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Decomposing functional trait associations in a Chinese subtropical forest
Xuefei Li1, Kequan Pei2, Marc Kéry3
1Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Plos One
|April 19, 2017
Summary
Plant functional traits like leaf mass per area and wood density vary significantly among species, reflecting evolutionary strategies. This trait variation allows diverse species to coexist and enhances forest functioning.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Science
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Functional traits are key to understanding plant community assembly and ecosystem functioning.
- While trait syndromes exist, the drivers of trait variation and covariation within communities are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variation and covariation of leaf half-life (LHL), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf nitrogen concentration (Ngreen), and wood density (WD) in a Chinese subtropical forest.
- To determine the relative contributions of genetic (species, functional type, phylogeny) and environmental (individual, season) factors to trait variation and covariation.
Main Methods:
- Studied 294 individuals from 45 tree/shrub species over 3 years.
- Employed multilevel ANOVA and decomposition of sums of products to analyze trait variation.
- Assessed variation among species (functional type, growth form, family, genus, species) and within species (individual, season).
Main Results:
- Significant variation in LMA and Ngreen among families indicated phylogenetic signal.
- Large interspecific variation existed, with strong evolutionary coordination among LMA, LHL, and WD (positively) and Ngreen (negatively).
- Seasonal variation was substantial within individuals, while soil conditions did not influence trait variation.
Conclusions:
- Trait integration supports a stem-leaf economics spectrum, differentiating deciduous and evergreen species.
- Weak intraspecific trait coordination allows flexibility in response to environmental heterogeneity.
- Variation and covariation in functional traits facilitate species coexistence, niche partitioning, and enhanced community resource acquisition and functioning.