Intraspecific trait variation in plants: a renewed focus on its role in ecological processes

Annals of Botany, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 127(4), P. 397 - 410

Published: Jan. 27, 2021

Investigating the causes and consequences of intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in plants is not novel, as it has long been recognized that such shapes biotic abiotic interactions. While evolutionary population biology have extensively investigated ITV, only last 10 years interest ITV surged within community comparative ecology.

Language: Английский

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Temperature-dependent variations in under-canopy herbaceous foliar diseases following shrub encroachment in grasslands

Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(1)

Published: Jan. 28, 2025

Shrub encroachment into grasslands poses a global concern, impacting species biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Yet, the effect of shrub on herbaceous diseases dependence that climatic factors remain ambiguous. This study spans over 4,000 km, examining significant variability in temperature precipitation. Our findings reveal plant richness diminishes pathogen load foliar fungal plants both grassland patches. Temperature emerges as primary driver variations biomass within communities. Disparities between patches elucidate changes load. In colder regions, Conversely, warmer shrubs either do not reduce or even amplify These discoveries underscore necessity for adaptive management strategies tailored to specific scenarios. affects functioning, but its impact role unclear. finds regions may increase it with being these variations.

Language: Английский

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Patterns in intraspecific variation in root traits are species‐specific along an elevation gradient

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 35(2), P. 342 - 356

Published: Nov. 30, 2020

Abstract Intraspecific trait variation is an important driver of plant performance in different environments. Although roots acquire essential resources that vary with the environment, most studies have focused on intraspecific leaf traits, and research often restricted to a few species. It remains largely unclear how what extent root traits environment whether general patterns exist across We compared specific length (SRL), diameter, tissue density (RTD) branching 11 species along 1,000 m elevation gradient French Alps. tested (a) versus interspecific gradient, (b) were consistent among (c) environmental variables better explained than elevation. Specifically, we hypothesised within species, values would adjust enhance resource acquisition (either through increase SRL or and/or density) conservation (increased RTD) at higher elevations. Species identity overall traits. Elevation only minor proportion variation, which was larger between Also, relationships rarely agreed our hypotheses, varied strongly differently related variation. Generally, climate, soil vegetation properties elevation, but these highly species‐dependent. Along complex gradients where multiple simultaneously change, ways, leading species‐specific The lack support for hypotheses may be caused by interactions properties, small‐scale heterogeneity, phylogeny changing plant–plant interactions. Our findings suggest that, understanding effects change performance, need integrate dimensions responses measure broader set variables. A free Plain Language Summary can found Supporting Information this article.

Language: Английский

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Climate factors determine the utilization strategy of forest plant resources at large scales

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

Published: Aug. 10, 2022

Plant functional traits are a representation of plant resource utilization strategies. Plants with higher specific leaf area (SLA) and lower dry matter content (LDMC) exhibit faster investment-return However, the distribution patterns driving factors strategies at macroscale rarely studied. We investigated relative importance climatic soil in shaping different life forms forests using data collected from 926 plots across 163 China. SLA LDMC plants (i.e., trees, shrubs, herbs) differ significantly. Resource show significant geographical differences, vegetation western arid regions adopting slower survival strategy warmer wetter areas strategy. decreases significantly increased temperature reduced rainfall, growing these conditions exhibits conservative utilization. Mean annual precipitation (MAP) is key factor that controls macroscale. use resources more conservatively as pH increases. The influence climate coupled to determine occupying macroscale, but contribution each varies forms. Our findings provide theoretical framework for understanding potential impact increasing global temperatures on

Language: Английский

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Experimental warming altered plant functional traits and their coordination in a permafrost ecosystem

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 240(5), P. 1802 - 1816

Published: July 11, 2023

Knowledge about changes in plant functional traits is valuable for the mechanistic understanding of warming effects on ecosystem functions. However, observations have tended to focus aboveground traits, and there little information belowground or coordination above- under climate warming, particularly permafrost ecosystems. Based a 7-yr field experiment, we measured 26 four dominant species, explored community composition trait networks response experimental Tibetan Plateau. Experimental shifted community-level toward more acquisitive values, with earlier green-up, greater height, larger leaves, higher photosynthetic resource-use efficiency, thinner roots, specific root length nutrient concentrations. had negligible effect terms diversity. In addition, hub which highest centrality network from area leaf area. These results demonstrate that exhibit consistent adaptive strategies, warmer environments. Such could provide an advantage plants environmental change.

