The combined effect of surface water and groundwater on environmental heterogeneity reveals the basis of beta diversity pattern in desert oasis communities.

ABSTRACT: Beta diversity indicates the species turnover with respect to a particular environmental gradient. It is crucial for understanding biodiversity maintenance mechanisms and for prescribing conservation measures. In this study, we aimed to reveal the drivers of beta diversity patterns in desert hinterland oasis communities by establishing three types of surface water disturbance and groundwater depth gradients. The results indicated that the dominant factor driving the beta diversity pattern within the same gradient shifted from soil organic matter to pH, as groundwater depth became shallower and surface water disturbance increased. Among the different gradients, surface water disturbance can have important effects on communities where original water resource conditions are extremely scarce.

SUBMITTER: Shi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9794059 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature