Abstract
Functional traits are important drivers of successional
processes and the assembly of plant communities. It is generally
assumed that functional traits are closely linked to the regeneration
niche because of the high selection pressures in the seedling stage,
but recent studies have challenged this view. In this study, I use cross
species and phylogenetic correlation analysis between leaf traits and
light environment to evaluate whether species are adapted to the
regeneration niche, adult niche, or both. Leaf chemistry, morphology,
physiology, and crown exposure were quantified for up to 58 Bolivian
tropical moist forest tree species that differ in their regeneration and
adult light niche. Multiple regression analysis shows that leaf traits
of seedlings, saplings, and trees are most strongly related to the
regeneration niche, and once this is taken into account, adult niche
does not significantly explain any of the remaining variation in leaf
traits. This suggests that, although the regeneration phase is short,
it has a long-lasting effect on the form and shape of plant species.
Keywords: adaptation, functional traits, light, maximal size, tropical
rain forest, regeneration.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 433-442 |
Journal | American Naturalist |
Volume | 169 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Keywords
- rain-forest
- leaf traits
- successional status
- field-measurements
- functional-groups
- plant succession
- life-history
- trees
- height
- light