sPlotOpen – An environmentally balanced, open‐access, global dataset of vegetation plots

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 30(9), P. 1740 - 1764

Published: June 21, 2021

Abstract Motivation Assessing biodiversity status and trends in plant communities is critical for understanding, quantifying predicting the effects of global change on ecosystems. Vegetation plots record occurrence or abundance all species co‐occurring within delimited local areas. This allows absences to be inferred, information seldom provided by existing datasets. Although many vegetation have been recorded, most are not available research community. A recent initiative, called ‘sPlot’, compiled first plot database, continues grow curate it. The sPlot however, extremely unbalanced spatially environmentally, open‐access. Here, we address both these issues (a) resampling using several environmental variables as sampling strata (b) securing permission from data holders 105 local‐to‐regional datasets openly release data. We thus present sPlotOpen, largest open‐access dataset ever released. sPlotOpen can used explore diversity at community level, ground truth remote sensing applications, a baseline monitoring. Main types variable contained ( n = 95,104) recording cover naturally vascular contains three partially overlapping resampled c . 50,000 each), replicates analyses. Besides geographical location, date, size, biome, elevation, slope, aspect, type, naturalness, coverage various layers, source dataset, plot‐level also include community‐weighted means variances 18 functional traits TRY Plant Trait Database. Spatial location grain Global, 0.01–40,000 m². Time period 1888–2015, dates. Major taxa level measurement 42,677 taxa, records. Software format Three main matrices (.csv), relationally linked.

Language: Английский

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LCVP, The Leipzig catalogue of vascular plants, a new taxonomic reference list for all known vascular plants

Scientific Data, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 7(1)

Published: Nov. 26, 2020

The lack of comprehensive and standardized taxonomic reference information is an impediment for robust plant research, e.g. in systematics, biogeography or macroecology. Here we provide updated much improved list 1,315,562 scientific names all described vascular species globally. Leipzig Catalogue Vascular Plants (LCVP; version 1.0.3) contains 351,180 accepted (plus 6,160 natural hybrids), within 13,460 genera, 564 families 84 orders. LCVP a) more on the status global than any other similar resource, b) significantly improves reliability our knowledge by resolving ~181,000 compared to Plant List, up date most commonly used name resource. We ~4,500 publications, existing relevant databases available studies molecular phylogenetics construct a backbone. For easy access integration into automated data processing pipelines, 'R'-package (lcvplants) with LCVP.

Language: Английский

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Species–area relationships in continuous vegetation: Evidence from Palaearctic grasslands

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 47(1), P. 72 - 86

Published: Sept. 19, 2019

Abstract Aim Species–area relationships (SARs) are fundamental scaling laws in ecology although their shape is still disputed. At larger areas, power best represent SARs. Yet, it remains unclear whether SARs follow other shapes at finer spatial grains continuous vegetation. We asked which function describes small and explored how sampling methodology or the environment influence SAR shape. Location Palaearctic grasslands non‐forested habitats. Taxa Vascular plants, bryophytes lichens. Methods used GrassPlot database, containing standardized vegetation‐plot data from vascular lichens spanning a wide range of grassland types throughout including 2,057 nested‐plot series with least seven grain sizes ranging 1 cm 2 to 1,024 m . Using nonlinear regression, we assessed appropriateness different functions (power, quadratic, breakpoint, logarithmic, Michaelis–Menten). Based on AICc, tested ranking differed among taxonomic groups, methodological settings, biomes vegetation types. Results The was most suitable across studied groups. superiority this increased plants all three groups together. method highly influential as rooted presence decreased performance function. By contrast, biome type had practically no law. Main conclusions conclude that sessile organisms smaller approximated by This coincides several comprehensive studies for taxa, thus supporting general modelling species diversity over sizes. poor Michaelis–Menten demonstrates richness within plant communities generally does not approach any saturation, calling into question concept minimal area.

Language: Английский

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A roadmap to plant functional island biogeography

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 96(6), P. 2851 - 2870

Published: Aug. 23, 2021

ABSTRACT Island biogeography is the study of spatio‐temporal distribution species, communities, assemblages or ecosystems on islands and other isolated habitats. diversity structured by five classes process: dispersal, establishment, biotic interactions, extinction evolution. Classical approaches in island focused species richness as deterministic outcome these processes. This has proved fruitful, but traits can potentially offer new biological insights into processes which life assembles why some perform better at colonising persisting islands. Functional refer to morphological phenological characteristics an organism that be linked its ecological strategy scale up from individual plants properties communities ecosystems. A baseline hypothesis for strategies show similar patterns a matched mainland environment. However, strong environmental biotic‐interaction filters well stochasticity associated with insularity modify this baseline. Clades do colonise often embark distinct evolutionary pathways, because distinctive forces islands, opportunities offered freedom competitors herbivores absence mutualists. are expected shaped Here, we review discuss potential integrating functional biogeography. While focus plants, general considerations concepts may extended groups organisms. We evaluate how relate core principles extinction, reproduction, evolution conservation. formulate existing knowledge 33 working hypotheses. Some grounded firm empirical evidence, others provide future research. organise our hypotheses under overarching sections. Section focuses plant enabling dispersal B discusses help predict successional trajectories natural extinctions C reviews indicate interactions reproduction promote intra‐island dispersal. D leads predictable changes trait values most susceptible change. E debates ecology used multiple drivers global change effective conservation measures. Islands have justified reputation research models. They illuminate operating within showing what happens when those released changed. believe lens shed more light than not consider differences among species.

Language: Английский

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Global patterns and drivers of alpine plant species richness

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 30(6), P. 1218 - 1231

Published: March 31, 2021

Abstract Aim Alpine ecosystems differ in area, macroenvironment and biogeographical history across the Earth, but relationship between these factors plant species richness is still unexplored. Here, we assess global patterns of alpine their association with environmental, geographical historical at regional community scales. Location Global. Time period Data collected 1923 2019. Major taxa studied Vascular plants. Methods We used a dataset representative vegetation, consisting 8,928 plots sampled within 26 ecoregions six realms, to estimate using sample‐based rarefaction extrapolation. Then, evaluated latitudinal generalized additive models. Using predictors from raster layers, modelled mixed‐effect modelling framework. Results The pattern peaked around equator mid‐latitudes, response current past isolation variation soil pH among regions. At level, mid‐latitudes Northern Hemisphere, despite considerable within‐region variation. Community was related macroclimate predictors, strong effects other spatially structured factors. Main conclusions In contrast well‐known diversity gradient, some temperate regions Eurasia comparable that hyperdiverse tropical ecosystems, such as páramo. putative hotspot explained mainly by extent area glacial history, whereas depends on local environmental Our results highlight hotspots indicating plants linked idiosyncrasies prevalence rather than macroclimatic gradients.

Language: Английский

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Benchmarking plant diversity of Palaearctic grasslands and other open habitats

Journal of Vegetation Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 32(4)

Published: June 22, 2021

Abstract Aims Understanding fine‐grain diversity patterns across large spatial extents is fundamental for macroecological research and biodiversity conservation. Using the GrassPlot database, we provide benchmarks of richness values Palaearctic open habitats vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens complete vegetation (i.e., sum former three groups). Location biogeographic realm. Methods We used 126,524 plots eight standard grain sizes from database: 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 1,000 m 2 calculated mean deviations, as well maximum, minimum, median, first third quartiles each combination size, taxonomic group, biome, region, type phytosociological class. Results Patterns plant in types biomes differ groups. Overall, secondary (mostly semi‐natural) grasslands natural are richest type. The open‐access file ”GrassPlot Diversity Benchmarks” web tool “GrassPlot Explorer” now available online ( https://edgg.org/databases/GrasslandDiversityExplorer ) more insights into species habitats. Conclusions Benchmarks high‐quality data on habitat Palaearctic. These benchmark can be ecology, macroecology, conservation quality checking. While amount underlying database their coverage smaller than other extensive vegetation‐plot databases, recordings average complete, making it a valuable complementary source macroecology.

Language: Английский

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Tackling unresolved questions in forest ecology: The past and future role of simulation models

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(9), P. 3746 - 3770

Published: March 30, 2021

Abstract Understanding the processes that shape forest functioning, structure, and diversity remains challenging, although data on systems are being collected at a rapid pace across scales. Forest models have long history in bridging with ecological knowledge can simulate dynamics over spatio‐temporal scales unreachable by most empirical investigations. We describe development different modelling communities followed to underpin leverage simulation offer for advancing our understanding of ecosystems. Using three widely applied but contrasting approaches – species distribution models, individual‐based dynamic global vegetation as examples, we show how scientific technical advances led transgress their initial objectives limitations. provide an overview recent model applications current important topics pinpoint ten key questions could, should, be tackled next decade. Synthesis. This shows due complementarity mutual enrichment, represent invaluable toolkit address wide range fundamental questions, hence fostering deeper context change.

Language: Английский

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Sampling and modelling rare species: Conceptual guidelines for the neglected majority

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28(12), P. 3754 - 3777

Published: Jan. 31, 2022

Biodiversity conservation faces a methodological conundrum: measurement often relies on species, most of which are rare at various scales, especially prone to extinction under global change, but also the challenging sample and model. Predicting distribution change species using conventional models is because hardly captured by survey systems. When enough data available, predictions usually spatially biased towards locations where likely occur, violating assumptions many modelling frameworks. Workflows predict eventually map distributions imply important trade-offs between quantity, quality, representativeness model complexity that need be considered prior analysis. Our opinion study designs carefully integrate different steps, from sampling modelling, in accordance with types rarity available order improve our capacity for sound assessment prediction distribution. In this article, we summarize comment how categories lead occurrence depending choices made during process, namely spatial samples (where sample) protocol each selected location (how sample). We then clarify suitable model). Among others, forms, highlight insights systematic species-targeted coupled hierarchical allow correcting overdispersion sources bias. article provides scientists practitioners much-needed guide through ever-increasing diversity developments type data.

Language: Английский

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Leaf trait network architecture shifts with species‐richness and climate across forests at continental scale

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 25(6), P. 1442 - 1457

Published: April 9, 2022

Variation in the architecture of trait networks among ecosystems has been rarely quantified, but can provide high resolution contrasting adaptation whole phenotype. We constructed leaf (LTNs) from 35 structural, anatomical and compositional traits for 394 tree species nine forests tropical to cold-temperate zones China. Our analyses supported hypothesis that LTNs would increase modular complexity across parallel with species-richness climatic warmth moisture, due reduced phenotypic constraints greater opportunities niche differentiation. Additionally, we found within LTNs, economics including thickness have central importance, acting as hub connectivity their contributions multiple functions. Across continent, richness diversity observed under resource-rich climates enable phenotype structure function indicated by network architecture.

Language: Английский

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More losses than gains during one century of plant biodiversity change in Germany

Nature, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 611(7936), P. 512 - 518

Published: Oct. 19, 2022

Language: Английский

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