scholarly journals Nurse plant effects on plant species richness in drylands: The role of grazing, rainfall and species specificity

2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 402-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Soliveres ◽  
David J. Eldridge ◽  
Frank Hemmings ◽  
Fernando T. Maestre
2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Ohlemüller ◽  
P. Bannister ◽  
K.J.M. Dickinson ◽  
S. Walker ◽  
B.J. Anderson ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rocchini ◽  
L. Dadalt ◽  
L. Delucchi ◽  
M. Neteler ◽  
M.W. Palmer

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Maiara B. Ramos ◽  
Fabricio C. Diniz ◽  
Humberto A. de Almeida ◽  
Gilbevan R. de Almeida ◽  
Anderson S. Pinto ◽  
...  

Abstract Unlike well-known global patterns of plant species richness along altitudinal gradients, in the mountainous areas of the Brazilian Caatinga, species richness and diversity reach their maxima near mountain tops. The causes of this unusual pattern are not well understood, and in particular the role of edaphic factors on plant community assembly along these gradients has not been investigated. Our goal was to assess the role of edaphic factors (fertility and soil texture) on plant community composition and structure on two mountains of the Brazilian semi-arid region. In 71 plots (Bodocongó site, twenty-one 200-m2 plots, 401–680 m asl; Arara site, fifty 100-m2 plots, 487–660 m asl) we recorded 3114 individuals representing 61 plant species; in addition, at each plot we collected composite soil samples from 0–20 cm depth. Significant altitude-related changes were observed both for community structure and composition, and edaphic variables. A canonical correspondence analysis allowed the distinction of two groups of plots according to species abundances, indicating a preferential habitat distribution of species depending both on altitude and soil variables. Although soil fertility was lowest at the highest altitudes, these areas had high richness and diversity. Conversely, the more fertile foothills were characterized by the dominance of generalist pioneer species. Despite the relatively short altitudinal range that characterizes the studied mountains, this study elucidates the role of edaphic factors on the floristic composition and species richness patterns on the mountains of the Brazilian semi-arid region.


Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 604
Author(s):  
Kai-Qin Li ◽  
Zong-Xin Ren ◽  
Qiang Li

Background: Flowers are one of the important microhabitats promoting beetle diversity, but little is known about variation in the diversity of these insects at higher elevations. We do not know how divergent habitats influence the distribution of beetles among montane flora. Methods: We sampled beetles systematically in angiosperm flowers at 12 sites at two elevations (2700 m and 3200 m) and in two habitats (meadows and forests) for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) on the Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan, southwestern China. Beetle diversity among sites were compared. Their interactions with flowers of identified plant species were analyzed using bipartite networks approach. Results: We collected 153 species of beetles from 90 plant species recording 3391 interactions. While plant species richness was lower at the higher, 3200 m elevation regardless of habitat type, beetle species richness was not significantly different among sites. Plant-beetle interaction networks were strongly modular and specialized. The structure of networks showed greater differences between elevations than between habitats. The turnover of networks was determined by species composition showing a weak influence by interaction rewiring. Conclusion: Our study showed a high diversity of beetles in flowers at higher elevations within this mountain complex. The role of beetles in plant–insect interactions within some sections of temperate, montane sites appear to be underestimated and warrant further study.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document