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Li Y, Liu F, Zhou Y, Liu X, Wang Q. Large-scale geographic patterns and environmental and anthropogenic drivers of wetland plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:74. [PMID: 38831426 PMCID: PMC11145778 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographic patterns of plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have been widely studied, but few studies have focused on wetland plants. This study quantified the geographic patterns of wetland plant diversity in the QTP through a comprehensive analysis of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional indices. METHODS Based on a large number of floras, monographs, specimens and field survey data, we constructed a comprehensive dataset of 1,958 wetland plant species in the QTP. Species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), functional diversity (FD), net relatedness index (NRI) and net functional relatedness index (NFRI) were used to assess the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of wetland plants. We explored the relationships between the diversity indices and four categories of environmental variables (i.e. energy-water, climate seasonality, topography and human activities). We used four diversity indices, namely endemic species richness, weighted endemism, phylogenetic endemism and functional endemism, together with the categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE), to identify the endemic centers of wetland plants in the QTP. RESULTS SR, PD and FD were highly consistent and showed a decreasing trend from southeast to northwest, decreasing with increasing elevation. The phylogenetic structure of wetland plant assemblages in most parts of the plateau is mainly clustered. The functional structure of wetland plant assemblages in the southeast of the plateau is overdispersed, while the functional structure of wetland plant assemblages in other areas is clustered. Energy-water and climate seasonality were the two most important categories of variables affecting wetland plant diversity. Environmental variables had a greater effect on the functional structure of wetland plants than on the phylogenetic structure. This study identified seven endemic centres, mainly in the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains. CONCLUSIONS Climate and topography are the main factors determining the geographic distribution of wetland plant diversity at large scales. The majority of grid cells in the QTP with significant phylogenetic endemism were mixed and super-endemism. At large scales, compared to climate and topography, human activities may not have a negative impact on wetland plant diversity in the QTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigang Li
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, China
- Laboratory of Extreme Environment Biological Resources and Adaptive Evolution, School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yadong Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Xing Liu
- Laboratory of Extreme Environment Biological Resources and Adaptive Evolution, School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingfeng Wang
- Laboratory of Extreme Environment Biological Resources and Adaptive Evolution, School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa, China
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Liu S, Stoof-Leichsenring KR, Harms L, Schulte L, Mischke S, Kruse S, Zhang C, Herzschuh U. Tibetan terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems collapsed with cryosphere loss inferred from sedimentary ancient metagenomics. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn8490. [PMID: 38781339 PMCID: PMC11114237 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Glacier and permafrost shrinkage and land-use intensification threaten mountain wildlife and affect nature conservation strategies. Here, we present paleometagenomic records of terrestrial and aquatic taxa from the southeastern Tibetan Plateau covering the last 18,000 years to help understand the complex alpine ecosystem dynamics. We infer that steppe-meadow became woodland at 14 ka (cal BP) controlled by cryosphere loss, further driving a herbivore change from wild yak to deer. These findings weaken the hypothesis of top-down control by large herbivores in the terrestrial ecosystem. We find a turnover in the aquatic communities at 14 ka, transitioning from glacier-related (blue-green) algae to abundant nonglacier-preferring picocyanobacteria, macrophytes, fish, and otters. There is no evidence for substantial effects of livestock herding in either ecosystem. Using network analysis, we assess the stress-gradient hypothesis and reveal that root hemiparasitic and cushion plants are keystone taxa. With ongoing cryosphere loss, the protection of their habitats is likely to be of conservation benefit on the Tibetan Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Liu
- Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam 14473, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14469, Germany
| | - Kathleen R. Stoof-Leichsenring
- Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam 14473, Germany
| | - Lars Harms
- Computing and Data Centre, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven 27570, Germany
| | - Luise Schulte
- Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam 14473, Germany
| | - Steffen Mischke
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík 102, Iceland
| | - Stefan Kruse
- Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam 14473, Germany
| | - Chengjun Zhang
- School of Earth Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 73000, China
| | - Ulrike Herzschuh
- Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam 14473, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14469, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14476, Germany
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Rasray BA, Ahmad R, Lone SA, Islam T, Wani SA, Hussain K, Dar FA, Datt Rai I, Padalia H, Ahmad Khuroo A. Cushions serve as conservation refuges for the Himalayan alpine plant diversity: Implications for nature-based environmental management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 359:120995. [PMID: 38692030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Globally, rapid climate and land-use changes in alpine environments are posing severe risks to their bountiful biodiversity and ecosystem services. Currently, nature-based solutions are fast-emerging as the preferred approach to address the challenges of environmental sustainability. In alpine environments, cushion plants owing to their unique architecture and adaptability offer a potential nature-based system to plan biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration strategies. Here, we employed an analytical framework to test whether and how the cushion plants facilitate the sustenance of alpine plant diversity in Kashmir Himalaya. We specifically aimed to answer: what are the effects of the cushion plants on the patterns of alpine species richness and phylogenetic diversity, and whether these effects vary across spatial scales (local versus landscape), cushion types, and changing elevation. We randomly selected pairs of cushion and neighbouring non-cushion plots (size 100 m2) across 34 different alpine sites in the study region. Within each plot, we randomly laid three 5 m2 quadrats for vegetation sampling, and sampled a total of 204 quadrats in 68 plots with seven cushion types along elevation ranging from 3100 to 3850 m. Our results revealed positive effects of the cushions by supporting a higher community species richness (SR) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). The effects were consistent both at the local (i.e., quadrat) and landscape (i.e., plot) scales, but varied significantly with the cushion type. Interestingly, SR and PD showed an increasing trend with increase in elevation in cushion communities, thereby supporting stress gradient hypothesis. Along the elevational gradient, the cushion communities showed phylogenetic overdispersion, but clustering by non-cushions. Overall, our study provides empirical evidence to reinforce the role of the cushions as conservation refugia for an imperilled alpine plant diversity in the Himalaya. Looking ahead, we highlight the far-reaching implications of our findings in guiding the nature-based environmental management of alpine ecosystems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal A Rasray
