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Fungal Elevational Rapoport pattern from a High Mountain in Japan
Matthew Chidozie Ogwu1,2, Koichi Takahashi3, Ke Dong4
1School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
Scientific Reports
|April 27, 2019
Summary
Fungal distribution ranges increase with elevation, supporting the elevational Rapoport pattern. Higher elevation fungi show broader ecological generalization, similar to latitudinal patterns.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Mycology
- Biogeography
Background:
- Fungal distribution patterns with elevation are poorly understood.
- Previous studies suggest latitudinal patterns may apply geographically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fungal diversity and community composition across an elevational gradient.
- To test for adherence to the elevational Rapoport pattern in fungi.
Main Methods:
- Fungal ITS2 sequencing was performed on samples from Mt. Norikura, Japan (740–2940 m).
- Community composition and diversity were analyzed across elevation.
Main Results:
- A consistent elevational Rapoport pattern was observed across fungal phyla and the entire community.
- Higher elevation operational taxonomic units (OTUs) exhibited increased elevational ranges.
- No mid-elevation diversity peak was found; diversity trends varied by phylum and index.
- Functional guilds shifted with elevation: increased saprotrophism, symbiotrophism, and pathotrophism were observed.
Conclusions:
- Fungal distribution ranges follow the elevational Rapoport pattern, indicating broader ecological generalization at higher elevations.
- These findings support the application of Rapoport's Rule on a geographical scale for fungi.
- Elevational shifts in fungal functional guilds warrant further ecological and evolutionary investigation.
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