Showing papers in "Plant Ecology and Evolution in 2017"
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of fire severity on diversity components of the soil seed bank (SSB) and aboveground vegetation (AGV) are investigated. And the authors propose a method to estimate the effect of fire on the diversity of soil seed banks.
Abstract: Background and aims Although an understanding of the effects of fire severity on diversity components of the soil seed bank (SSB) and aboveground vegetation (AGV) is important to inform conservation
35 citations
TL;DR: Within the TREEWEB platform, overstorey-understorey diversity relationships were mainly characterised by tree species identity effects, and no clear effects of tree species diversity and forest fragmentation on understorey composition and diversity were found.
Abstract: Background & aim : In general, biodiversity has positive effects on ecosystem functioning. In forests, understorey vegetation is influenced by both the composition and species richness of the overstorey through species-specific effects on environmental conditions at the forest floor. Forest fragmentation is also known to influence understorey vegetation composition and richness. However, the combined effects of tree species diversity and forest fragmentation have not been studied yet. With the TREEWEB research platform, consisting of 53 forest plots along a tree species diversity and forest fragmentation gradient, we aim to unravel the combined effects of tree species diversity, tree species identity and forest fragmentation on the understorey composition and diversity.
Methods : The TREEWEB platform includes forest plots of three tree species richness levels, containing all possible species combinations of Quercus robur, Quercus rubra and Fagus sylvatica. Complete dilution is avoided in the design, allowing separation between tree species identity and diversity effects. Vegetation surveys were conducted in all plots to investigate the species richness, species diversity, compositional turnover and cover of the herb layer as well as the shrub layer cover.
Key results : Within the TREEWEB platform, overstorey-understorey diversity relationships were mainly characterised by tree species identity effects. No clear effects of tree species diversity and forest fragmentation on understorey composition and diversity were found.
Conclusion : Tree species identity effects were most important in explaining the observed patterns in the understorey vegetation. Further in-depth research will allow us to disentangle which mechanisms underlie these patterns and whether effects of fragmentation are more pronounced at higher trophic levels.
31 citations
TL;DR: The Klasies River cultural landscape, on the Tsitsikamma coast, south-eastern Cape, South Africa, features prominently in modern human origins research as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Background and aims The Klasies River cultural landscape, on the Tsitsikamma coast, south-eastern Cape, South Africa, features prominently in modern human origins research. The archaeobotanical infor
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the relation between biotic and abiotic influences that include availability of soil nutrients and precipitation regimes, and found that plant diversity is affected by several biotic influences.
Abstract: Background and aims Plant diversity is affected by several biotic and abiotic influences that include the availability of soil nutrients and precipitation regimes. Our study investigated the relation
19 citations
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the morphological features of Achnanthidium species were described based on light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations in a reservoir in Brazilian reservoirs.
Abstract: Background and aims A commonly occurring Achnanthidium species has been observed in Brazilian reservoirs. The morphological features were described based on light and scanning electron microscope obs
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a taxonomic revision of the west-central African genus Piptostigma of the Annonaceae has been presented, which is the first time in over 100 years that the genus has been revised.
Abstract: Background and aims – Annonaceae are an important family in tropical rain forests of Africa. Here, we present a revision of the west-central African genus Piptostigma of the tribe Piptostigmateae. Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses of Piptostigmateae have revealed that the genus as currently circumscribed is paraphyletic. The aims of the article are: (1) to clarify the generic delimitation of the genus Piptostigma, especially in relation to its current polyphyletic delimitation; (2) to provide a new updated key to the genera of tribe Piptostigmateae; and (3) to provide for the first time in over 100 years a complete taxonomic revision of genera Brieya and Piptostigma.
Material and methods – Normal practices of herbarium taxonomy were used for the morphological study of about 200 specimens from B, BR, BRLU, G, HBG, K, L, LBV, LISC, MO, P, U, US, WAG, YA and Z. We sequenced three plastid regions for 32 samples representing 26 ingroup (Piptostigmateae) and six outgroup species in order to explore the paraphyly of Piptostisma. The open source software QGis was used to generate the distribution maps of the species and their conservation status was obtained using the IUCN categories and criteria.Key results – Molecular and morphological evidence support the reinstatement of the genus Brieya De
Wild. Three keys are presented, one to the genera of Piptostigmateae and the two others to the species of Brieya and Piptostigma. A total of thirteen species are described for Piptostigma and two for the genus Brieya. Four new species are presented for the genus Piptostigma: P. macrophyllum, P. mayndongtsaeanum,
P. goslineanum and P. submontanum.
12 citations
11 citations
TL;DR: The ‘resource-cost hypothesis’ suggests that smaller, less conspicuous flowers should be favoured in low-resource habitats by virtue of reducing physiological stress from water and nutrient limitation.
Abstract: Background There is a growing appreciation that the evolution of floral traits is shaped by selection not only from pollinators, but also factors like abiotic stress, florivory, and disease. Many suc
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of local scale edaphic factors on the distribution of functional traits in a tropical rainforest of Cameroon with the aim of finding correlations between the main EDAPHic gradient and community functional trait metrics (weighted mean trait, functional divergence and intraspecific variation).
Abstract: Background and aims – There is increasing recognition that plant traits mediate environmental influenceon species distribution, justifying non-random community assembly. We studied the influence of local scale edaphic factors on the distribution of functional traits in a tropical rainforest of Cameroon with the aim to find correlations between the main edaphic gradient and community functional trait metrics (weighted mean trait, functional divergence and intraspecific variation).
Methods – Within the Korup Forest Dynamics Plot (50 ha), we randomly selected 44 quadrats of 0.04 ha each, collected soils and analysed 11 topography and soil variables. Leaves were harvested from all 98 tree species found in the quadrats to calculate community trait metrics [quadrat-level weighted mean (qk) and functional divergence (FDivk)] for leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf phosphorus (LPC), leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) and nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P ratio). We examined relationships between the main edaphic gradient with qk, with FDivk and with intraspecific variation and interpreted correlations as the effects of abiotic filtering and competitive interaction.
Key results – Soil fertility was the main edaphic gradient and was significantly correlated with qk for LPC, LNC and LA and with FDivk for LPC, N:P ratio, LA and SLA, confirming the influence of abiotic filtering and competitive interaction by the soil fertility gradient, respectively. For a given trait, quadrats were either over-dispersed or under-dispersed, accounting for 7–33 % of non-random trait distribution along the soil fertility gradient. Trends in intraspecific traits variation were consistently lower than quadrat-level mean traits along the soil fertility gradient.
Conclusions – This study demonstrates the influence of soil fertility gradient on local scale community trait distribution and its contribution to non-random community assembly.
9 citations
TL;DR: Cyperus is a large, ecologically diverse, and important sedge genus as discussed by the authors, which has a large number of species with C4 photosynthesis as a possibility.
Abstract: Background and aims Cyperus is a large, ecologically diverse, and important sedge genus. Recent systematic work resolved problems with generic delimitation and implicated C4 photosynthesis as a possi
TL;DR: The most common system is food deception, which is used by about one third of orchid species to attract pollinators as discussed by the authors, but it is difficult to detect whether the plants actually produce any floral rewards.
Abstract: Background and aims About one third of orchid species do not produce any floral reward but have developed various strategies to attract pollinators. The most common system is food deception, which ta
TL;DR: This study investigated the mechanism of autonomous selling in a subalpine population of Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae), a species with didynamous stamens, a potential strategy to overcome pollinator scarcity or unreliability.
Abstract: Background and aims - Autonomous selfing is a potential strategy to overcome pollinator scarcity or unreliability, but the specific mechanisms of autonomous selfing need further study to clarify our understanding of this phenomenon. This study investigated the mechanism of autonomous selling in a subalpine population of Prunella vulgaris (Lamiaceae), a species with didynamous stamens.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated whether soil and topography could be considered independently, and they found that the woody vegetation would be related to both topsoil and subsoil characteristics.
Abstract: Background and aims - Although soils and topography are reported to be key factors determining vegetation patterns, there are very few studies on this topic in tropical Africa. Given the young nature of the soils of Nech Sar National park, we hypothesised that the woody vegetation would be related to both topsoil and subsoil characteristics. As topography also determines soil characteristics, we investigated whether soil and topography could be considered independently.
Methods - Abundance of woody plant species was measured in 19 stratified randomly selected plots of 20 m x 20 m. At the centre of each plot a soil profile pit was dug and samples were taken from each horizon. Topographic characteristics were derived from a 30 m x 30 m digital elevation model. TWINSPAN and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) were used to identify major patterns in species composition. Factor Analysis was used to assess the variability of, and correlation between, the soil characteristics. Differences between the vegetation groups in-terms of stand and environmental characteristics was tested with the Maim-Whitney U test. DCA axes describing the major variation in vegetation patterns were correlated with soil and topographic characteristics.
