Integrating the effects of latitude and altitude on the spatial differentiation of plant community diversity in a mountainous ecosystem in China.

ABSTRACT: Varying patterns of plant community diversity along geographical gradients are a significant topic in biodiversity research. Here, to explore the integrated effects of latitude and altitude on the plant community diversity in a mountainous ecosystem, we set Guancen Mountain in the northern section, Guandi Mountain in the middle section, and Wulu Mountain in the southern section of the Lvliang Mountains as study areas, and the plant community diversity (basal diameter and height of tree and species diversity indices of shrub and herb) was measured horizontally at different latitude gradients and vertically at different altitude gradients in late July 2015. The results showed that (1) the trees were taller and wider at the middle latitude and higher altitude with a stronger spatial heterogen

SUBMITTER: Xu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5360330 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature