardize and unify the reporting and storage of traits data and reconsider the importance of baseline observational and experimental studies to fill knowledge gaps on the mechanistic links between biological traits, functions, and environmental variability. This challenge could be assisted by embracing new technological advances in marine monitoring, such as underwater camera technology and artificial intelligence, and making use of advanced statistical approaches that consider the interactive nature and spatio‐temporal variability of biological systems. The scientific community has to abandon some dead ends and explore new paths that will improve our understanding of individual species, traits, and the functioning of benthic ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia de Juan
- Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados IMEDEA (CSIC‐UIB) Esporles Islas Baleares Spain
| | - Julie Bremner
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Lowestoft England
- Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas University of East Anglia School of Environmental Science Norwich England
| | - Judi Hewitt
- Department of Statistics University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
- Institute of Marine Science University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Anna Törnroos
- Environmental and Marine Biology Faculty of Science and Engineering Åbo Akademi University Turku Finland
| | - Maria Cristina Mangano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI) Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Sicily Marine Centre Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo (complesso Roosevelt) Palermo Italy
| | - Simon Thrush
- Institute of Marine Science University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Hilmar Hinz
- Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados IMEDEA (CSIC‐UIB) Esporles Islas Baleares Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Trugman AT. Integrating plant physiology and community ecology across scales through trait-based models to predict drought mortality. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:21-27. [PMID: 34679225 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Forests are a critical carbon sink and widespread tree mortality resulting from climate-induced drought stress has the potential to alter forests from a carbon sink to a source, causing a positive feedback on climate change. Process-based vegetation models aim to represent the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing plant physiological and ecological responses to climate. Yet model accuracy varies across scales, and regional-scale model predictive skill is frequently poor when compared with observations of drought-driven mortality. I propose a framework that leverages differences in model predictive skill across spatial scales, mismatches between model predictions and observations, and differences in the mechanisms included and absent across models to advance the understanding of the physiological and ecological processes driving observed patterns drought-driven mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Trugman
- Department of Geography, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
Solé-Medina A, Robledo-Arnuncio JJ, Ramírez-Valiente JA. Multi-trait genetic variation in resource-use strategies and phenotypic plasticity correlates with local climate across the range of a Mediterranean oak (Quercus faginea). THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 234:462-478. [PMID: 35028942 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Resource-use strategies are hypothesized to evolve along climatic gradients. However, our understanding of the environmental factors driving divergent evolution of resource-use strategies and the relationship between trait genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity is far from complete. Using the Mediterranean tree Quercus faginea as study system, we tested the hypothesis that a conservative resource-use strategy with increased drought tolerance and reduced phenotypic plasticity has evolved in areas with longer and more severe dry seasons. We conducted a glasshouse experiment in which we measured leaf morphological, physiological, growth and allocation traits in seedlings from 10 range-wide climatically contrasting populations, grown under two different watering treatments. Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a genetic gradient of resource-use strategies and phenotypic plasticity associated with provenance climate. In particular, populations from harsher (drier and colder) environments had more sclerophyllous leaves, lower growth rates, better physiological performance under dry conditions and reduced multi-trait phenotypic plasticity compared to populations from more mesic and milder environments. Our results suggest that contrasting precipitation and temperature regimes play an important role in the adaptive intraspecific evolution of multivariate phenotypes and their plasticity, resulting in coordinated morphology, physiology, growth and allometry according to alternative resource-use strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aida Solé-Medina
- Department of Forest Ecology & Genetics, Forest Research Centre (INIA, CSIC), Ctra. de la Coruña km 7.5, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - Juan José Robledo-Arnuncio
- Department of Forest Ecology & Genetics, Forest Research Centre (INIA, CSIC), Ctra. de la Coruña km 7.5, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - José Alberto Ramírez-Valiente
- Department of Forest Ecology & Genetics, Forest Research Centre (INIA, CSIC), Ctra. de la Coruña km 7.5, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre, CREAF, Campus de Bellaterra (UAB) 10 Edifici C, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yang Y, Kang L, Zhao J, Qi N, Li R, Wen Z, Kassout J, Peng C, Lin G, Zheng H. Quantifying Leaf Trait Covariations and Their Relationships with Plant Adaptation Strategies along an Aridity Gradient. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10101066. [PMID: 34681167 PMCID: PMC8533430 DOI: 10.3390/biology10101066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Plants usually adopt different strategies to adapt to their surrounding environments. Accurately quantifying plant strategies is of great interest in trait-based ecology, in particular to understand the responses of ecological structures and processes. In the last two decades, these strategies have been described qualitatively; however, the use of quantitative methods is still lacking. In this study, we used a plant functional trait approach to discuss plant strategies along an aridity gradient. We found that eight functional traits divided into four dimensions represent four adaptation strategies: energy balance, resource acquisition, resource investment and water use efficiency. We also concluded that climate and soil together with family (vegetation succession) were the main driving forces of trait covariations. Our study provided a new perspective to understand plant functional responses to aridity gradients, which is helpful for ecological management and vegetation restoration programs in arid regions. Abstract A trait-based approach is an effective way to quantify plant adaptation strategies in response to changing environments. Single trait variations have been well depicted before; however, multi-trait covariations and their roles in shaping plant adaptation strategies along aridity gradients remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to reveal multi-trait covariation characteristics, their controls and their relevance to plant adaptation strategies. Using eight relevant plant functional traits and multivariate statistical approaches, we found the following: (1) the eight studied traits show evident covariation characteristics and could be grouped into four functional dimensions linked to plant strategies, namely energy balance, resource acquisition, resource investment and water use efficiency; (2) leaf area (LA) together with traits related to the leaf economic spectrum, including leaf nitrogen content per area (Narea), leaf nitrogen per mass (Nmass) and leaf dry mass per area (LMA), covaried along the aridity gradient (represented by the moisture index, MI) and dominated the trait–environmental change axis; (3) together, climate, soil and family can explain 50.4% of trait covariations; thus, vegetation succession along the aridity gradient cannot be neglected in trait covariations. Our findings provide novel perspectives toward a better understanding of plant adaptations to arid conditions and serve as a reference for vegetation restoration and management programs in arid regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Le Kang
- East China Inventory and Planning Institute of the State Administration of Forestry and Grassland, Hangzhou 310019, China;
| | - Jun Zhao
- China Aero Geophysical Survey & Remote Sensing Center for Natural Resources, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Ning Qi
- School of Information Science & Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Ruonan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
| | - Zhongming Wen
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China;
| | - Jalal Kassout
- Laboratory of Applied Botany, BioAgrodiversity Team, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan 93002, Morocco;
| | - Changhui Peng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada;
| | - Guanghui Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Hua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-62849134
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vleminckx J, Fortunel C, Valverde‐Barrantes O, Timothy Paine CE, Engel J, Petronelli P, Dourdain AK, Guevara J, Béroujon S, Baraloto C. Resolving whole‐plant economics from leaf, stem and root traits of 1467 Amazonian tree species. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Vleminckx
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Florida International Univ. FL USA
- Yale Inst. for Biospheric Studies New Haven CT USA
| | - Claire Fortunel
- AMAP (botAnique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des Végétations), Univ. de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | | | - C. E. Timothy Paine
- Environmental and Rural Science, Univ. of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Julien Engel
- AMAP (botAnique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des Végétations), Univ. de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- International Center for Tropical Botany, Dept of Biological Sciences, Florida International Univ. Miami FL USA
| | - Pascal Petronelli
- CIRAD, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| | - Aurélie K. Dourdain
- CIRAD, UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| | | | - Solène Béroujon
- UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| | - Christopher Baraloto
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Florida International Univ. FL USA
- INRAe, UMR Ecologie de Forêts de Guyane, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, INRA, Univ. de Guyane, Univ. des Antilles Kourou Cedex France
| |
Collapse
|