Differences in Functional Trait Distribution between Inselberg and Adjacent Matrix Floras
Author
Source
International Journal of Ecology
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-7, 7 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2016-10-25
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
7
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Inselbergs and the adjacent matrix represent extremes of different environmental conditions and should shed light on the changing allocation of plant resources across strong and abrupt resource gradients.
Here I use collated life history trait data from 840 taxa found within typical insular inselberg and adjacent matrix floras from the New England Batholith region of eastern Australia.
These species were sorted into guilds of specificity to the inselberg environment.
Scored traits include life form, plant height, leaf area, fruit size, seed size, mono- or polycarpy, underground storage organs, regenerative/clonality, and flowering phenology.
With reduced water and nutrient resources, typical of inselbergs, allocation of plant resources to vegetative reproduction and storage organs is a disadvantage.
Plants restricted to inselbergs were shorter, usually polycarpic shrubs, with smaller leaves, fruits, and seeds.
Flowering time was found to be earlier and reduced in length; diaspores often have dormancy and are dispersed locally in comparison to the matrix.
The results show that with limited resources the creation of underground storage organs or vegetative reproduction becomes unviable on habitats characterised by shallow soil.
Inselberg taxa of the study region are likely to be under greater threat than the matrix due to anthropogenic climate change.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Hunter, John T.. 2016. Differences in Functional Trait Distribution between Inselberg and Adjacent Matrix Floras. International Journal of Ecology،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1106070
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Hunter, John T.. Differences in Functional Trait Distribution between Inselberg and Adjacent Matrix Floras. International Journal of Ecology No. 2016 (2016), pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1106070
American Medical Association (AMA)
Hunter, John T.. Differences in Functional Trait Distribution between Inselberg and Adjacent Matrix Floras. International Journal of Ecology. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-7.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1106070
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1106070