Ecophysiological responses to different forest patch type of two codominant tree seedlings. Issue 2 (21st December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duan, Renyan; Huang, Minyi; Kong, Xiaoquan; Wang, Zhigao; Fan, Weiyi
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 5:Issue 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2014-12-21
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1368
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ece31368-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>According to gap‐phase dynamics theory, forests can be divided into four distinct patch types: gap patch (G), building patch (B), mature patch (M), and degeneration patch (D). Varying light conditions across patch types are one of the most important factors affecting the coexistence of vegetation. Mechanisms of coexistence can be understood through detailed knowledge of ecophysiological responses of codominant tree seedlings to patch types. The following study was conducted to determine ecophysiological responses of <italic>Cyclobalanopsis glauca</italic> (an evergreen broad‐leaved species) and <italic>Bothrocaryum controversum</italic> (a deciduous broad‐leaved species) to four different patch types. During the gap‐phase dynamics, light intensity and the magnitude of change in the four different patches followed the order of: G > B > D > M. Both species had the greatest photosynthetic capacity in the G patch. Dry leaf mass per area (<italic>LMA</italic>), Chlorophyll a + b concentration (<italic>Chl</italic>), carotenoids (<italic>Car</italic>), and nitrogen content per area (<italic>N</italic><sub><italic>a</italic></sub>) all responded to changes in light across patch type, but <italic>B. controversum</italic> showed greater sensitivity and changes than <italic>C. glauca</italic>. From G to M patch, the maximal quantum efficiency of PSII (<italic>F</italic><sub><italic>v</italic></sub><italic>/F</italic><sub><italic>m</italic></sub>) had a larger variation magnitude for <italic>B. controversum</italic> than for <italic>C. glauca</italic>. From G to M patch, <italic>B. controversum</italic> showed significant changes in gas exchange, while <italic>C. glauca</italic> showed only small changes. Ecophysiological trait partitioning of response to light in different patches provides a possible explanation of a coexistence mechanism.</p> </abstract>