Leaf functional diversity and environmental filtering in a tropical dry forest: Comparison between two geological substrates.

ABSTRACT: The role of geological substrate in shaping plant community functional diversity remains poorly understood. Considering the involvement of leaves in the energy, water, and nutrient economics of plants, we hypothesized that leaves experience geology-related filtering, which in turn shapes their functional attributes and community leaf functional diversity on different substrates. We studied tropical dry forest communities on limestone and siliciclastic phyllite-derived soils, comparing their functional diversity and soil physico-chemical properties. We predicted the most benign habitat (less severe filter) to be associated with higher leaf functional diversity and an acquisitive strategy prevalence, while the more stressful habitat should show conservative leaf traits and lower leaf functio

SUBMITTER: Sandoval-Granillo V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10480066 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature