Biogeochemical and Ecomorphological Niche Segregation of Mediterranean Woody Species along a Local Gradient.

ABSTRACT: According with niche theory the species are specialized in different ecological niches, being able to coexist as result of a differential use of resources. In this context, the biogeochemical niche hypothesis proposes that species have an optimal elemental composition which results from the link between the chemical and morphological traits for the optimum plant functioning. Thus, and attending to the limiting similarity concept, different elemental composition and plant structure among co-occurring species may reduce competition, promoting different functional niches. Different functional habits associated with leaf life-span or growth forms are associated with different strategies for resource uptake, which could promote niche partitioning. In the present study, based on the biogeochemic

SUBMITTER: de la Riva EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5515866 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature