Tree replacement patterns in subalpine Abies-Betula forests,Wolong Natural Reserve,China

Vegetation in canopy gaps of two old-growth Abies-Betula forest stands, one with bamboo the other without, was measured. The structure of gap vegetation at each site was used to derive tree replacement probabilities. Transition probabilities indicate different tree replacement trends in forests with bamboo compared to those without. Projected compositions show Betula to be the most abundant species in bamboo stands while Abies remains most abundant where bamboo was absent. A dense bamboo sward seems to reduce the probability of Abies filling gaps by inhibiting establishment and growth of seedlings. Bamboo preempts space after canopy gap formation by increasing shoot production which reduces opportunities for establishment and growth of other woody species. Differences in dispersal ability and longevity of Abies and Betula appear to be important factors contributing to their coexistence forests with a small canopy gap disturbance regime.     

卧龙自然保护区黑熊种群生存力初步分析

依据黑熊种群的相关参数,借助旋涡软件（Vortex 8.21),对卧龙自然保护区内黑熊的种群动态进行了模拟分析,结果表明：在没有近亲繁殖和食物歉收,人类诱捕等灾害影响的情况下,卧龙黑熊种群数量100年间稳步增长;而在加入近亲繁殖和灾害等因素时,种群数据下降,据此,提出了相应的保护措施和建议。     

Tree regeneration before and after restoration treatments in managed boreal Picea abies stands

Questions: What are the short-term effects of restoration treatments, including fire and/or partial cutting with dead wood creation, on seedling density and distribution among microsites, and do they differ between upland and paludified biotopes? Location: Mature managed Picea abies-dominated stands in southern Finland. Methods: The restoration treatments consisted of four levels of cutting, with and without fire: uncut, low-CWD (partial cutting leaving 50 m³ ha⁻¹ of standing retention trees and 5 m³ ha⁻¹ of down retention trees, DRT), intermediate-CWD (as previous but with 30 m³ ha⁻¹ of DRT), and high-CWD (as previous but with 60 m³ ha⁻¹ of DRT). Results: The cutting treatment alone did not affect seedling density. Fire had an immediate effect, both by itself in upland biotopes (decreasing effect on P. abies density) and in combination with cutting in paludified biotopes (increasing effect on Betula spp. density). The density of other deciduous species (Sorbus aucuparia, Populus tremula, and Salix spp.) was not affected. Before treatments, seedlings grew predominantly on level ground and mounds. After treatments, more Betula, but fewer P. abies and other deciduous species, grew on these microsites. More Betula and other deciduous species grew next to CWD and under a fallen crown; more P. abies grew under a fallen crown in unburned stands. Conclusion: The post-treatment tree seedling density and distribution among microsites can be affected by restoration treatments. However, knowledge of local site characteristics and their interaction with different restoration treatments is needed to achieve the goals set for restoration at the stand and landscape levels.     

On the definition of ecological species groups in tropical rain forests

The species richness of tropical rain forests creates difficulties for ecological analysis. It may usefully be simplified by defining ecological species groups whose members share characteristics of importance for determining forest structure and composition. Many such classifications have been published, but few are properly explained. The terminology is confused from lack of precise definitions. We propose a simple division of tree species into two groups or guilds, pioneer and non-pioneer (or climax), based on seed germination and seedling establishment. Within each guild there is continuous variation and we recommend arbitrary subdivision by height at maturity. We believe this classification to be applicable in all tropical rain forests.Abbreviations TRF = tropical rain forest(s) - LHW = light hardwood species - HHW = heavy hardwood species     

