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Published on: March 9, 2021
Sympatric Oaks Exhibit Local Divergence and Convergence in Adaptive Strategies Along Climate Gradients
Yuan Lai1,2, Yutong Lin1,2,3,4, Songbo Tang5
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany and Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Two oak species, Quercus acutissima and Quercus variabilis, show divergent adaptations in plant traits and trait networks across climate gradients. This niche differentiation influences their coexistence and community assembly.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Understanding species coexistence mechanisms is vital for predicting responses to climate change.
- Plant functional traits are key indicators of ecological strategies and adaptation.
- Climate gradients significantly influence species distribution and community structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coexistence mechanisms of two sympatric oak species, Quercus acutissima and Quercus variabilis.
- To assess interspecific and intraspecific variability in plant functional traits along climate gradients.
- To determine the ecological strategies and trait integration patterns of these oaks.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of Quercus acutissima and Quercus variabilis across China's climate gradients.
- Measurement of 15 plant functional traits (morphology, physiology, stoichiometry).
- Analysis of trait variability, trait correlation networks, and ecological strategies.
Main Results:
- Nine of 15 traits differed significantly between the two oak species.
- Species showed similar intraspecific variability but diverged trait-level variability.
- Trait correlation networks varied with temperature and precipitation, indicating divergent adaptation.
- Quercus variabilis was more competitive but less stress-tolerant at distribution edges.
Conclusions:
- Sympatric oaks exhibit local divergent and convergent adaptations through altered trait plasticity and integration.
- Niche differentiation is enhanced by these adaptations, leading to complex community assembly.
- These findings are crucial for predicting species range shifts under climate change.
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