Forest patch dynamics initiated by disturbance: distribution pattern of Larix chinensis (Bessen) patches along the altitudinal gradient in relation to light and temperature conditions (Qinling Mts. China)

• Autorzy: Duan R.-Y. , Huang M.-Y. , Wang X.-A.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

According to the theory of forest growth cycle, forest communities are dynamic mosaic systems composed of patches in different development stages. On basis of measurement of the four patch types [gap phase (G), building phase (B), mature phase (M) and degenerate phase (D)], the distribution pattern of different patch types and heterogeneity of the light and temperature along an altitudinal gradient were analyzed. The study forests were located in Larix chinensis forests in the Taibai Natural Reserve, and the whole forest was divided into three transects, i.e. low altitude (2900–3000 m a.s.l.), middle altitude (3100–3200 m a.s.l.) and high altitude (3300–3400 m a.s.l.). The implications of environmental heterogeneity on species coexistence and maintenance of species diversity were discussed in this paper. Our results were as follows: (1) In different elevation gradient, the proportions of the four patch types were different. Compared with low elevation and high elevation, in middle elevation, the proportions of gap phase and building phase were obviously lower; while the proportions of mature phase and degenerate phase were noticeably higher. In different elevation gradient, the distribution pattern of the four patch types was changed to some extent. (2) The daily change patterns of light and temperature in different patch types in forest cycle were different. The light intensity was much greater in gap phase than in the other three phases. The light intensity and its amplitude of changes in different patch types followed the order of G>D>B≥M. Air temperature in different patch types followed the order of G>B>D≥M. The amplitude of diurnal temperature changes in air and soil surface followed the order of G>D>B>M. (3) With elevation increasing, light intensity, the biggest air temperature, biggest soil temperature and temperature difference in four patch phase increased significantly, and average air temperature and average soil temperature significantly decreased. The spatio-temporal heterogeneity of ecological factors in different patch types in forest cycle provided a basis to maintain the coexistence of different species with different characteristics within forest community.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

forest; forest community; growth cycle; patch dynamics; distribution pattern; Larix chinensis; altitudinal gradient; light; temperature condition; ecological factor; coexistence; Qinling Mountains

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Polish Journal of Ecology
• Rocznik: 2013
• Tom: 61
• Numer: 2
• Opis fizyczny: p.271-281,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Duan R.-Y.

• School of Life Science, Anqing Teachers College, Anqing, Anhui 246011, PR China

autor

Huang M.-Y.

• School of Life Science, Anqing Teachers College, Anqing, Anhui 246011, PR China

autor

Wang X.-A.

• College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, PR China

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