Natural selection on a carbon cycling trait drives ecosystem engineering by Sphagnum (peat moss).

ABSTRACT: Sphagnum peat mosses have an extraordinary impact on the global carbon cycle as they control long-term carbon sequestration in boreal peatland ecosystems. Sphagnum species engineer peatlands, which harbour roughly a quarter of all terrestrial carbon, through peat accumulation by constructing their own niche that allows them to outcompete other plants. Interspecific variation in peat production, largely resulting from differences in tissue decomposability, is hypothesized to drive niche differentiation along microhabitat gradients thereby alleviating competitive pressure. However, little empirical evidence exists for the role of selection in the creation and maintenance of such gradients. In order to document how niche construction and differentiation evolved in Sphagnum

SUBMITTER: Piatkowski BT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8370794 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature