Spatial scale-dependent phylogenetic signal in species distributions along geographic and elevation gradients in a mountainous rangeland.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms determining community phylogenetic structure range from local ecological mechanisms to broad biogeographical processes. How these community assembly processes determine phylogenetic structure and patterns in rangeland communities across multiple spatial scales is still poorly understood. We sought to determine whether the structure of herbaceous and shrub assemblages along local environmental gradients (elevation) and broad geography (latitude) exhibited phylogenetic signal at different spatial scales, across 2,500 ha of a mountainous rangeland. We analyzed species distribution and phylogenetic data at two spatial scales: the community level (1 m² sample units obtained by stratified random sampling) and the habitat level (plant assemblages identified categorically

SUBMITTER: Pashirzad M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6238123 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature