Changes in phylogenetic structure and species composition of woody plant communities across an elevational gradient in the southern Taihang Mountains, China

Abstract

Understanding community assembly mechanisms along the geographical gradients is of great importance in ecological research. The Taihang Mountains are the intersection of the north and south flora, with abundant species and complex community structures, which provide multiple services. However, the phylogenetic community structure and composition of woody plants in the south Taihang Mountains are still not very well understood. In this study, 35 forest dynamic plots were established along the natural forest distribution areas from 850 to 1850 m above sea level. We explored the pattern of elevational change in the phylogenetic structure and composition of woody species communities and influencing factors using regression analysis, correlation analysis, and principal coordinate analysis. Our results displayed that both the net relatedness (NRI) and nearest taxon (NTI) values at most of the plots were within random confidence intervals (−1.96 to 1.96). Meanwhile, a significant negative correlation existed between the phylogenetic community structure and the elevational gradient (NRI: r = −0.61, p 0.05). In summary, our findings reveal the community assembly mechanism of woody plants along an elevation gradient in a local scale and help to gain a better understanding of how species diversity or species composition in the forest ecosystem responds to environmental conditions and it is useful for biodiversity maintenance in the southern Taihang Mountains.

Keywords

• Community structure
• Woody plants community
• Elevation gradients