Extinction risk of European bryophytes predicted by bioclimate and traits

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 293, P. 110584 - 110584

Published: April 18, 2024

Extinction risk is not randomly distributed among species but depends on traits, their relationship to climate and land use, corresponding threats by global change. While knowledge of which factors influence extinction increasingly available for some taxonomic groups, this still largely lacking bryophytes. Here, we used random forest models study biological ecological traits bioclimatic variables are important predictors in European We hypothesized that with a high have short life span, low dispersal capacities, more likely specialists than generalists terms bioclimate. Overall, found be the most risk, notably precipitation seasonality, related such as continentality elevational range. Important were plant size, strategy sporophyte production. In general, living at climatic extremes and/or those narrow environmental range threatened. addition, small-sized reproductive effort larger spore size Our findings imply change may become an driver bryophytes will relevant coping future threats.

Language: Английский

Factors accounting for limited sexual reproduction in a long-lived unisexual plant species

Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: Feb. 11, 2025

Introduction Plant dispersal directly depends on reproduction success, and hence, sexual systems. In bryophytes, wherein fertilization involves a continuous film of water between male female organs, in unisexual species the sympatric distribution sex-expressing individuals. Here, we determine whether these conditions are controlled by environment. particular, test hypotheses that (i) males females exhibit different ecological niches (ii) environmental variation drives sex expression, sporophyte formation, capacities. Methods We scored 1,080 specimens moss Abietinella abietina across Sweden as non-sex expressing, expressing or male, sporophytic. tested reproductive stages were related to latitude. Topography climatic at 1-km resolution employed measure niche overlap non-expressing specimens. finally modelled expression production depending topo-climatic predictors. Results Among 63% samples entire latitudinal gradient, outnumbered factor 5.6, 8% bore sporophytes. Although sexes was not explained variables, probability being increased with It resulted higher regional ratio North than southern regions. Successful reproduction, terms occurrence, confined central Sweden. predicted intermediate increasing precipitation seasonality temperature values. Discussion Despite high level sex-expression, no significant differences preference females, occurrences rare. Our results suggest formation determined mate availability macro-climatic conditions, latter possibly affecting success. further infer pre-zygotic stage have lower expected effects overall this moss. Modelling data resolution, smaller scale expanding geographic coverage include more occurrences, comparing genetic diversity sporophytic non-sporophytic populations, future lines research.

Language: Английский

Ecological drivers of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of bryophytes in an oceanic island

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(7)

Published: July 1, 2024

Abstract Montane oceanic islands possess unique geographic and ecological attributes, rendering them valuable for assessing patterns drivers of alpha beta taxonomic, functional, phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. Such comparisons facets can provide insights into the mechanisms governing community assembly on islands. Herein, we aimed to characterize bryophyte Madeira Island within across areas at varying elevations. We also assessed how these components relate anthropogenic factors. estimated compared using 80 plots 0.5 m × whole gradient island. compiled trait databases supplemented with our own observations. Phylogenetic information was sourced from Moss Liverwort Tree Life. To assess impact factors three facets, applied linear mixed‐effects models generalized dissimilarity alpha‐ beta‐diversity matrices, respectively. All exhibited strong correlations both mosses liverworts, indicating a substantial congruence when are analyzed separately. The groups categorized by growth form demonstrated contrasting patterns, aligning their distinctive requirements. While mid‐elevation peak emerged as common pattern diversity, often displayed opposite trend. Although relative influence environmental varied depending facet grouping considered, found that bryophytes more influenced climatic predominant type vegetation than In current context global change, results should be interpreted caution, but they point resilience survive in relatively well‐preserved natural microhabitats landscapes. this study Island, investigated strongly

Language: Английский