Sustaining Ecological Functional Zones: The Stabilizing Role of Common Fungi Against Warming Revealed by Altitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Mycology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Fungal communities, often K-strategists, are vital for counteracting environmental stresses.
• Ecosystem stability theories propose differential roles for common (intense interactions) and rare (diversity contribution) species.
• Understanding fungal responses to environmental gradients is key to predicting ecosystem resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate how common and rare fungi respond to climatic, plant, and soil variations along an altitudinal gradient.
• Determine the roles of common and rare fungi in maintaining fungal community stability at different altitudes.
• Elucidate distinct assembly strategies of common versus rare fungi.

Main Methods:

• Established an altitudinal gradient (-0.6 °C/100 m lapse rate) in the Yan-Taihang Mountain Ecological Conservation Area.
• Analyzed fungal community composition, diversity, and interactions in relation to environmental variables (climate, plants, soil).
• Assessed fungal functional groups (e.g., symbiotrophs, saprotrophs) and their distribution across altitudes.

Main Results:

• Altitude significantly influenced fungal community composition, not just diversity.
• Symbiotroph abundance peaked at mid-altitudes, while saprotrophs were more abundant at high altitudes.
• Rare fungi showed greater sensitivity to soil pH, phosphorus, and conductivity, suggesting a role as a gene reservoir.
• Common fungi interactions contributed to community stability, with increased modularity and negative associations at mid and high altitudes.

Conclusions:

• Common and rare fungi exhibit distinct ecological assembly strategies.
• Common fungi play a critical role in maintaining the stability of ecological zones, particularly under climate change.
• Rare fungal diversity acts as a buffer against environmental perturbations, preserving genetic resources.