Significance of current velocity gradients for distribution patterns of charophytes versus mosses and vascular plant communities in a lowland stream

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Jakubas ◽  
Maciej Gąbka
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Current Velocity ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Water Current ◽  
Chara Vulgaris ◽  
Lowland Stream ◽  
Chara Globularis

AbstractThe study focused on the relationships between charophytes and the surrounding species composition and environmental factors in a lowland stream (Flinta stream, Western Poland). A total of 32 vegetation plots (4 m × 4 m) and 13 environmental variables were tested. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used to describe the relationships between the species composition and the selected variables. Dominance curves of aquatic plants, response curves (GAMs model) of charophytes and other macrophytes to the velocity gradient (the most important environmental factor, the Monte Carlo test) were prepared. In this study, 2 species of charophytes were recorded: Chara vulgaris and Chara globularis and 5 other co-occurring macroscopic algae, 2 mosses and 10 vascular plants. In the studied stream, charophytes occupied the separate niche. Chara vulgaris stands with moss vegetation were found in stream sections with the highest velocity of the water current (0.29 m s-1 mean), and the Chara globularis (with dominant Potamogeton species), preferred sections with the smallest water current velocity (0.19 m s-1 mean).Charophytes seem to respond to ecological gradients differently from mosses and vascular plants. These differences are related to current velocity, pH, conductivity and organic matter in bottom sediments, and to the niche differentiation associated with them.

scholarly journals How do plant communities and flower visitors relate? A case study of semi-natural xerothermic grasslands

2013 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian Chmura ◽  
Paweł Adamski ◽  
Zygmunt Denisiuk
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Moisture Index ◽  
Rarefaction Analysis ◽  
Flower Visitors

<p>The paper examines the relationships between the species composition of flower visitors and plants in the semi-natural xerothermic grasslands in southern and central Poland. Thirty 10 × 10 m permanent plots were laid out in total, mainly in nature reserves. The vegetation units studied were classified according to the Braun-Blanquet system; these were phytocoenoses of the <em>Festuco-Brometea</em> classes <em>Inuletum ensifoliae</em>, <em>Adonido-Brachypodietum pinnati</em> and the transitional plant community. Entomological research was performed using the Pollard method within the same plots. A particular site was visited only once and different sites were studied between April and August 2008. We applied, among others, co-correspondence-analysis Co-CA, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) to investigate the co-occurrence patterns of plants and flower visitors and their biotopic requirements. We found that the species composition of flower visitors cannot be predicted by floristic composition when the duration of the study is restricted to one day (but under similar weather conditions); however, there is a positive relationship between the species richness of insects and plants and a positive relationship between the number of plant species and the abundance of flower visitors. The Ellenberg moisture index and the cover of meadow species significantly explained the species composition of insects. The three various vegetation units and five dominant xerothermic species, i.e. <em>Adonis vernalis</em>, <em>Anemone sylvestris</em>, <em>Inula ensifolia</em>, <em>Linum hirsutum</em> and <em>Carlina onopordifolia</em> that were studied across time differed in the species richness of insects. Our results demonstrate that possible patterns in the species composition and the assembly rules of flower visitors are not apparent when the Pollard method is applied. Based on the data obtained using this method, the flower visiting assemblages seem not to be driven by competition and they primarily show a tendency to co-occur which can be an artifact. A plant-focused method that included a rarefaction analysis yielded more insightful results and shed more light on the differences between the dominant plants that shape the physiognomy of plant communities in a possible pollination specialization.</p>

Vascular plant communities of a polar oasis at Alexandra Fiord (79° N), Ellesmere Island, Canada

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1126-1136 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Muc ◽  
B. Freedman ◽  
J. Svoboda
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Community ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Ellesmere Island ◽  
Community Types

A cluster analysis was used to apportion 136 stands in a High Arctic lowland among six vascular plant community types. These communities are described on the basis of the average prominence values of vascular species and the total cover of macroalgae, bryophytes, lichens, and vascular plants within the designated clusters of stands. The relationships among the community types was explored by a detrended correspondence analysis. The ordination of stands showed considerable floristic overlap among the most widespread plant communities on the lowland. This largely reflects the microtopographic heterogeneity of the sites, the relatively depauperate flora of the High Arctic, and the considerable ecological amplitude of the most prominent vascular plant species.

