Plant trait networks reveal adaptation strategies in the drylands of China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plants accomplish multiple functions by the interrelationships between functional traits. Clarifying the complex relationships between plant traits would enable us to better understand how plants employ different strategies to adapt to the environment. Although increasing attention is being paid to plant traits, few studies focused on the adaptation to aridity through the relationship among multiple traits. We established plant trait networks (PTNs) to explore the interdependence of sixteen plant traits across drylands.

Results

Our results revealed significant differences in PTNs among different plant life-forms and different levels of aridity. Trait relationships for woody plants were weaker, but were more modularized than for herbs. Woody plants were more connec

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10197480 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature