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Updated: May 23, 2025

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Coordinated variations in leaf and root biogeochemical niches.

Chao Wang1, Zhihui Yang1,2, Mingzhu He3

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PubMed
Summary

The biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis suggests species have unique elemental compositions. This study confirms this for both leaves and roots, revealing a strong evolutionary link between above- and belowground elemental niches.

Keywords:
biogeochemical nicheelemental compositionleafniche hypervolumephylogenyroot

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biogeochemistry

Background:

  • The biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis states that each species possesses a distinct elemental composition.
  • The elemental composition of plant roots and its relationship with leaf BN have been understudied across various environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationships between leaf and root elemental compositions, phylogeny, and environmental factors.
  • To explore the connection between leaf and root biogeochemical niches (BNs).

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in leaves and roots.
  • Studied 12,394 individuals from 1,238 species across diverse biomes.

Main Results:

  • Confirmed strong phylogenetic and species-specific signals in elemental compositions, supporting the BN hypothesis.
  • Observed significant differences in elemental concentrations and ratios between leaves and roots.
  • Found higher phylogenetic conservatism in leaf BNs compared to root BNs.
  • Identified a strong association between leaf and root BNs within species.

Conclusions:

  • Elemental composition of both leaves and roots aids in identifying species' biogeochemical niches.
  • Evolutionary legacy significantly influences coordinated dynamics in both above- and belowground ecological niches.
  • The BN hypothesis demonstrates broad applicability across diverse species and biomes.