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rameez Ahmad
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Showkeen A Lone
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Tajamul Islam
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sajad Ahmad Wani
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Khalid Hussain
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Firdous Ahmad Dar
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ishwari Datt Rai
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Hitendra Padalia
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001, India
| | - Anzar Ahmad Khuroo
- Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar - 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Chen J, Chen X, Qian L, Zhang Y, Li B, Shi H, Sun L, Schöb C, Sun H. Degeneration of foundation cushion species induced by ecological constraints can cause massive changes in alpine plant communities. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:789-802. [PMID: 38057621 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2383-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Foundational cushion plants can re-organize community structures and sustain a prominent proportion of alpine biodiversity, but they are sensitive to climate change. The loss of cushion species can have broad consequences for associated biota. The potential plant community changes with the population dynamics of cushion plants remain, however, unclear. Using eight plant communities along a climatic and community successional gradient, we assessed cushion population dynamics, the underlying ecological constraints and hence associated plant community changes in alpine communities dominated by the foundational cushion plant Arenaria polytrichoides. The population dynamics of Arenaria are attributed to ecological constraints at a series of life history stages. Reproductive functions are constrained by increasing associated beneficiary plants; subsequent seedling establishment is constrained by temperature, water and light availability, extreme climate events, and interspecific competition; strong competitive exclusion may accelerate mortality and degeneration of cushion populations. Along with cushion dynamics, species composition, abundance and community structure gradually change. Once cushion plants completely degenerate, previously cushion-dominated communities shift to relatively stable communities that are overwhelmingly dominated by sedges. Climate warming may accelerate the degeneration process of A. polytrichoides. Degeneration of this foundational cushion plant will possibly induce massive changes in alpine plant communities and hence ecosystem functions in alpine ecosystems. The assessment of the population dynamics of foundation species is critical for an effective conservation of alpine biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Chen
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xufang Chen
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lishen Qian
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yazhou Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Honghua Shi
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Christian Schöb
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, 28933, Spain.
| | - Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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Xu S, Yuan Y, Song P, Cui M, Zhao R, Song X, Cao M, Zhang Y, Yang J. The spatial patterns of diversity and their relationships with environments in rhizosphere microorganisms and host plants differ along elevational gradients. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1079113. [PMID: 36910236 PMCID: PMC9996296 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1079113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Identifying spatial patterns of biodiversity along elevational gradients provides a unified framework for understanding these patterns and predicting ecological responses to climate change. Moreover, microorganisms and plants are closely interconnected (e.g., via the rhizosphere) and thus may share spatial patterns of diversity and show similar relationships with environments. Methods This study compared diversity patterns and relationships with environments in host plants and rhizosphere microorganisms (including various functional groups) along elevational gradients across three climatic zones. Results We found that above-and belowground diversity decreased monotonically or showed a hump-shaped or U-shaped pattern along elevation gradients. However, the diversity patterns of plants, bacteria, and fungi varied depending on the taxon and climatic zone. Temperature and humidity strongly contribute to above-and belowground diversity patterns and community composition along elevational gradients. Nonetheless, soil factors might be important regulators of diversity patterns and the community composition of plants and microorganisms along these gradients. Structural equation modeling revealed that environmental factors had a stronger direct effect on rhizosphere microbial diversity than host plant diversity. Discussion In sum, spatial patterns of diversity and their relationships with environments in rhizosphere microorganisms and their host plants differed at the regional scale. Different functional groups (e.g., pathogen, mycorrhiza and nitrifier) of soil microorganisms may have divergent elevational patterns and environmental responses. These data improve our understanding of elevational diversity patterns, and provide new insights into the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem management, especially under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijia Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China.,School of Ethnic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education of China, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education of China, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Pengfei Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China.,School of Ethnic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education of China, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Mufeng Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China.,School of Ethnic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education of China, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Rensheng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China.,School of Ethnic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education of China, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Min Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Yazhou Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, China
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