卧龙亚高山暗针叶林不同林冠环境下华西箭竹分株种群结构特征

详细调查了林下、中林窗、大林窗和林缘旷地等4种亚高山暗针叶林林冠环境下的华西箭竹（Fargesia nitida）分株种群,对其表现结构（株高、基径和生物量）和年龄结构进行了较系统的对比研究.主要研究结果如下：（1）分株水平上,华西箭竹表现结构在4种林冠环境下均有极显著差异（p＜0.01）,且随林冠郁闭度的减小,分株个体的高度、基径和生物量有递增的趋势（林下＜中林窗＜大林窗）;（2）分株各构件在总生物量中所占比例随林冠环境变化而改变：除林缘旷地外,叶的生物量百分比与林冠郁闭度呈正相关.林缘旷地中,地下茎和根系的生物量百分比均高于其余3种环境;（3）不同林冠环境下分株单位叶面积叶重存在显著差异（p＜0.05）,且随林冠郁闭度的减小而增大.单叶生物量和单叶面积均以中林窗最大,林缘旷地次之,二者与大林窗或林下均有显著差异（p＜0.05）.华西箭竹的单株叶片数量以大林窗最大,与其余3种环境有极显著差异（p＜0.01）;（4）分株种群的死亡率以林下最低（P＜0.01）,但各种群平均年龄间无显著差异（p＞0.05）.可见,华西箭竹分株种群对林冠环境变化的反应主要体现在形态和生物量分配上,而非种群的年龄上.     

Short‐term changes affecting regeneration of Fagus crenata after the simultaneous death of Sasa kurilensis

Abstract. Question: The aim of the present study is to determine whether seed/seedling predation will increase and Fagus survival will decline with the recovery of the Sasa cover. Methods: We examined Fagus crenata regeneration for seven years in an old‐growth Fagus‐Sasa forest near Lake Towada, northern Japan, by examining the effects of simultaneous death of Sasa, tree canopy gap formation, mast seeding of Fagus and seed and seedling predation by rodents on the survival of Fagus seeds and current year seedlings. We established four types of sites differing in forest canopy (closed or gap) and Sasa status (dead or alive) following the simultaneous flowering and death of Sasa kurilensis (dwarf bamboo) in 1995. Results: Fallen Fagus seed was abundant in 1997 and 2000 (mast years). In sites with alive Sasa, survival from the first growing season was low due to high seed and seedling predation. In sites with dead Sasa, seed survival under the canopy was high for both mast years, but in gaps it varied between years. Seedling survival was highest in canopy gaps with dead Sasa (gap‐dead) in 1998, because of higher light levels and lower predation by rodents. However, seedling survival in these plots was low in 2001, apparently because rapid Sasa recovery favoured rodent predation. In both mast years, Sasa die‐back had significant positive effects on seed and seedling survival under closed canopies because the seedlings there were more successful in escaping predation. Conclusion: The change in successful sites for the early stage of regeneration of Fagus appears to reflect the combined effects of canopy gap, seed/seedling predation and revegetation of Sasa.     

Canopy cover and tree regeneration in old-growth cove forests of the Appalachian Mountains

Relationships between canopy cover and tree regeneration were determined for various species in cove forests of the Great Smoky Mountains. Old-growth stands were sampled with six plots covering a total area of 4.8 ha. Each plot was subdivided into contiguous 10×10 m quadrats. Canopy cover overlying each of the 480 quadrats was characterized with three different indices based on visual estimates of cover. Influences of: (1) overlying cover, (2) proximate openings, and (3) total area of proximate openings on quadrat regeneration densities were determined. Most species reproducing by seed and some species reproducing by vegetative means had higher densities in quadrats with openings, but only the intolerants were highly dependent on gaps. Tsuga canadensis, a very shade-tolerant species, was one of the few species with abundant regeneration beneath dense canopy cover. In general, understory areas near gaps had somewhat higher regeneration densities than other areas with overlying cover. Several shade-tolerant species showed a positive regeneration density response to canopy openings and an ability to regenerate in gaps 0.01–0.03 ha in area. These openings were too small for intolerant species. Many species exhibited a positive response to total size of the proximate opening(s). A sharp increase in regeneration density with area of the opening(s) was evident at approximately 0.04 ha for the shade-intolerant species.     

Gap formation and regeneration of tropical mangrove forests in Ranong,Thailand

Tropical mangrove forests are characterized by clear zonation along a tidal gradient, and it has been supposed that the zonation is primarily controlled by soil factors. However, effects of disturbance on mangrove forests are still not well understood and may play an important role on the vegetation patterns and forest dynamics in some forest formations. In this study, the pattern of disturbance regime and its effects on regeneration of tropical mangrove forests along a tidal gradient were investigated in Ranong, Thailand. We established one or two 0.5 ha plots in four vegetation zones, i.e. Sonneratia alba–Avicennia alba zone, Rhizophora apiculata zone, Ra – Bruguiera gymnorrhiza zone, Ceriops tagal–Xylocarpus spp. zone. Gap size (percentage gap area to total study area and individual gap size) was the largest in Sa–Aa zone which is located on the most seaward fringe, and it declined from seaward to inland. Canopy trees of S. alba and A. alba had stunted trunks and showed low tree density. On the contrary, canopy dominants in the other three inland zones, e.g. R. apiculata, B. gymnorrhiza, and Xylocarpus spp., had slender trunks and showed high tree density. Accordingly, differences in disturbance regime among the four zones were resulted from the forest structural features of each zone. Disturbance regime matched with regeneration strategies of canopy dominants. Seedlings and saplings of S. alba and A. alba, which need sunny condition for their growth, were abundant in gaps than in understorey. By contrast, R. apiculata, B. gymnorrhiza, and Xylocarpus spp., which can tolerate less light than S. alba and A. alba, had greater seedling and sapling density under closed canopy than gaps. Many large gaps may enhance the abundance of S. alba and A. alba in Sa–Aa zone, and a few small gaps may prevent the light demanding species to establish and grow in the other inland zones. Correspondence of disturbance regime and regeneration strategies (e.g. light requirement) of canopy dominants may contribute to the maintenance of the present species composition in each of the vegetation zones.     

野化培训大熊猫采食和人为砍伐对拐棍竹无性系种群更新的影响

亚高山竹类占据着野生大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)食物组分的99%,竹子的生命周期与大熊猫的生活史密切相关,竹子的更新和生长直接影响着大熊猫的生存与保护.为了弄清大熊猫的采食利用和人为砍伐是否促进或制约竹子的繁殖更新,应用样方法、定位观察法,连续研究了卧龙自然保护区大熊猫栖息地内野化培训大熊猫采食、人为砍伐和对照样方中拐棍竹无性系种群的更新动态.结果表明,在相同种群数量和环境条件的基础上(p>0.05),被大熊猫采食竹子的比例为67.07%,致死率29.07%;人为砍伐竹子的比例为65.67%,致死率46.68%,可见与大熊猫采食相比,砍伐更为影响拐棍竹种群的生存.从出笋数量来看,不同处理方式有利于拐棍竹无性系种群的更新(p<0.05),尤其是人为砍伐措施大大提高了竹子的出笋率,但人为砍伐样方的竹笋质量(地径和株高生长)却远低于大熊猫采食和对照样方,未能达到大熊猫觅食的选择利用标准.不同年份之间,各种处理方式下的拐棍竹出笋数量波动较大(p=0.006～0.035),并随着恢复时间的延长,逐渐趋于相似(2007,p=0 825).不同处理方式之间,拐棍竹无性系种群的年补充率,各年份均具有显著性差异(p<0.05,除2007年外),年死亡率仅2003年和2004年有明显的差异(p<0.05),2005～2007年均不显著(p>0.05).拐棍竹无性系种群的年补充率与年死亡率之间表现出年补充率﹥年死亡率的格局(p<0.05),唯有大熊猫采食样方的2004年和2005年、人为砍伐和对照样方的2005年的年死亡率略高于年补充率(p>0.05),这表明拐棍竹无性系种群对大熊猫采食和人为砍伐具有无性系整合的补偿效应.     

Regeneration of seven indigenous tree species in a dry Afromontane forest,southern Ethiopia

Regeneration of seven indigenous tree species having significant ecological and economic importance was investigated in the Munessa-Shashemene dry Afromontane forest (MSF), southern Ethiopia. Densities and distributions of seedlings, saplings and trees were assessed along gradients of altitude, light and disturbance using quadrat sizes of 10×5 m (for seedlings) and 20×20 m (saplings and trees) following line transects. The number of individuals, frequency and height of the study species were recorded in the quadrats at every 100 m drop in altitude. Seedling densities varied markedly among the species and altitudes. Mean densities (number of individuals ha⁻¹) of seedlings ranged from zero (Polyscias fulva) to 5334 (Prunus africana), and from three (Polyscias fulva) to 102 (Podocarpus falcatus) for trees and saplings. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that seedlings of Celtis africana and Croton macrostachyus were highly favored by disturbance and, hence, were concentrated in canopy gaps within the forest. Based on their population structures, the study species could be categorized into three groups: (1) Species that showed the highest proportion of individuals in the lowest height class and with a gradual decrease towards the upper height classes, which suggests good regeneration; Podocarpus falcatus, C. africana, C. macrostachys and P. africana belonged to this group. (2) Species that showed higher proportions of individuals in the lowest height class and with missing individuals in the subsequent middle height classes, indicative of hampered regeneration; Syzygium guineense and Pouteria adolfi-friederici belonged to this group. (3) Species with no individuals in the lowest and middle height classes but represented by individuals in upper height classes; P. fulva belonged to this group. The species categorized in the last two groups exhibited hampered regeneration, and P. fulva is in the verge of local extermination. High seedling densities (e.g. C. africana and P. africana) and/or adaptive defense mechanisms to herbivory (e.g. P. falcatus and C. macrostachyus) were common attributes of species, which exhibited good regeneration. Regeneration problems were largely attributed to human disturbance, lack of suitable habitat for seed germination or problems associated to seed set (seed predation or abortion). Our study indicated that P. fulva, P. adolfi-friederici and S. guineense require the highest immediate attention for conservation in the MSF.     

Canopy disturbance patterns and regeneration of Quercus species in two Ohio old-growth forests

This study was conducted to determine the abundance of Quercus species, the spatial pattern of Quercus regeneration, the current canopy disturbance pattern, and their interrelationship in two old-growth deciduous forests in Ohio (Goll Woods and Sears-Carmean Woods). Acer saccharum and Fagus grandifolia had the greatest density and basal area in both forests, yet the largest trees (by basal area) present at each site were Quercus spp. Quercus spp. appeared to be decreasing in abundance in both sites. Though Quercus seedlings were common, few Quercus saplings or subcanopy trees were present. The current disturbance regimes were dominated by small canopy gaps created by death of 1–2 trees; canopy gaps 100 m² in size were rare and only 2.5–2.8% of the forest area was covered by recognizable canopy gaps. No significant differences in the density of Quercus seedlings or saplings were found between gaps and non-gap areas at either site. Though no significant barrier to seedling establishment appeared to exist, the present disturbance regimes are not well suited for the growth of Quercus into the subcanopy size class or the recruitment of Quercus into the canopy. The most frequent gapmakers in Goll Woods were Tilia americana and Acer saccharum, and those in Sears-Carmean Woods were A. saccharum and F. grandifolia. The species most frequent as gap fillers were A. saccharum (in both sites) and F. grandifolia (in Goll Woods). These results suggest that A. saccharum will continue to increase in abundance, and Quercus decrease in abundance, in these two old-growth stands.     

