TY - JOUR

T1 - How do distinct facets of tree diversity and community assembly respond to environmental variables in the subtropical Atlantic Forest?

AU - Klipel, Joice

AU - Bergamin, Rodrigo Scarton

AU - Cianciaruso, Marcus Vinicius

AU - da Silva, Ana Carolina

AU - Follmann Jurinitz, Cristiane

AU - Jarenkow, Joao André

AU - Bordin, Kauane Maiara

AU - Molz, Martin

AU - Higuchi, Pedro

AU - Picolotto, Rayana Caroline

AU - Debastiani, Vanderlei Júlio

AU - Müller, Sandra Cristina

PY - 2023/7/5

Y1 - 2023/7/5

N2 - This study assessed the impact of altitude, precipitation, and soil conditions on species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), and functional diversity (FD) standardized effect sizes in subtropical Brazilian Atlantic Forest tree communities. We considered specific trait information (FDs) for FD, reflecting recent adaptive evolution, contrasting with deeper phylogenetic constraints in FD. Three functional traits (leaf area-LA, wood density-WD, and seed mass-SM) were examined for their response to these gradients. Generalized least squares models with environmental variables as predictors and diversity metrics as response variables were used, and a fourth-corner correlation test explored trait-environmental relationships. SR decreased with altitude, while PD increased, indicating niche convergence at higher altitudes. Leaf area and seed mass diversity also decreased with altitude. For LA, both FD and FDs were significant, reflecting filtering processes influenced by phylogenetic inheritance and recent trait evolution. For SM, only the specific trait structure responded to altitude. LA and SM showed significant trait-environmental relationships, with smaller-leaved and lighter-seeded species dominant at higher altitudes. Soil gradients affect diversity. Fertile soils have a wider range of LA, indicating coexistence of species with different nutrient acquisition strategies. WD variation is lower for FDs. SM diversity has different relationships with soil fertility for FDs and FD, suggesting phylogeny influences trait variation. Soil pH influences WD and LA under acidic soils, with deeper phylogenetic constraints (FD). Environmental factors impact tree communities, with evidence of trait variation constraints driven by conditions and resources. Subtropical Atlantic forests' tree assemblies are mainly influenced by altitude, pH, and soil fertility, selecting fewer species and narrower trait spectra under specific conditions (e.g., higher altitudes, pH). Functional diversity patterns reflect both phylogenetic and recent evolution constraints, with varying strength across traits and conditions. These findings highlight the intricate processes shaping long-lived species assembly across diverse environments in the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

AB - This study assessed the impact of altitude, precipitation, and soil conditions on species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), and functional diversity (FD) standardized effect sizes in subtropical Brazilian Atlantic Forest tree communities. We considered specific trait information (FDs) for FD, reflecting recent adaptive evolution, contrasting with deeper phylogenetic constraints in FD. Three functional traits (leaf area-LA, wood density-WD, and seed mass-SM) were examined for their response to these gradients. Generalized least squares models with environmental variables as predictors and diversity metrics as response variables were used, and a fourth-corner correlation test explored trait-environmental relationships. SR decreased with altitude, while PD increased, indicating niche convergence at higher altitudes. Leaf area and seed mass diversity also decreased with altitude. For LA, both FD and FDs were significant, reflecting filtering processes influenced by phylogenetic inheritance and recent trait evolution. For SM, only the specific trait structure responded to altitude. LA and SM showed significant trait-environmental relationships, with smaller-leaved and lighter-seeded species dominant at higher altitudes. Soil gradients affect diversity. Fertile soils have a wider range of LA, indicating coexistence of species with different nutrient acquisition strategies. WD variation is lower for FDs. SM diversity has different relationships with soil fertility for FDs and FD, suggesting phylogeny influences trait variation. Soil pH influences WD and LA under acidic soils, with deeper phylogenetic constraints (FD). Environmental factors impact tree communities, with evidence of trait variation constraints driven by conditions and resources. Subtropical Atlantic forests' tree assemblies are mainly influenced by altitude, pH, and soil fertility, selecting fewer species and narrower trait spectra under specific conditions (e.g., higher altitudes, pH). Functional diversity patterns reflect both phylogenetic and recent evolution constraints, with varying strength across traits and conditions. These findings highlight the intricate processes shaping long-lived species assembly across diverse environments in the Southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

KW - Ecosystems Research

KW - altitude

KW - biodiversity

KW - community trait composition

KW - functional traits

KW - precipitation

KW - soil variables

KW - species richness

KW - altitude

KW - biodiversity

KW - community trait composition

KW - functional traits

KW - precipitation

KW - soil variables

KW - Species richness

U2 - 10.1002/ece3.10321

DO - 10.1002/ece3.10321

M3 - Journal articles

C2 - 37465611

VL - 13

JO - Ecology and Evolution

JF - Ecology and Evolution

SN - 2045-7758

IS - 7

M1 - e10321

ER -