Variations in root architecture traits and their association with organ mass fraction of common annual ephemeral species in the desert of northern Xinjiang

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

The variation of plant traits is closely related to the trade-offs between resource acquisition and conservation, as well accumulation biomass. However, there has been a lack comprehensive insights into patterns, phylogenetic conservatism, covariation with biomass allocation root system architecture in desert areas. We examined systems 47 annual ephemeral species evaluated their six key traits. Our results indicated that mainly originated from interspecific (48.78%-99.76%), but intraspecific should not be ignored why contribution rate tissue density (RTD) reached 51.22%. were loaded on first second axes principal component analysis (PCA), these vary along two dimensions. highest RTD (51.63%) lowest topological index (TI; 5.92%). value range specific length (SRL), area (SRA), significantly higher than TI (

Language: Английский

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Tree species composition affects litter eco‐hydrological function in Pinus massoniana conifer‐broadleaf mixed forest stands in southwest China

Hydrological Processes, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(3)

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract Although changes in tree species composition profoundly affect the structure, function, and processes of mixed forest ecosystems, there is limited knowledge on effects these hydrological functions litter layer Pinus massoniana conifer‐broadleaf forests subtropical mountains. Here, we investigated three typical P. stands southwest China: ‐ Liquidambar formosana conifer‐deciduous broadleaf (Pm + Lf), Castanopsis eyrei conifer‐evergreen Ce), plantation (Pm), conducted field investigations (litter mass) indoor immersion experiments to analyse water‐holding capacity (LWHC) their natural state with artificial ratios combining (needle‐leaf broad‐leaf) litters. The total mass did not significantly differ among ( p > 0.05), but significant differences were observed needle‐leaf (0.67–2.92 t hm −2 ), broad‐leaf (0.32–1.89 ) bark (0.11–0.34 masses undecomposed layer. LWHC different stand types was order Pm Lf Ce Pm. maximum litters positively proportional inversely mass, L. had a higher than C. litter. mainly influenced by structure (tree composition) characteristics, correlated leaf area, thickness, dry matter content, surface roughness. This study revealed that can be affected will aid sustainable ecological management mountains, plantations should gradually converted into greater buffering capacity.

Language: Английский

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Size‐dependent and environment‐mediated shifts in leaf traits of a deciduous tree species in a subtropical forest

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

Abstract Aims Understanding the joint effects of plant development and environment on shifts intraspecific leaf traits will advance understandings causes trait variation. We address this question by focusing a widespread species Clausena dunniana in subtropical broad‐leaved forest. Methods sampled 262 individuals C . at two major topographic habitat types, slope hilltop, within karst forests Maolan Nature Reserve southwestern China. measured individual level (i.e., specific area (SLA), area, dry‐matter content (LDMC), thickness) that are associated with resource‐use strategies. adopted linear mixed‐effects model which size first principal component basal diameter height) environmental factors habitat, canopy height, rock‐bareness) were used as independent variables, to estimate their influences traits. Key Results found (1) independently drove , explained less variances than factors. (2) With increasing size, had increasingly smaller SLA but larger sized leaves. (3) The most influential factor was habitat; it all four examined. hilltops representing more conservative strategies (e.g., SLA, higher LDMC) slopes. On top that, local‐scale further modified shifts. Conclusions Plant shaped variations forest Maolan. Compared played critical role shaping variations, potentially also underlying individual‐level

Language: Английский

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A trade-off between leaf carbon economics and plant size among mangrove species in Dongzhaigang, China

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 24, 2024

1. The relationship between plant size and trait characteristics is a fundamental aspect of the global spectrum that encompasses form function. However, it remains unclear whether affects interspecific variation in leaf structural traits at specific ontogenetic stage. 2. In this research, we investigated traits, height, diameter breast height (or basal diameter) 10 shrub tree species. This study was carried out along an intertidal gradient within mangrove forest located Southeast China. 3. We found differed significantly shrubs trees their response to gradients, which contributes advancement our understanding adaptive strategies evolution varying environmental contexts. Among all species, carbon economics (leaf dry mass content, per area, density) decreased with increasing diameter. For each growth zone, size-trait patterns were consistent those pooled dataset. 4. Collectively, these findings suggest plants undergo size-dependent shift from resource conservation acquisition stature. Therefore, serves as indicator "slow-fast" performance dichotomy strategies.

Language: Английский

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Functional Traits of Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata in Qinling Huangguan Forest Dynamics Plot: The Relative Importance of Plant Size and Habitat

Forests, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(6), P. 899 - 899

Published: June 9, 2022

Variation in intraspecific functional traits is one of the important components community variation, and has drawn attention researchers. Studying variation under different plant sizes habitats helps to reveal adaptation mechanism plants. We explored trait variations by focusing on widespread species Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata a 25 ha warm, temperate, deciduous broadleaved forest plot Qinling Mountains. measured nine morphological chemical for 90 individuals from habitats. In addition, we evaluated relative impact size environment Q. with multiple regression models. found that explained most variance traits. As increased, trees tended have lower leaf nitrogen concentrations, phosphorus higher carbon dry matter content (LDMC), thinner leaves, indicating transformation rapid resource acquisition strategy conservative resource-use strategy. Habitats could only explain changes Leaf concentration was principally affected topographical factors significant among LPC were significantly limited soil N P. conclusion, shifts size-dependent met growth requirements acutiserrata; high tolerance associated this tree might elucidate mechanisms coping changing environments.

Language: Английский

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Environmental Drivers of Landscape Fragmentation Influence Intraspecific Leaf Traits in Forest Ecosystem

Forests, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(9), P. 1875 - 1875

Published: Sept. 14, 2023

Habitat fragmentation threatens the sustainability of ecological restoration. Understanding variation in intraspecific traits helped to reveal functional resource-use strategies plants response environmental changes. We sampled different landscape types forest configurations, where most widespread species was Robinia pseudoacacia. From each plot, from two five R. pseudoacacia individuals were selected for further examinations. Plant development and leaf traits—leaf area (LA), specific (SLA), dry matter content (LDMC), thickness (Lth)—were measured 135 total. The effects plant on assessed using linear mixed-effects models. factors explained changes individuals, effect stand type significant. Compared with continuous forests, fragmented forests adopted a more conservative strategy, smaller LA SLA larger Lth LDMC values. With an increase heterogeneity, increased decreased. In conclusion, occurrence plays substantial role inducing characteristics. restoration requires appropriate addition land-use systematic adjustment configurations.

Language: Английский

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Intraspecific and sex-dependent variation of leaf traits along altitude gradient in the endangered dioecious tree Taxus fuana Nan Li & R.R. Mill

Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: Oct. 17, 2022

Plant intraspecific trait variation (ITV) including sex-dependent differences are matters of many ecological consequences, from individual to ecosystem, especially in endangered and rare species. Taxus fuana is an dioecious species with small isolated populations endemic the Himalayas region. Little known about its between sexes, among populations. In this study, 18 leaf traits 179 reproductive trees (males females) along altitude (2600-3200m a.s.l.) T. distributed Gyirong County, Tibet, China, were measured. ITV sources assessed. The relationship males females was analyzed separately. Variations ranged 3.1% 24.2%, smallest carbon content largest thickness area ratio. On average 78.13% within 21.87% trends width, nitrogen phosphorus ratio, isotope ratio relation same for females. Leaf length width varied significantly only males, while content, correlation coefficients most larger than that males. traits, there a high similarity females, but accounted more explanation Our results suggested did not dominate interspecific competition local communities. Adaptation gradient might be through altering nutrient storage processes water use efficiency. male female environmental changes showed differences, where tolerant responded greatly altitude. adaptation strategies may detrimental maintenance their

Language: Английский

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A Trade‐Off Between Leaf Carbon Economics and Plant Size Among Mangrove Species in Dongzhaigang, China

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(11)

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

ABSTRACT Plant size is closely linked to its leaf trait characteristics, which are essential for determining form and function. These relationships constitute a fundamental component of the global spectrum plant diversity. Despite this, size–trait in coastal mangroves have often been overlooked, with common assumption that they would mirror those found terrestrial tropical trees. However, recent studies begun challenge this assumption, revealing unique adaptations variations influenced by their specific environmental conditions, such as salinity nutrient availability. In research, we investigated structural traits, height, diameter at breast height or basal (DBH) 10 shrub tree species. This study was carried out along an intertidal gradient within mangrove forest located Southeast China. We traits differed significantly between shrubs trees response gradients, indicating different species evolved thrive respective zones. insight can help us decipher selective pressures shaped evolution. Among all species, carbon (C) economics (leaf dry mass content, per area, density) decreased increasing DBH. For each growth zone, (height DBH) C were consistent pooled dataset. Our reveals plants exhibit size‐related adjustments economic strategies, potentially acts proxy “slow–fast” continuum performance. discovery pivotal advancing our understanding functional ecology enhancing precision cycle models, highly responsive perturbations atmospheric CO 2 climate change.

Language: Английский

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Phenotypic characterization of the Rwandan stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr.) with emphasis on leaf morphological differences.

Authorea (Authorea), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 11, 2023

Phenotypic characterization of the Rwandan stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr.) with emphasis on leaf morphological differences. Authors : Nduwamungu, J.1, Munyandamutsa, P.1, Senyanzobe, J.M.V.1, Ruhimbana, C.1, Ugirabe, M.A1, Mahoro, J1., Dusingize, M.C1., Kabarungi, M.1, Irimaso, E.1, Maniraho, E1., Nsabimana, Mugunga, and Mugemangango, C.2 1. College Agriculture, Animal Sciences Veterinary Medicine 2. Technology. Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract Patterns intraspecific variation based environmental conditions in which populations live may reflect adaptive responses to their habitat. The plant grows most parts Rwanda both wild domestication forms. While can easily be identified through its leaves life form, it has been observed that morphology slightly varied from one region another. This study aimed investigate variations, particularly growing lowland, midland, highland. Specimens were taken different sites located three altitudinal zones. Plant heights lengths site another statistical analysis revealed average heights, as well mature samples highland, significantly different. results showed there differences, among prominent difference was main vein nettle. Changes linked differences environment nutrient availability between habitats could have enabled species evolve differently. However, genetic basis these phenotypic changes needs examined future research establish heritability for Rwanda. Key words: Morphometrics, nettle, traits, habitat,

Language: Английский

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Shrubs Should Be Valued: The Functional Traits of Lonicera fragrantissima var. lancifolia in a Qinling Huangguan Forest Dynamics Plot, China

Forests, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 13(7), P. 1147 - 1147

Published: July 21, 2022

Previous studies have focused on the functional traits of trees, while undergrowth shrubs not received same attention. We collected 97 from 6 habitats in 3 diameter classes to measure Lonicera fragrantissima var. lancifolia, which is one dominant species shrub layer Qinling Huangguan plot. found that leaf thickness (LT) decreased with an increase classes. Other did change significantly Most changed habitats, may be influenced by topography and soil. On whole, lancifolia showed low variation, indicates its growth was stable good. The relationships between within accordance economic spectrum. positive correlation soil total nitrogen (STN) C:N verified “nutrition luxury hypothesis”.

Language: Английский

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