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Fan X, Meng L, Wang Y, Zang L. Stochastic process drives the dissimilarity in biodiversity patterns between Pinus kwangtungensis coniferous forest and evergreen deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in karst area. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17899. [PMID: 39224826 PMCID: PMC11368079 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Pinus kwangtungensis is an endangered evergreen conifer tree species, and its in situ conservation has been considered one of the most critical issues. However, relative protection is limited by the lack of understanding of its community structure and underlying assembly processes. To study how the species diversity and assembly processes of Pinus kwangtungensis coniferous forest (CF) differed with regional climax community, this study established a series forest dynamic plots both in CF and evergreen deciduous broadleaved mixed forest (EDBM). By performing comparison analysis and PER-SIMPER approaches, we quantified the differences in species diversity and community assembly rules. The results showed that the species α-diversity of CF differed greatly from the EDBM both in species richness and evenness. In addition, the stochastic process acted a more important role in determining species composition, indicating the uncertainty in presence of species. The soil phosphorus and changeable calcium content were the main factors driving the differences in biodiversity, which the importance of soil nutrient factors in driving species composition. Our study highlighted that we should consider the community structure and ecological process when conducting conservation of Pinus kwangtungensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingying Fan
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Longchenxi Meng
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yeheng Wang
- Zibo Real Estate Registration Center, Zibo, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lipeng Zang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Libo, Guizhou Province, China
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Liu X, Li S, Feng Y, Chen X, Ma Y, Xiao H, Zhao Y, Liu S, Zheng G, Yang X, Wu F, Xie J. Traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines used by Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2024; 20:31. [PMID: 38429640 PMCID: PMC10908119 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00669-w] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to document and preserve the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Gelao community in Northern Guizhou, China, providing valuable insights for modern pharmacological research and the development of these traditional remedies. METHODS Our methodology encompassed a blend of literature review, community interviews, and participatory observation to delve into the traditional knowledge of animal-derived medicines among the Gelao community. We employed quantitative ethnological and ecological assessment techniques to evaluate the significance of these practices. Informed consent was secured before conducting interviews, with a focus on ascertaining the types of medicines familiar to the informants, including their local names, sources, methods of preparation, application techniques, diseases treated, frequency of use, and safety considerations. RESULTS Our research cataloged 55 varieties of animal-derived medicines utilized by the Gelao people. Out of these, 34 originate from wild animals, mainly encompassing small insects, reptiles, and aquatic species; the remaining 21 are derived from domesticated animals, largely involving their tissues, organs, and various physiological or pathological by-products. These medicines are primarily applied in treating pediatric ailments (13 types), internal disorders (11 types), gynecological issues (3 types), dermatological problems (7 types), ENT conditions (3 types), trauma-related injuries (5 types), joint and bone ailments (5 types), infections (2 types), dental issues (2 types), and urolithiasis (1 type), with three types being used for other miscellaneous conditions. Commonly utilized medicines, such as honey, Blaps beetle, chicken gallstones, and snake-based products, are preferred for their availability, edibility, and safety within the Gelao communities. CONCLUSION The Gelao community's traditional medicines represent a rich diversity of animal sources, showcasing extensive expertise and knowledge in their processing and clinical applications. This wealth of traditional knowledge offers novel perspectives for the contemporary pharmacological study and development of these remedies. Additionally, our research plays a crucial role in aiding the preservation and continuation of this invaluable cultural heritage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Shuo Li
- School of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730101, Gansu, China
| | - Yi Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yuhan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Hai Xiao
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yongxia Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Sha Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Guishen Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730101, Gansu, China
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730101, Gansu, China
| | - Faming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Jian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
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Wu Y, Yang Z, Chen S, Sui M, Zhang G, Liu Q, Chen D, Ding F, Zang L. How do species richness and its component dependence vary along the natural restoration in extremely heterogeneous forest ecosystems? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120265. [PMID: 38382441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120265] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Giant habitat heterogeneity is an important factor contributing to the high species richness (SR) in karst forests. Yet, the driving factor behind the alterations in SR patterns during natural restoration remains unclear. In this study, we established the forest dynamics plots along the natural restoration sequence (including shrub-tree mixed forest stage (SC), secondary forest stage (SG) and old-growth forest sage (OG)) in degraded karst forests to compare the SR and the dependence on its components (including total community abundance, species abundance distribution (SAD), and conspecific spatial aggregation (CSA)) among stages of natural restoration. By evaluating the degree of contribution of the components to local SR and rarefied SR, we found that the SG exhibited the highest local SR, while the rarefied SR remained increasing along the restoration sequence after controlling the sample size. At SC-SG stage, SAD and CSA contributed negatively to the differences in SR, while abundance made a positive contribution to SR differences. At SG-OG, abundance contributed positively to the difference in SR at all scales, while SAD contributed negatively at small scales. No significant contribution of CSA was found at observed scales. In addition, local SR varied more significantly with PIE than with abundance. Our research emphasizes the importance of eliminating the influence of abundance on species richness in forest ecology and management, as well as the significance of separately evaluating the components that shape the diversity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wu
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Shiren Chen
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China
| | - Mingzhen Sui
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, Guizhou, 558400, China
| | - Guangqi Zhang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, Guizhou, 558400, China
| | - Qingfu Liu
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, Guizhou, 558400, China
| | - Danmei Chen
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, Guizhou, 558400, China
| | - Fangjun Ding
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, Guizhou, 558400, China
| | - Lipeng Zang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, Collage of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China; Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, Guizhou, 558400, China.
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Meng L, Li Y, Chen L, Sui M, Zhang G, Liu Q, Chen D, Wu Y, Yang Z, Chen S, Yang R, Zang L. Variations in species diversity patterns and community assembly rules among vegetation types in the karst landscape. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1338596. [PMID: 38455729 PMCID: PMC10917898 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1338596] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The various vegetation types in the karst landscape have been considered the results of heterogeneous habitats. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of regional biodiversity patterns and the underlying ecological processes limits further research on ecological management. This study established forest dynamic plots (FDPs) of the dominant vegetation types (shrubland, SL; mixed tree and shrub forest, MTSF; coniferous forest, CF; coniferous broadleaf mixed forest, CBMF; and broadleaf forest, BF) in the karst landscape and quantified the species diversity patterns and potential ecological processes. The results showed that in terms of diversity patterns, the evenness and species richness of the CF community were significantly lower than other vegetation types, while the BF community had the highest species richness. The other three vegetation types showed no significant variation in species richness and evenness. However, when controlling the number of individuals of FDPs, the rarefied species richness showed significant differences and ranked as BF > SL > MTSF > CBMF > CF, highlighting the importance of considering the impacts of abundance. Additionally, the community assembly of climax communities (CF or BF) was dominated by stochastic processes such as species dispersal or species formation, whereas deterministic processes (habitat filtering) dominated the secondary forests (SL, MTSF, and CBMF). These findings proved that community assembly differs mainly between the climax community and other communities. Hence, it is crucial to consider the biodiversity and of the potential underlying ecological processes together when studying regional ecology and management, particularly in heterogeneous ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longchenxi Meng
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Li
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Luyao Chen
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mingzhen Sui
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, China
| | - Guangqi Zhang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, China
| | - Qingfu Liu
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, China
| | - Danmei Chen
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, China
| | - Yuhang Wu
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shiren Chen
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lipeng Zang
- Research Center of Forest Ecology, College of Forestry, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Libo Karst Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Libo, China
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Xie J, Liu X, Luo M, Liu F, Liu S, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Zhao W, Wu F. Ethnobotanical study of traditional forage plants in the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone: conservation and sustainable utilization for animal husbandry. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2023; 19:53. [PMID: 37968695 PMCID: PMC10652598 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-023-00625-0] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to safeguard the ethnobotanical knowledge pertaining to traditional forage plants within the ethnically diverse Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone. It seeks to establish a foundation for the sustainable utilization of these traditional resources for animal husbandry. METHODS A combination of literature research, village interviews, participatory observation, and ethnobotanical quantitative evaluation methods was employed to investigate and study the traditional knowledge of wild forage plants used by local residents in the study area. RESULTS Local residents provided information on 73 forage plants, which were identified as 116 distinct wild forage plant species. These plants belong to 22 families and play an active role in the lives of the local inhabitants. Notably, the families Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae are prominent, comprising the most abundant and widely utilized wild forage plants. Bing Cao (collectively referring to plants of the Agropyron, Leymus, and Psammochloa), Suo Cao (collectively referring to plants of the genus Stipa), and Ku Cai (encompassing Lactuca tatarica (L.) C.A.Mey. and Ixeris polycephala Cass.) emerge as the most representative and vital wild forage plants for animal husbandry. Additionally, plants within the Astragalus (referred to collectively as NiaoZi by local residents) in the Fabaceae family, as well as plants from the Amaranthaceae family, exhibit notable significance. CONCLUSION Animal husbandry assumes a pivotal role in the local agricultural economy, and the 116 wild forage plants investigated hold substantial importance in its development. Among these, 59 and 103 plant resources display high developmental potential, making them prospective candidates for high-quality cultivated forage grasses. Additionally, extensive grazing practices have resulted in significant ecological degradation within this already fragile ecosystem. The cultivation of forage grasses and the practice of pen-based animal husbandry may emerge as crucial strategies for sustainable development in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Mingxia Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Fusong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Sha Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Yongxia Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China
| | - Xingsheng Zhang
- Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Pingchuan District, Baiyin, 730900, China
| | - Wenji Zhao
- Sichuan Academy of Grassland Sciences, Chengdu, 611731, China.
| | - Faming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
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Meng Z, Mo X, Meng W, Hu B, Li H, Liu J, Lu X, Sparks JP, Wang Y, Wang Z, He M. Biochar may alter plant communities when remediating the cadmium-contaminated soil in the saline-alkaline wetland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165677. [PMID: 37478952 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165677] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
It is thought remediating cadmium pollution with biochar can affect plant traits. However, the potential impact of this practice on plant communities is poorly understood. Here, we established natural-germinated plant communities using soil seed bank from a saline-alkaline wetland and applied a biochar treatment in Cd-polluted wetland soil. The outcomes illustrated that Juglans regia biochar (JBC), Spartina alterniflora biochar (SBC), and Flaveria bidentis biochar (FBC) promoted exchangeable Cd transform into FeMn oxide bound Cd. Additionally, most biochar addition reduced species abundance, root-shoot ratio, biomass, diversity, and community stability, yet enhanced community height. Among all treatments, the 5 % SBC demonstrated the most significant reduction in species abundance, biomass, species richness and functional richness. Specifically, it resulted in a reduction of 92.80 % in species abundance, 73.80 % in biomass, 66.67 % in species richness, and 95.14 % in functional richness compared to the CK. We also observed changes in root morphological traits and community structure after biochar addition. Soil pH, salinity, and nutrients played a dominant role in shaping plant community. These findings have implications for biodiversity conservation, and the use of biochar for the remediation of heavy metals like cadmium should be approached with caution due to its potential negative impacts on plant communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Meng
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Xunqiang Mo
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Weiqing Meng
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Beibei Hu
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Xueqiang Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jed P Sparks
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yidong Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China
| | - Mengxuan He
- School of Geographic and Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China.
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Sun J, Wang N, Niu Z. Effect of Soil Environment on Species Diversity of Desert Plant Communities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3465. [PMID: 37836205 PMCID: PMC10574983 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Desert ecosystems possess an astonishing biodiversity and are rich in endangered species. This study investigated characteristics of species diversity and soil environmental factors in three major deserts of China's Alxa Plateau. The Alxa Desert included 183 plant species belonging to 109 genera and 35 families. The highest numbers of plant species belonged to the Compositae, Gramineae, and Chenopodiaceae families. The research area belongs to the semi-shrub and small semi-shrub deserts in temperate deserts. Species diversity was low, with the Shannon-Wiener index (H') of shrub-herb = shrub > herb > tree. The Pielou evenness index (E) of shrub herb vegetation was the lowest, indicating more enriched species and fewer sparse species in the community, and that these types of vegetation had the characteristics of rich and obviously dominant species. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and correlations between the comprehensive plant community biodiversity index and soil factors indicated that soil-available phosphorus (NP), organic matter (SOM), and electrical conductivity (EC) had significant impacts on community species diversity. The herbaceous shrub community exhibited the highest H', Simpson index (D), species richness index (S), soil moisture (SW), and soil nutrients. Planting Calligonum mongolicum, Ephedra membranacea, Artemisia annua, and Phragmites australis to form a typical desert shrub community for community diversity protection is recommended to effectively protect and restore desert ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China;
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Center for Glacier and Desert Research, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Nai’ang Wang
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Center for Glacier and Desert Research, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Zhenmin Niu
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Center for Glacier and Desert Research, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- School of Geography and Planning, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
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Ulrich W, Matthews TJ, Biurrun I, Campos JA, Czortek P, Dembicz I, Essl F, Filibeck G, Giusso Del Galdo GP, Güler B, Naqinezhad A, Török P, Dengler J. Environmental drivers and spatial scaling of species abundance distributions in Palaearctic grassland vegetation. Ecology 2022; 103:e3725. [PMID: 35416279 PMCID: PMC9540260 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Species abundance distributions (SADs) link species richness with species abundances and are an important tool in the quantitative analysis of ecological communities. Niche‐based and sample‐based SAD models predict different spatial scaling properties of SAD parameters. However, empirical research on SAD scaling properties is largely missing. Here we extracted percentage cover values of all occurring vascular plants as proxies of their abundance in 1725 10‐m2 plots from the GrassPlot database, covering 47 regional data sets of 19 different grasslands and other open vegetation types of the Palaearctic biogeographic realm. For each plot, we fitted the Weibull distribution, a model that is