Language: Английский

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Degradation shifts plant communities from S- to R-strategy in an alpine meadow, Tibetan Plateau

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 800, P. 149572 - 149572

Published: Aug. 10, 2021

Language: Английский

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Intraspecific trait variability is a key feature underlying high Arctic plant community resistance to climate warming

Ecological Monographs, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 93(1)

Published: Sept. 30, 2022

Abstract In the high Arctic, plant community species composition generally responds slowly to climate warming, whereas less is known about functional trait responses and consequences for ecosystem functioning. The slow turnover large distribution ranges of many Arctic suggest a significant role intraspecific variability in change. Here we compare taxonomic compositional long‐term (17‐year) warming experiment Svalbard, Norway, replicated across three major habitats shaped by topography contrasting snow regimes. We observed changes all communities over time. Still, experimental were minor most pronounced drier with relatively early snowmelt timing long growing seasons ( Cassiope Dryas heaths). clearly separated space, defined 12 size‐ leaf economics‐related traits, primarily due interspecific variation. Functional traits also responded prominently heath mostly Leaf area mass increased δ 15 N decreased response treatment. Intraspecific ranged between 30% 71% total variation, reflecting resilience those communities, dominated long‐lived plants, either phenotypic plasticity or genotypic which likely underlies resistance vegetation warming. further explored functioning measuring peak season CO 2 fluxes. Together, environmental, taxonomic, variables explained proportion variation net exchange (NEE), when was accounted for. contrast, even though respiration gross production both habitats, they mainly driven direct kinetic impacts temperature on physiology biochemical processes. Our study shows that has modest but effect suggests key feature underlying

Language: Английский

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Global analysis of trait–trait relationships within and between species

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 233(4), P. 1643 - 1656

Published: Nov. 25, 2021

Some commonly reported trait-trait relationships between species, including the leaf economic spectrum (LES), are regarded as important plant strategies but whether these represent in reality remains unclear. We propose a novel approach to distinguish species that may vs those result of common drivers, by comparing direction and strength intraspecific trait variation (ITV) interspecific variation. applied this framework using unique global ITV database we compiled, which included 11 traits related LES, size roots, observations from 2064 occurring 1068 communities across 19 countries. Generally, compared within were much weaker or totally disappeared. Almost only LES traits, between-species translated into positive suggests they strategies. Moreover, frequent coincidental driven co-varying imply future research, decoupling should be considered seriously model projections ecosystem functioning. Our study emphasizes importance describing mechanisms behind relationships, both for deepening our understanding general

Language: Английский

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Trade‐offs in rooting strategy dimensions along an edaphic gradient in a grassland ecosystem

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(4), P. 792 - 807

Published: Feb. 2, 2024

Abstract Roots are essential to the diversity and functioning of plant communities, but trade‐offs in rooting strategies still poorly understood. We evaluated existing frameworks strategy tested their underlying assumptions, guided by hypothesis that community‐level best described a combination variation organ‐level traits, plant‐level root:shoot allocation symbiosis‐level mycorrhizal dependency. this using data on community structure, above‐ below‐ground biomass, eight root traits including colonisation soil properties from an edaphic gradient driven elevation water availability sandhills prairie, Nebraska, USA. found multidimensional represented two‐way productivity‐durability trade‐off axis (captured length density dry matter content) three‐way resource acquisition between specific length, mass ratio dependence. Variation was similar extents interspecific differences intraspecific responses properties. Organ‐level alone were insufficient capture across gradient. Instead, trait encompassing organ, symbiosis levels revealed consideration whole‐plant phenotypic integration is defining shaping functional systems. Read free Plain Language Summary for article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Plant functional and taxonomic diversity in European grasslands along climatic gradients

Journal of Vegetation Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 32(3)

Published: April 20, 2021

Abstract Aim European grassland communities are highly diverse, but patterns and drivers of their continental‐scale diversity remain elusive. This study analyses taxonomic functional richness in grasslands along temperature precipitation gradients. Location Europe. Methods We quantified 55,748 vegetation plots. Six plant traits, related to resource acquisition conservation, were analysed describe community composition. Using a null‐model approach we derived effect sizes that indicate higher or lower than expected given the richness. assessed variation absolute gradients minimum temperature, range, annual precipitation, seasonality using multiple general additive modelling approach. Results Functional was high at intermediate temperatures wide ranges. low correspondence with narrow increased decreased Both increasing showed small increase precipitation. Overall, small. However, indicated trait divergence extremely extreme seasonality. Conclusions vary considerably over they follow similar climate gradients, except ranges, where increases decreases. contrasting pattern may trigger new ideas for studies target specific hypotheses focused on assembly processes. And though small, it be important consider studies.

Language: Английский

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