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Stem Trait Spectra Underpin Multiple Functions of Temperate Tree Species
Shanshan Yang1, Frank J Sterck1, Ute Sass-Klaassen1
1Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Temperate trees exhibit a slow-fast resource strategy spectrum based on stem traits. Gymnosperms prioritize safety, while angiosperms show wider adaptability across diverse habitats.
Area of Science:
- Comparative ecology
- Plant anatomy
- Ecology
Background:
- A central paradigm in comparative ecology suggests species utilize a slow-fast resource economy spectrum.
- This concept has been infrequently tested using comprehensive stem traits and compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how stem traits vary across wood and bark in temperate tree species.
- To determine if a slow-fast strategy spectrum exists for stem traits.
- To identify specific traits contributing to this plant strategy spectrum.
Main Methods:
- Measured 20 anatomical, chemical, and morphological traits across inner wood, outer wood, and bark for 14 temperate tree species.
- Analyzed trait variation across major taxa, stem compartments, and species within taxa.
Main Results:
- Trait variation was significantly explained by major taxa (38%), stem compartments (24%), and species (19%).
- A continuous plant strategy gradient was observed, from hydraulic safety in gymnosperms to conductivity in angiosperms.
- Gymnosperms showed conservative strategies with strong hydraulic safety and physical defense, suited for dry habitats.
- Angiosperms displayed wider trait variation, enabling success in diverse, productive habitats.
Conclusions:
- Multiple wood and bark traits collectively define a slow-fast stem strategy spectrum.
- Stem trait variation influences species' ecological strategies and habitat suitability.
- Gymnosperms and angiosperms differ in their stem-based resource economy strategies.
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