Results - Forest vegetation was found on Fluvisols and Gleyic Cambisols while bushland was found on Andosols and Vertic Cambisols. The vegetation gradient from forest to bushland (DCA-1) was correlated with both topsoil and subsoil characteristics reflecting parent material and alkalinity; these could however not be dissociated from topography. In contrast, variation both within the forest and the bushland (DCA-2) was not correlated with environmental characteristics. We attribute this variation to disturbances such as collection of firewood or logging, and to the absence of large browser or scarcity of wildfires.
Conclusions - This study calls for giving equal attention to topsoil and subsoil for elucidating woody vegetation patterns. Though vegetation patterns vary with topography, a comprehensive understanding requires insights into soils.
TL;DR: This poster presents a probabilistic assessment of the phytochemical properties of fruit flies found at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE.
Abstract: Background and aims Sempervivum funckii var. aqualiense, considered the only endemic vascular plant taxon of Belgium still existing in the wild, is threatened by urban development. There is a need fo
TL;DR: The Davilla (Dilleniaceae) currently comprises 28 species and is distributed throughout the Neotropics as discussed by the authors, and extensive fieldwork conducted in the Atlantic Forest of the Brazilian states Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Background Davilla (Dilleniaceae) currently comprises 28 species and is distributed throughout the Neotropics. Extensive fieldwork conducted in the Atlantic Forest of the Brazilian states Bahia, Esp
TL;DR: In this paper, large cotyledonary reserves are plant adaptations to tolerate elevated herbivory during the recruitment phase of Oak seedlings, which promote epicotyl resproutin.
Abstract: Background and aims Large cotyledonary reserves are plant adaptations to tolerate elevated herbivory during the recruitment phase. Oak seedlings have large cotyledons that promote epicotyl resproutin
TL;DR: The Diospyros (Ebenaceae) is a large genus with a mostly tropical distribution, including 736 species worldwide, 104 of which occur in continental Africa as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Background and aims Diospyros (Ebenaceae), a large genus with a mostly tropical distribution, includes 736 species worldwide, 104 of which occur in continental Africa. During recent field work in wes
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of bark peeling on the distribution of epiphytes among phorophyte species and vertical tree strata is investigated, but there is little evidence to support the hypothesis.
Abstract: Background and aims Contradictory evidence exists regarding the influence of bark peeling on the distribution of epiphytes among phorophyte species and vertical tree strata. However, there is little
Abstract: Background and aim The occurrence of the enigmatic plant family Thismiaceae has never been characterized in detail, but appears to be focused in three vegetation types. This study used data from the
TL;DR: In this paper, a third contribution to the desmid flora of the Bangweulu wetlands in Zambia, a selection of species from the genus Cosmarium is discussed for their taxonomy and geographical distribution.
Abstract: Background and aims In a third contribution to the desmid flora of the Bangweulu wetlands in Zambia a selection of species from the genus Cosmarium is discussed for their taxonomy and geographical di
TL;DR: Sedum hispanicum acts as a pioneer species on the gypsum outcrops of Emilia Romagna region (Northern Italy) and is studied in two Sites of Community Importance through a study.
Abstract: Background and aims Sedum hispanicum acts as a pioneer species on the gypsum outcrops of Emilia Romagna region (Northern Italy). The species was studied in two Sites of Community Importance through a
TL;DR: In this paper, the evolutionary significance of such modifications in natural floral developmental genetics has been investigated in a model system, and molecular studies in model systems have pushed forward our understanding of floral developmental biology.
Abstract: Background and aims Molecular studies in model systems have pushed forward our understanding of floral developmental genetics, but the evolutionary significance of such modifications in natural popul
TL;DR: In this paper, the taxonomical delimitation of Milla biflora has been controversial and is possibly associated with the high morphological variation of this taxon, and the aims of this study were to
Abstract: Background and aims The taxonomical delimitation of Milla biflora has been controversial and is possibly associated with the high morphological variation of this taxon. The aims of this study were to
TL;DR: In this paper, the occurrence of sporocarp forming hypogeous fungi in South American ecosystems remain unexplored and neglected as to the occurrence and distribution of fungi in the region.
Abstract: Background and aims Many South American ecosystems remain unexplored and neglected as to the occurrence and distribution of fungi. Data about occurrence of sporocarp forming hypogeous fungi in Atlant