Gap regeneration of shade-intolerant Larix gmelini in old-growth boreal forests of northeastern China

Abstract. Stand mapping and vertical and oblique tree crown projections were used to study gap characteristics and gap effects on the regeneration and stand development of Larix gmelini. The hypothesis is that waves of advance Larix regeneration are recruited into the canopy layer following the creation of canopy openings. In old-growth Larix forests of the northern Da Xingan Ling Mts., at 52 °N, obliquely projected gaps (OPG) begin at a distance of 60 - 80% of the canopy tree height from the southernmost stems bordering the gap and thus the OPGs may extend beyond the northern boundaries of the vertically projected gaps (VPG). Changes in the environment and resource availability in the OPG result in increased Larix sapling survival. Due to a greater incidence of light, 10 - 30 yr old OPG saplings were more abundant than saplings in either a near-oblique projected gap (NOPG) or in the shadow of obliquely projected crowns (SOPC). The survival of saplings more than 30-yr old was highest when they were found in the OPG of one canopy opening and the VPG of another. This means that, following recruitment into an OPG, saplings then require the space found in a VPG to permit growth into the canopy. Thus, various-sized gaps contribute to the survival of different aged saplings by increasing the complexity of stand structure. Although individuals may regenerate in an OPG, successful recruitment into the canopy requires the available growing space of a VPG. This research suggests that shade intolerant Larix gmelini can maintain its canopy dominance without fire via gap regeneration.     

Tree diversity promotes predator but not omnivore ants in a subtropical Chinese forest

1. Epigeic ants are functionally important arthropods in tropical and subtropical forests, particularly by acting as predators. High predation pressure has been hypothesised to be a mechanism facilitating high diversity across trophic levels. 2. In this study, standardised pitfall traps were used in a highly diverse subtropical forest to test if and how ant species richness is related to tree species richness and a comprehensive set of other environmental variables such as successional age, soil properties or elevation. 3. A total of 13 441 ant individuals belonging to 3839 species occurrences and 71 species were collected, of which 26 species were exclusive predators and 45 species were omnivores. 4. Occurrence and species richness of total and omnivore ants were positively related to soil pH. Predator ant occurrence was unrelated to all environmental variables tested. 5. The species richness of predator ants increased with tree species richness but decreased with leaf functional diversity and shrub cover. Elevation negatively influenced only total ant species richness. 6. The evenness of predators increased with tree species richness, while the evenness of all ants decreased with shrub cover. Omnivore ant evenness decreased with tree evenness, but increased with successional age. 7. The results highlight the value of diverse forests in maintaining species richness and community evenness of a functionally important predator group. Moreover, the results stress the importance of analysing trophic groups separately when investigating biodiversity effects.     

Tree regeneration responses in a lowland Nothofagus-dominated forest after bamboo dieback in South-Central Chile

The bamboo Chusquea quila (Poaceae:Bambuseae) is the most abundant understory species ofNothofagus-dominated forests at low elevations inthe Chilean Lake District. Species of this genus strongly inhibit theestablishment and growth of tree species, especially those of the genusNothofagus. At intervals of many years, this bambooflowerssynchronously and dies, creating large-scale disturbances. The mainobjective of this study was to determine the influence of bamboo dieback ontreeregeneration, especially of shade-intolerant species. The forest studiedis a remnant stand of old-growth forest dominated by emergent individualsof N. obliqua and Eucryphiacordifoliawhich project about 10 m above a main canopy formed byAextoxicon punctatum, Laureliaphilippiana, and Podocarpus saligna. Treeseedlings that established prior to bamboo dieback were recorded in six gapsdensely covered by bamboo. After the dieback event in the early 1990's,recruitment, height growth and survivorship were monitored in four gaps duringtwo growing seasons. After the synchronous mass flowering and death ofChusqueaquila, both reorganization of advance regeneration and new seedlingrecruitment were observed in gaps. The advance regeneration consisted mainly ofthe shade-tolerant species A. punctatum,L. philippiana, and Amomyrtus luma.These species together with E. cordifolia accounted forover 90% of the total individuals in gaps. During the following twoseasons, c. 40% of the advance regeneration either died or was damaged.Root suckers of E. cordifolia and L.philippiana were taller and grew faster than the seedlings of otherspecies. Nothofagus obliqua was unable to establishadvanceregeneration in gaps formerly dominated by bamboo. New recruitment resulted inthe synchronized establishment of treeseedlings, especially less shade-tolerant species such as N.obliqua, Aristotelia chilensis,Rhaphithamnus spinosus, and E.cordifolia. These species recruited into the gaps almost entirelyduring the first season right after the bamboo dieback. However, by the end ofthe second season, these species had a lower density due to a combination oflower recruitment rate, shortened recruitment period, and greater mortalityratecompared to the shade-tolerant species. New bamboo seedlings grew fasterand were more abundant than tree seedlings, except for root suckers (bothnew establishment and advance regeneration) of E.cordifolia which is more likely to successfully recruit into thecanopy. Seedlings of N. obliqua compete poorly with bambooseedlings; its successful recruitment may require bamboo flowering coincidentwith a mast seed year for the tree species.     

