Within-individual leaf trait response to local light availability and biodiversity in a subtropical forest experiment.

ABSTRACT: Leaf traits are important indicators of ecosystem functions. Trait values can vary widely between species, and a considerable amount of variation also occurs within species. However, within-individual variation is often neglected due to the limitations of traditional measurement tools. Many leaf trait values respond to light availability, which, in turn, is affected by the surrounding vegetation. Additionally, there is a strong within-individual light gradient, especially in tree canopies. In the BEF-China (Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning China) subtropical forest plantation, we analyzed how leaf trait values respond to light availability and neighboring tree species richness at the within-individual level. We sampled across the vertical light gradient formed by neighboring trees plante

SUBMITTER: Proß T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12272144 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature