Using niche models of indicator species to predict the distribution of xerophytic shrub dune communities
Dune plant assemblages are affected by severe conditions, which makes them excellent models for studying the effects of species interactions and environmental conditions on community structure. We evaluate the relationship between the structure of dune communities, local environmental conditions and...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2016-02-01
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| Series: | Web Ecology |
| Online Access: | http://www.web-ecol.net/16/47/2016/we-16-47-2016.pdf |
| Summary: | Dune plant assemblages are affected by severe conditions, which
makes them excellent models for studying the effects of species interactions
and environmental conditions on community structure. We evaluate the
relationship between the structure of dune communities, local environmental
conditions and the suitability of climatic conditions for their
characteristic species. Using data from an extensive survey of xerophytic
inland sand dune scrub communities from Portugal – one of the most
threatened habitat types of Europe – we identify the main gradients of
vegetation composition, the different types of communities and their
indicator shrub species. Then, we model the geographical responses of these
species to the environment. Soil organic matter, isothermality and the
habitat suitability for <i>Stauracanthus genistoides</i> defined the distribution of three shrub
communities in the study area. |
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| ISSN: | 2193-3081 1399-1183 |