Phytosociology and gradient analysis of a subalpine treed fen in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (8) ◽  
pp. 1203-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bradley Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Gradient Analysis ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Groundwater Temperature ◽  
Strong Control

The vegetation of a subalpine fen in Colorado was studied. Insight was sought into the community structure and factors influencing species distribution of a vegetation type heretofore undescribed in the southern Rocky Mountains. A vegetational gradient was evaluated using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). Four types of vegetation were subjectively defined; these same types were distinguished by the DCA. DCA further revealed marked differences in the vegetation occurring on peat hummocks versus in hollows. Species composition was related to environment using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Water-table depth, hummock height, shading, groundwater temperature, and conductivity were significantly correlated with species distribution, accounting for 51% of the total species variance. Univariate regression was used to examine how tree density varied with environment. The above factors, except for shading and conductivity, were also significantly correlated with tree density. It is suggested that the peat hummocks that form on this moderate fen provide an environment similar to that of an ombrotrophic bog and that these "miniature bogs" form in areas unable to support expansive bogs. Further, these hummocks provide small-scale environmental heterogeneity that exerts a strong control over species composition that would not be evident in studies based on samples of a large areal extent. Keywords: Colorado, gradient analysis, ordination, heterogeneity, peatlands, phytosociology.

scholarly journals Psocid taxocenoses (Insecta: Psocoptera) in the forest ecosystems of the Querci-fageta s. lat. zone in the Western Carpathian Mts. and Polonic subprovincy

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 637-646
Author(s):  
Otakar Holuša
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Vegetation Zones ◽  
Characteristic Species

Structure of psocid taxocenoses (Psocoptera) were intensively studied in forest ecosystems of the Western Carpathian Mts. and Polonic biogeographical subprovincy during 1997–2001 in the Czech Republic. Vegetation tiers (= altitudinal vegetation zones) were used as a study frame. Only a part of material, i.e. individuals that was found in the forest ecosystems of Querci-fageta s. lat. communities (= the 3rd oak-beech vegetation tier) was evaluated for purpose of this work. This vegetation tier is widespread in large part of the Opavská pahorkatina hills, in large parts of Podbeskydská pahorktina hills, in the Bílé Karpaty hills and in the foothills of the Vsetínské vrchy hills. 1201 adults comprising 29 species were found in total in the 3rd vegetation tier. As eudominant species, the following ones were found: Peripsocus subfasciatus, Caecilius flavius and Stenopsocus lachlani, as dominant species, the following ones were found: Philotarsus parviceps and Caecilius piceus. In natural geobiocenoses with the level of naturalness of 1 or 2, the following species were found: as eudominant species: Caecilius flavidus, Peripsocus phaeopterus, as dominant species, the following ones were found: Caecilius piceus, Peripsocus subfasciatus, Philotarsus parviceps and Elipsocus moebiusi. Taxocenoses of psocids were evaluated by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Divisive Cluster Analysis (DvClA). This material was compared to another material gained from various vegetation tiers in the Western Carpathians Mts. The characteristic species composition of psocids in the 3rd vegetation tier was as follows – Elipsocus moebiusi – E. hyalinus – Philotarsus parviceps – Ectopsocus meridionalis – Caecilius flavidus.

scholarly journals Biota from the coastal wetlands of Praia da Vitória (Terceira, Azores, Portugal): Part 4 – Vascular plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Elias ◽  
Mariana Brito ◽  
César Pimentel ◽  
Elisabete Nogueira ◽  
Paulo Borges
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Coastal Wetlands ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
New Records ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Yearly Variation ◽  
Plant Richness ◽  
Juncus Maritimus

The data presented here come from field observations, carried out between 2014 and 2017, as part of a LIFE research project aiming to preserve and restore three coastal wetlands of Praia da Vitória (Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal) (LIFE-CWR). A total of 23 vascular plant species surveys were carried out in three sites: one for each semester in Paul da Praia da Vitória (PPV) and Paul da Pedreira do Cabo da Praia (PPCP); one for each semester (except in 2014) in Paul do Belo Jardim (PBJ). The main objectives were to determine the plant richness of the three sites and to monitor yearly variation on species composition. A total of 107 taxa, belonging to 50 families, were observed, many of which are new records for the area, especially in PBJ and PPCP, where 78 and 92% of species records were new. A few very rare species in the Azores were recorded in these coastal wetlands, namely Lotus creticus, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Juncus maritimus and Polygonum maritimum.

scholarly journals Composition and diversity of psocid (Insecta: Psocoptera) taxocoenoses in forest ecosystems of the Abieti-fageta s. lat. zone in the Western Carpathian Mts.

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 184-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Holuša
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Vegetation Zones ◽  
Characteristic Species

Psocid (Psocoptera) taxocoenoses were studied in forest ecosystems of the Western Carpathian Mts. in 1997–2001. As a study frame, vegetation tiers (VT = altitudinal vegetation zones) of geobiocoenological or forest-typological system were used. Lower units of forest typological system (forest type complexes) were used for the classification of ecological conditions and the material found in forest ecosystems of <I>Abieti-fageta</I> s. lat. communities (5<sup>th</sup> fir-beech VT) was evaluated in detail. This VT is the most widespread in the regions under study (the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts., the Vsetínské vrchy Hills and Javorníky). 2,023 adults comprising 28 species were found in the 5<sup>th</sup> VT. <I>Caecilius burmeisteri</I> was found as eudominant species; <I>Philotarsus picicornis, Caecilius flavidus</I> and <I>Peripsocus subfasciatus</I> were found as dominant species. In natural geobiocoenoses with the level of naturalness 1 or 2, the following species were found: <I>Mesopsocus unipunctatus, Caecilius flavidus</I>, and <I>Caecilius burmeisteri</I> as eudominant and <I>Caecilius despaxi</I> as dominant. Taxocoenoses of psocids were evaluated by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Divisive Cluster Analysis (DvClA). The axes were interpreted in DCA-analysis as follows: the <I>x</I>-axis denotes the influence of VTs and the <I>q</I>-axis refers to the influence of hydricity. This material was compared with other material obtained from various vegetation tiers in the Western Carpathians Mts. The characteristic species composition of psocids in the 5<sup>th</sup> VT was as follows: <I>Caecilius flavidus – C. burmeisteri – C. despaxi – Metylophorus nebulosus – Philotarsus picicornis</I>.

The effects of logs, stumps, and root throws on understory communities within 28-year-old aspen-dominated boreal forests

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 905-916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Lee ◽  
Kelly Sturgess
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Understory Composition ◽  
Colonization Patterns ◽  
Understory Communities

This study examined the role of logs, stumps, and root throws on the understory composition of aspen-dominated boreal forests. Measures of microsite coverage and suitability, and vascular plant composition and abundance were taken from 28-year-old wildfire and harvest sites. Larger logs (>20 cm diameter) with soft surfaces were the most suitable for colonization by vascular plants. These logs covered more than five times the area of stumps or root throws in both harvest and wildfire sites. Detrended correspondence analysis revealed that logs and stumps were colonized by a significantly different assemblage of vascular plants than the forest floor of either disturbance type. Contrary to studies in other forest types, assemblages of plants on root throw pits and mounds were similar to those on the forest floor. Initial colonization patterns on logs and stumps in both wildfire and harvest sites were similar. However, on more decayed logs assemblages of vascular plants were more similar to their respective wildfire or harvest forest floor assemblages. Ordination of species suggested that tree seedlings and shade-tolerant herbs were disproportionately more abundant on logs and stumps.Key words: plant community assemblages, deadwood resources, coarse woody debris, root throws, logs, boreal forest.