able to effectively mimic other distributions like the log‐series and lognormal, to the species–log abundance rank order distribution. We calculated the skewness and kurtosis of the empirical distributions and linked these moments, along with the shape and scale parameters of the Weibull distribution, to plot climatic and soil characteristics. The Weibull distribution provided excellent fits to grassland plant communities and identified four basic types of communities characterized by different degrees of dominance. Shape and scale parameter values of local communities on poorer soils were largely in accordance with log‐series distributions. Proportions of subdominant species tended to be lower than predicted by the standard lognormal SAD. Successive accumulation of plots of the same vegetation type yielded nonlinear spatial scaling of SAD moments and Weibull parameters. This scaling was largely independent of environmental correlates and geographic plot position. Our findings caution against simple generalizations about the mechanisms that generate SADs. We argue that in grasslands, lognormal‐type SADs tend to prevail within a wider range of environmental conditions, including more extreme habitats such as arid environments. In contrast, log‐series distributions are mainly restricted to comparatively species‐rich communities on humid and fertile soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Ulrich
- Department of Ecology and Biogeography, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Thomas J Matthews
- GEES (School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences) and Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, Birmingham, UK.,CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group and Universidade dos Açores - Depto de Ciências Agráriase Engenharia do Ambiente, PT-9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Açores, Portugal
| | - Idoia Biurrun
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Campos
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Patryk Czortek
- Białowieża Geobotanical Station, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Sportowa St. 19, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland
| | - Iwona Dembicz
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Conservation, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury St. 101, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Franz Essl
- Bioinvasions, Global Change, Macroecology Group, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna, Austria
| | - Goffredo Filibeck
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Science (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Behlül Güler
- Biology Education, Dokuz Eylul University, Buca, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Alireza Naqinezhad
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Péter Török
- MTA-DE Lendület Functional and Restoration Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Egyetem sqr. 1, Debrecen, Hungary.,Polish Academy of Sciences, Botanical Garden - Center for Biological Diversity Conservation in Powsin, Prawdziwka St. 2, 02-973, Warszawa, Poland.,University of Debrecen, Department of Ecology, Egyetem sqr. 1, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jürgen Dengler
- Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Natural Resource Management (IUNR) , Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Wädenswil, Switzerland.,Plant Ecology, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Leipzig-Jena, Leipzig, Germany
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Species Abundance Distributions Patterns between Tiankeng Forests and Nearby Non-Tiankeng Forests in Southwest China. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the species abundance distributions (SADs) in Tiankeng forests is crucial for restoring and managing degraded karst ecosystem, whereas previous studies rarely explored the differences and response of vegetation dynamics to environmental variations. The species composition and SADs of the inner and outer fringe areas of Tiankeng forest and nearby non-Tiankeng forest were compared in Southwest China. Six models were adopted to compare SADs of three habitats. Kolmogrov–Smirnov (K–S) test was selected to compare the discrepancy between the simulated and observed SAD patterns. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) test was adopted to compare the models, and the best model was indicated by the lowest AIC value. The results showed that (1) the species dispersal from the inside of Tiankeng forests to the nearby non-Tiankeng forests is limited, while species have unlimited dispersal from nearby non-Tiankeng forests to the inside of Tiankeng forests via the fringe of Tiankeng forests. (2) Species abundance, species rarity, richness, and species accumulation rate in the Tiankeng forests were significant in non-Tiankeng forests (p < 0.05), and most species in inner Tiankeng forests originated from nearby non-Tiankeng forests. (3) Based on the criterion of K-S values, all models have passed the K–S test (p > 0.05), which indicated that niche processes and neutral process worked together in the maintenance of community species diversity, the community in study area is a niche-neutral continuum. (4) Considered the lowest AIC value, the neutral (△mean AIC = 1.3) models performed better than the niche (△mean AIC = 22.7) models and statistical (△mean AIC = 2.7) in the Tiankeng forest, while the statistical models performed better than the niche and neutral models in the non-Tiankeng forests. The results suggested that the main driving force of Tiankeng forests is the neutral process. The negative terrain in Tiankeng restricted the species dispersal due to topographic constraints. However, the species dispersal from the nearby non-Tiankeng forests could promote the species succession in the inner Tiankeng. Therefore, we propose that nearby non-Tiankeng forests should be emphasized for protecting the biodiversity of Tiankeng forests.
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