Interspecific variation in functional traits in relation to species climatic niche optima in Andean Polylepis (Rosaceae) tree species: evidence for climatic adaptations

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna M. Toivonen ◽  
Viviana Horna ◽  
Michael Kessler ◽  
Kalle Ruokolainen ◽  
Dietrich Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Root Tip ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Climatic Niche ◽  
Genetically Determined

Plant functional traits can be genetically determined or phenotypically plastic. We assessed the degree of genetic determinism in the functional traits of Andean Polylepis tree species among 14 important traits that enable the species to withstand cold and dry conditions. We conducted a common garden experiment and related the species-specific means of the functional traits to the variables of climatic niche optima of the species (mean annual temperature and annual precipitation), deducing that if the interspecific variation in the functional trait is related to the species climatic niche optima according to the theoretically-expected pattern of climate-trait relationship, the variation of the trait must be genetically determined. In general, the traits were related either to species temperature or precipitation optima. For example, leaf size, maximum photosynthesis rate and root tip abundance were related to temperature, whereas light compensation and light saturation points were related to precipitation. Only leaf size showed a significant phylogenetic signal, indicating that most of the manifested climate–trait relationships are not caused purely by phylogeny, but are mainly a result of species specialisation along an environmental gradient. However, in many cases the relationships were rather weak. This suggests that important functional traits of Polylepis species involve both genetic and phenotypic components aiming to maximise the overall fitness of the species at high elevations.

Network properties as functional traits for fungi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros ◽  
Mark Fricker ◽  
Matthias Rillig
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Ecological Strategies ◽  
Body Type ◽  
Network Growth ◽  
Transport Efficiency ◽  
Network Parameters ◽  
Phylogenetic Affiliation ◽  
Network Properties

<p>Fungal mycelia consist of an interconnected network of filamentous hyphae and represent the dominant phase of the lifecycle in all major fungal phyla, from basal to more recent clades. Indeed, the ecological success of fungi on land is partly due to such filamentous network growth. Nevertheless, fungal ecologists rarely use network features as functional traits. Given the widespread occurrence of this body type, we hypothesized that interspecific variation in network features may reflect both phylogenetic affiliation and distinct ecological strategies among species. We show first that there is high interspecific variation in network parameters of fungi, which partly correlates with taxonomy; and second that network parameters, related to predicted-mycelial transport mechanisms during the exploration phase, reveal the trait space in mycelium architecture across species.  This space predicts a continuum of ecological strategies along two extremes: from highly connected mycelia with high resilience to damage but limited transport efficiency, to poorly connected mycelia with low resilience but high transport efficiency. We argue that mycelial networks are potentially a rich source of information to inform functional trait analysis in fungi, but we also note the challenges in establishing common principles and processing pipelines that are required to facilitate widespread use of network properties as functional traits in fungal ecology.</p>

scholarly journals Can functional traits explain phylogenetic signal in the composition of a plant community?

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daijiang Li ◽  
Anthoy R Ives ◽  
Donald M Waller
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Species Traits ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Phylogenetic Information ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Species Abundances ◽  
Understory Plant

Phylogeny-based and functional trait-based analyses are two principle ways to study community assembly and underlying ecological processes. In principle, knowing all information about species traits would make phylogenetic information redundant, at least that component of phylogenetic signal in the distribution of species among communities that is caused by phylogenetically related species sharing similar traits. In reality, phylogenies may contain more information than a set of singular, discretely measured traits because we cannot measure all species traits and may misjudge which are most important. The extent to which functional trait information makes phylogenetic information redundant, however, has not been explicitly studied with empirical data in community ecology. Here, we use phylogenetic linear mixed models to analyze community assembly of 55 understory plant species in 30 forest sites in central Wisconsin. These communities show strong phylogenetic attraction, yet variation among sites in 20 environmental variables could not account for this pattern. Most of the 15 functional traits we measured had strong phylogenetic signal, but only three varied strongly among sites in ways that affected species' abundances. These three traits explained only 19% of variation in phylogenetic patterns of species co-occurrence. Thus, phylogenies appear to provide considerably more information about community assembly than the functional traits measured in this study, demonstrating the value of phylogeny in studying of community assembly processes even with abundant functional traits.

scholarly journals Leaf heat tolerance of 147 tropical forest species varies with elevation and leaf functional traits, but not with phylogeny

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn Slot ◽  
Daniela Cala ◽  
Jorge Aranda ◽  
Aurelio Virgo ◽  
Sean Michaletz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forest ◽  
Heat Tolerance ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Leaf Mass Per Area ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Photosystem Ii Efficiency ◽  
Thermal Thresholds

Exceeding thermal thresholds causes irreversible damage and ultimately loss of leaves. The lowland tropics are among the warmest forested biomes, but little is known about heat tolerance of tropical forest species. We surveyed leaf heat tolerance of sun-exposed leaves from 147 tropical lowland and pre-montane forest species by determining the temperatures at which potential photosystem II efficiency based on chlorophyll a fluorescence started to decrease (T) and had decreased by 50% (T). T averaged 46.7°C (5–95 percentile: 43.5–49.7°C) and T averaged 49.9°C (47.8–52.5°C). Heat tolerance partially adjusted to site temperature; T and T decreased with elevation by 0.40°C and 0.26°C per 100m, respectively, while mean annual temperature decreased by 0.63°C per 100m. The phylogenetic signal in heat tolerance was weak, suggesting that heat tolerance is more strongly controlled by environment than by evolutionary legacies. T increased with the estimated thermal time constant of the leaves, indicating that species with thermally buffered leaves maintain higher heat tolerance. Among lowland species, T increased with leaf mass per area, so species with structurally more costly leaves reduce the risk of leaf loss during hot spells. These results provide insight in interspecific variation in heat tolerance at local and regional scales.

Photosynthetic characteristics in relation to leaf traits in eight co-existing pioneer tree species in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

2004 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Hölscher ◽  
C. Leuschner ◽  
K. Bohman ◽  
J. Juhrbandt ◽  
S. Tjitrosemito
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Functional Group ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Pioneer Tree Species ◽  
Pioneer Tree ◽  
Leaf N Content ◽  
Leaf N

Tropical pioneer tree species are considered as a functional group characterized by a suite of ecological characteristics such as high light demand and high photosynthetic capacities. This study compared the photosynthetic characteristics of eight co-existing pioneer tree species in 3–4-y-old and about 6-m-tall secondary forest stands in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its objectives were (1) to determine the range and interspecific variation in six photosynthetic parameters, and (2) to identify morphological and chemical leaf traits that can predict light-saturated net photosynthetic rates (on a leaf area or leaf mass basis, Amax-area or Amax-mass). Species averages of Amax-area in sun leaves ranged between 14.2 and 20.3 μmol m−2 s−1 (mean 17.5) which is high compared with literature data. Among the co-existing species, average leaf size (56–896 cm2) differed by a factor of 16, specific leaf area (SLA, 10.7–21.4 m2 kg−1) and leaf nitrogen content (19.6–33.9 g kg−1) twofold. At the species level, Amax-area was not correlated with leaf N content but decreased significantly with leaf size. Amax-mass showed a higher interspecific variation than Amax-area, and was positively correlated with SLA and leaf N content (slope: 13.4 nmol CO2 g N−1 s−1). Both, Amax-area and Amax-mass were more closely related to leaf morphological attributes than to leaf N. We conclude that the tropical pioneer tree species studied do not form a homogeneous functional group in terms of photosynthetic performance. Rather, a considerable variation in leaf morphology and nitrogen content exists, which also shows up in a substantial variation in Amax-mass and, to a lesser extent, in Amax-area.

scholarly journals Functional traits of tree species with phylogenetic signal co-vary with environmental niches in two large forest dynamics plots

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Yang ◽  
Xiuqin Ci ◽  
Mengmeng Lu ◽  
Guocheng Zhang ◽  
Min Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Forest Dynamics ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal

scholarly journals Composition and Specialization of the Lichen Functional Traits in a Primeval Forest—Does Ecosystem Organization Level Matter?

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 485
Author(s):  
Anna Łubek ◽  
Martin Kukwa ◽  
Bogdan Jaroszewicz ◽  
Patryk Czortek
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Asexual Reproduction ◽  
Community Assembly ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Forest Community ◽  
Forest Communities ◽  
Niche Diversity ◽  
Dark Pigmentation ◽  
Ecosystem Organization

Current trends emphasize the importance of the examination of the functional composition of lichens, which may provide information on the species realized niche diversity and community assembly processes, thus enabling one to understand the specific adaptations of lichens and their interaction with the environment. We analyzed the distribution and specialization of diverse morphological, anatomical and chemical (lichen secondary metabolites) traits in lichen communities in a close-to-natural forest of lowland Europe. We considered these traits in relation to three levels of forest ecosystem organization: forest communities, phorophyte species and substrates, in order to recognize the specialization of functional traits to different levels of the forest complexity. Traits related to the sexual reproduction of mycobionts (i.e., ascomata types: lecanoroid apothecia, lecideoid apothecia, arthonioid apothecia, lirellate apothecia, stalked apothecia and perithecia) and asexual reproduction of mycobionts (pycnidia, hyphophores and sporodochia) demonstrated the highest specialization to type of substrate, tree species and forest community. Thallus type (foliose, fruticose, crustose and leprose thalli), ascospore dark pigmentation and asexual reproduction by lichenized diaspores (soredia and isidia) revealed the lowest specialization to tree species and substrate, as well as to forest community. Results indicate that lichen functional trait assemblage distribution should not only be considered at the level of differences in the internal structure of the analyzed forest communities (e.g., higher number of diverse substrates or tree species) but also studied in relation to specific habitat conditions (insolation, moisture, temperature, eutrophication) that are characteristic of a particular forest community. Our work contributes to the understanding of the role of the forest structure in shaping lichen functional trait composition, as well as enhancing our knowledge on community assembly rules of lichen species.

scholarly journals Relevance of Broad-Leaved Forest Stands for Maintaining Epiphytic Bryophyte Species and Functional Trait Diversity in Forest Landscape in Latvia

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-318
Author(s):  
Linda Gerra-Inohosa ◽  
Līga Strazdiņa
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Functional Trait ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Life Strategy ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Broad Leaved Forest ◽  
Leaved Forest

Abstract Broad-leaved trees play an important role in supporting epiphyte richness in deciduous forests. In this study we tested which broad-leaved forest stands in terms of tree composition best predicted biodiversity in regard to bryophyte species number and their functional traits. The bryoflora was surveyed in 70 stands differing in dominant broad-leaved tree species. One circular plot with diameter 30 meters was established in each stand situated in different parts of Latvia. Fifty-three of the plots were located in stands identified as protected habitats of the European Union. In total, 82 bryophyte species were recorded. At plot level the total number of species ranged between 6 and 38 species. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the ordination axes explained 41% of the variation in composition of bryophytes. The PCA axes were related to tree species composition. The presence of broad-leaved trees, especially ash, lime, and oak, was connected with higher species richness. Generalised linear models confirmed that epiphyte richness, both at the total and indicator species levels, was higher in ash stands. From the functional traits, all expected life-strategy and life-form categories were recorded. The most represented life-forms were smooth mats, tall turfs, and rough mats, while the dominant life-strategy was perennial stayers, followed by competitive perennials and long-lived shuttles. Functional trait richness was highest in Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia cordata, and Quercus robur forest stands.

Interspecific variation in branch and leaf traits among three Syzygium tree species from different successional tropical forests

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-Dan Zhu ◽  
Ya-Jun Chen ◽  
Kun-Fang Cao ◽  
Qing Ye
Keyword(s):  
Water Potential ◽  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Forest Succession ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Hydraulic Conductance ◽  
Xylem Water Potential ◽  
Sapwood Area

Plant functional traits are closely associated with plant habitats. In this study, we investigated the interspecific variations in stem and leaf hydraulics, xylem and leaf anatomy, gas-exchange rates and leaf pressure–volume relationships among three Syzygium tree species in early, mid- and late successional tropical forests. The objective was to understand the response and adaptation of congeneric species, in terms of branch and leaf functional traits, to different environments. A consistent pattern of decline with succession was evident in leaf and sapwood specific hydraulic conductivity (ks), maximum leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), and photosynthetic rates for the three Syzygium species. Variations of ks and Kleaf were correlated with changes in vessel anatomy (i.e. vessel density and diameter) and leaf flux-related structure (i.e. stomatal pore index and vein density) respectively. However, specific leaf area and leaf to sapwood area ratio did not significantly differ among the three species. In addition, the mid-successional species had the lowest values of leaf water potential at full turgor and turgor loss point and 50% loss of Kleaf, but the greatest value of xylem water potential at 50% loss of ks. Our results demonstrate that leaf and branch traits associated with photosynthesis and/or hydraulic conductance, rather than those associated with drought tolerance, are the key factors underlying the response and adaptation of the three Syzygium tree species along the tropical forest succession.

Differential impact of liana colonization on the leaf functional traits of co-occurring deciduous and evergreen trees

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
vivek pandi ◽  
Kanda Naveen Babu
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Differential Impact ◽  
Deciduous Species ◽  
Evergreen Species ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Leaf Trait ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract The present study was carried out to analyse the leaf functional traits of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous tree species in a tropical dry scrub forest. This study also intended to check whether the species with contrasting leaf habits differ in their leaf trait plasticity, responding to the canopy-infestation by lianas. A total of 12 leaf functional traits were studied for eight tree species with contrasting leaf habits (evergreen and deciduous) and liana-colonization status (Liana+ and Liana−). In the liana-free environment (L−), evergreen trees had significantly higher specific leaf mass (LMA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) than the deciduous species. Whereas, the deciduous trees had higher specific leaf area (SLA) and mass-based leaf nitrogen concentration (Nmass). The leaf trait-pair relationship in the present study agreed to the well-established global trait-pair relationships (SLA Vs Nmass, Lth Vs SLA, Nmass Vs Lth, Nmass Vs LDMC, LDMC Vs SLA). There was no significant difference between L+ and L− individuals in any leaf functional traits studied in the deciduous species. However, evergreen species showed marked differences in the total chlorophyll content (Chlt), chlorophyll b (Chlb), SLA, and LMA between L+ and L− individuals of the same species. Deciduous species with the acquisitive strategy can have a competitive advantage over evergreen species in the exposed environment (L−) whereas, evergreen species with shade-tolerant properties were better acclimated to the shaded environments (L+). The result revealed the patterns of convergence and divergence in some of the leaf functional traits between evergreen and deciduous species. The results also showed the differential impact of liana colonization on the host trees with contrasting leaf habits. Therefore, liana colonization can significantly impact the C-fixation strategies of the host trees by altering their light environment. Further, the magnitude of such impact may vary among species of different leaf habits. The increased proliferation of lianas in the tropical forest canopies may pose a severe threat to the whole forest carbon assimilation rates.

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