scholarly journals Vegetation-environment relationships of boreal spruce swamp forests in Østmarka Nature Reserve, SE Norway

Sommerfeltia ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
R.H. Økland ◽  
T. Økland ◽  
K. Rydgren
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Large Species ◽  
Swamp Forest ◽  
Site Types

Abstract Swamp forests dominated by Picea abies contribute strongly to the total plant species richness in boreal forests. The variation in species composition and environmental conditions in swamp forests and the relationships of swamp forests to mires and upland forest, have, however, remained insufficiently known. From a preliminary survey of 57 spruce swamp forests, eleven localities were selected to represent the variation in the study area with respect to size and nutrient status, and altitude and position in the landscape. Physiographic and hydrotopographic descriptions were made. A total of 150 1-m2 plots were distributed on the localities by a restricted random procedure. In each plot, the abundance of all vascular plants, bryophytes and macrolichens was recorded as frequency in 16 subplots, 53 variables (topographic and geographic, tree influence, water-table, water chemical and physical, and soil chemical and physical) were measured. The gradient ( coenocline) structure of vegetation was found by parallel DCA and LNMDS ordinations, interpreted ecologically by analysis of correlations and geostatistical patterns. The two main coenoclines were the same for the full species composition and for vascular plant and cryptogams considered separately. The first gradient was related to soil acidity and nutrient concentrations: plots segregated into relatively poor (and intermediate) and richer swamp forests. Nitrogen availability is considered a decisive factor for species’ responses to this gradient. The second gradient was related to depth to the water table and mesotopographic relief of the swamp-forest surface, varying mostly on fine (0.75-1.5 m) scales. Vascular plants segregate along this gradient due to a trade-off between tolerances to waterlogging and drought, bryophyte are influenced by a complex set of factors. Two minor vegetation gradients were also found; one related to microtopography (extending from flat, lawn-like areas dominated by large bryophytes to more strongly sloping sites dominated by small mosses and hepatics; ‘pocket species’) and one weakly related to the annual water-table amplitude. Relatively strong coenoclines were found that separated entire swamp forests but were uncorrelated with measured variables. These occurred because all swamp forests, notably the richer, had a strong element of uniqueness in species composition, probably because species are recruited from a large species pool during thousands of years. Swamp forest is proposed as a broad term for all peatlands with trees, including mire margin, from which it is essentially indistinguishable. Similarities with, and differences from, open mire and forest on mineral soil are discussed. Some unique features of swamp forests are pointed out. A classification of swamp forests into eight site-types by division of the two main gradients is proposed. Descriptions are provided for the six site-types encountered in the study area. All intact richer swamp forests and a representative selection of poor swamp forests should be protected if maintenance of the biological diversity of (coniferous) forests in general, and swamp forests in particular, is aimed at.

Species composition of demersal fish in the Rockall Trough, north-eastern Atlantic, as determined by different trawls

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 213-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. M. Gordon ◽  
O. A. Bergstad
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Demersal Fish ◽  
Depth Zone ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Rockall Trough

The variation in species composition of continental slope fishes as determined by the catches of different trawls towed either on single or paired warps was analysed by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). The catches of two trawls, a semi-balloon trawl (OTSB) and a Granton trawl (GT) were very similar when towed on paired warps. Significant differences were found between the catches of the OTSB trawl towed on single and paired warps. The DCA effectively provided information on the important gradients, e.g. depth, trawl type, and indicated which species were most abundant in the different depth zones and trawl types. Detailed accounts of the abundance and biomass of different species by trawl type and depth zone are given and the observed pattern of distribution discussed.

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