中亚热带常绿阔叶林不同演替阶段碳储量与格局特征

研究了湖南鹰嘴界自然保护区内马尾松(Pinus massoniana)林、马尾松阔叶树混交林和常绿阔叶林这3种处于不同演替阶段森林类型的碳储量及时空分布格局.结果表明:3种类型森林生态系统碳储量分别为182.86、179.84和229.12 Mg C·hm-2,其中乔木层占59.57％ -67.88％,随森林进展演替增加,乔木层是生态系统碳储量主要贡献者,且各林分均以树干占乔术层碳储量比例最大;土壤层占31.05％～ 36.55％,碳储量随演替进展而增加,但对森林生态系统碳储量贡献率减小;林下植被和凋落物层分别占0.41％ ～3.04％和0.65％ ～2.53％,均随演替进展而减少,对生态系统碳储量贡献微弱;演替过程中生物量碳与土壤碳储量比为1.96、1.69和2.20,生物量碳在生态系统碳储量中所占比例呈增加趋势.可见在常绿阔叶林分布区,实施近自然林经营,模拟常绿阔叶林结构,是提升该区域森林碳汇能力的重要途径.     

广东南澳岛不同森林群落的林窗环境对移植树苗生长的影响

在广东南澳岛四个森林群落内移植了大叶相思（Acacia auriculaeformis),尾叶桉（Eucalyptus urophylla)和荷木（Schima superba)三种树苗,通过测定群落内林窗和非林窗生境中的叶面积指数,透光率和幼苗的生长高度,观察林窗环境对移植树苗生长的影响。结果表明：林窗的叶面积指数比非林窗的小;林窗的透光率大于非林窗;各群落的叶面积指数和爱光率有季节性的变化,变化幅度各不同,三种幼苗在林窗内比非林窗的乔木层下生长快;大叶相思和尾叶桉幼苗在林窗内的高度增长量显著大于非林窗下的,荷木虽也存在差异,但不如前两者显著。这些结果反映了不同生态特性的树种对林窗的反应不同。     

Structure of primary Japanese beech (Fagus japonica maxim.) forests in the Chichibu Mountains,central Japan,with special reference to regeneration processes

The floristic composition, structure and dynamics of three primaryFagus japonica stands were investigated in the Chichibu Mountains.F. japonica was dominant [RD(%): 64.9–87.0] and showed a slightly inverse J-shaped DBH class distribution in the quadrats [No. of canopy stems (H>20m): 87–138/ha]. The stems ofF. japonica for each size were distributed in the form of colonies, being scattered almost uniformly, and arranged in positive association with each other. Detailed examination of the bases of the stem groups forming colonies revealed that most of them originated from the bases of dead mother stems and that they were from common stools [No. of large stems (H>10 m) per stool: 6–11]. Among six major canopy gaps observed, only one included stems sprouting from the outer part ofF. japonica stools, while all the others were occupied by individuals of species other thanF. japonica. After tree-fall, several undercanopyF. japonica stems remained. Thus canopy gaps in these forest stands recovered through the sprouting of remainingF. japonica stools or by new sprouting ofF. japonica individuals adjacent to the gaps. However, it was considered difficult to fill canopy gaps only with sprouts when the distance between the center of a gap and that of a stool surpasses the crown vector. Such places that are not fully occupied by sprouts will be filled by individuals of other canopy and/or under-canopy species.     

The structure and dynamics of Abies magnifica forests in the southern Cascade Range,USA

Abies magnifica (Red fir) forests in the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada of California are composed of groups, or patches, of even-sized individuals that form structurally complex stands. Patches may be even-aged, resulting from synchronous post-disturbance establishment, or multi-aged, reflecting continuous recruitment of seedlings moderately tolerant of shade. We analyze the population structure (i.e. age, size, and spatial patterning) of A magnifica, and associated A concolor, White fir, and reconstruct the disturbance history of two mature to old-growth A. magnifica forests in order to determine the relationship between disturbance and forest structure. Within both stands examined, the distributions of A. magnifica seedlings, saplings, and small understory trees were clumped, with clump sizes corresponding to the area of canopy gaps. Gaps were created by frequent wildfire (mean fire return interval of 41 yr) and by windstorms. Severe fire initiated mass establishment of Abies magnifica, whereas gaps created by windthrowreleasedalreadyestablishedindividuals. Lowinten-sity fire stimulated little recruitment, but Red fir established continuously during fire-free intervals. Thus, the complex age and structures of Red fir forests reflect both episodic and continuous recruitment, as determined by the type and severity of natural disturbance.     

Plant traits affecting herbivory on tree recruits in highly diverse subtropical forests

Differences in herbivory among woody species can greatly affect the functioning of forest ecosystems, particularly in species-rich (sub)tropical regions. However, the relative importance of the different plant traits which determine herbivore damage remains unclear. Defence traits can have strong effects on herbivory, but rarely studied geographical range characteristics could complement these effects through evolutionary associations with herbivores. Herein, we use a large number of morphological, chemical, phylogenetic and biogeographical characteristics to analyse interspecific differences in herbivory on tree saplings in subtropical China. Unexpectedly, we found no significant effects of chemical defence traits. Rather, herbivory was related to the plants' leaf morphology, local abundance and climatic niche characteristics, which together explained 70% of the interspecific variation in herbivory in phylogenetic regression. Our study indicates that besides defence traits and apparency to herbivores, previously neglected measures of large-scale geographical host distribution are important factors influencing local herbivory patterns among plant species.     

特大冰冻灾害后大明山常绿阔叶林结构及物种多样性动态

2008年1月,在我国南方发生了百年一遇的特大冰冻灾害,有19个省区和1765万hm²森林受灾。虽然此种规模的干扰相对稀少,但它为研究冰冻干扰对亚热带森林生态系统的组成、结构和演替的短期和长期影响提供了一次绝好的机会。在大明山国家级自然保护区中山区,建立了3.2hm²的固定样地,包含80个20m×20m样方,分别于2009年和2010年对样方内胸径≥1cm的木本植物的胸径进行测定,将受损林木分为折干、翻蔸和死亡3类,同时测定每个样方的冠层结构。结果表明:2008年的特大冰冻灾害对大明山常绿阔叶林造成严重影响,2009年胸径≥1cm的木本植物受灾率达51.8%;2010年死亡的个体数达776株,是2009年的6.75倍;个体较小的林木(胸径为2-6cm以下)比个体较大的林木受损更严重,其折干、翻蔸和死亡的个体数分别占2010年折干、翻蔸和死亡个体总数的68.18%、54.29%和83.51%;常绿阔叶林林冠有很强的恢复能力,2010年森林的叶面积指数比2009年提高55.4%;2010年森林群落的个体数、物种丰富度、Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数显著增加 (P=0.018-0.000, df=79),分别比2009年提高14.96%、10.05%、3.89%和1.13%;群落优势种(云贵山茉莉、罗浮槭)个体的大量死亡将影响着群落的稳定性。