菌根共生网络嵌套性判定的零模型选择

零模型是判定网络嵌套性的重要依据,菌根共生关系网络经常出现高度非对称性,该文通过探究矩阵非对称变化对基于不同零模型构建方法的网络嵌套性的影响,试图为非对称网络零模型的选择提供依据。结果表明:不同零模型保守性不同,增加限定条件减少零模型构建过程中的自由空间,高度限定条件易导致第II类错误。高度非对称网络会增加基于完全随机(r00)零模型的矩阵温度(NT)偏离、降低配对重叠度(NODF)偏离,标准化指数z-score值显示网络非对称增加后有助于NT和NODF显著性判定。行或列限定对非对称网络嵌套性判定的影响存在差异,列限定(c0)的网络嵌套性判定对网络非对称性变化的响应规律与r00零模型的响应趋势基本一致,具有更低的嵌套性偏离和标准差值。行限定(r0,包括行列限定(backtrack))零模型NT值和NT偏移随矩阵非对称性的变化保持稳定,较之c0零模型在高度非对称网络中呈现更低的NODF偏离值。选用完全随机和限定零模型相结合的方法,有助于更加准确判断非对称网络是否具有嵌套结构。高度非对称网络嵌套性判定中对行属性特征比较敏感,不同非对称性网络间嵌套性水平相比较时选用r0零模型要优于r00和c0零模型。     

三江平原沼泽湿地4种优势植物空间格局对不同水位环境的响应

水文过程是沼泽湿地最基本的生态过程, 理解物种空间格局形成机制及其种群特征随水位环境变化的规律对于科学指导沼泽湿地植被恢复具有重要意义。本研究分别选择三江平原季节性积水与常年积水沼泽, 应用点格局方法中的完全空间随机模型、泊松聚块模型和嵌套双聚块模型分析了毛薹草(Carex lasiocarpa)、漂筏薹草(C. pseudocuraica)、狭叶甜茅(Glyceria spiculosa)、小叶章(Deyeuxia angustifolia) 4个主要优势植物种群的空间格局, 并测定了不同水位环境条件下的种群密度和个体大小特征。结果表明: 在沼泽湿地中, 4个优势种群在0-200 cm的尺度范围内都偏离了完全随机模型, 表现为集体性聚集分布特征, 且聚集距离主要集中在0-50 cm之间。随着水位的升高, 毛薹草种群密度、个体生物量、株高和基径都呈显著增大趋势, 但其聚集强度变弱; 而小叶章种群密度和个体大小则显著降低, 其聚集强度增大; 漂筏薹草和狭叶甜茅种群密度、个体大小和聚集强度变化并不显著。在季节性积水区, 4个物种在小尺度上均偏离了泊松聚块模型, 符合嵌套双聚块模型, 即在大聚块中分布较高密度的小聚块。但是, 在常年积水区, 仅毛薹草、漂筏薹草和狭叶甜茅3个物种符合嵌套双聚块模型, 而小叶章种群则符合泊松聚块模型, 说明在高水位胁迫下小叶章种群空间格局的大聚块中不存在较高密度的小聚块。综上所述,水位环境胁迫主要通过影响繁殖分配、种内竞争、易化作用以及个体大小变异等生物学过程共同决定着三江平原淡水沼泽湿地植物种群的斑块化分布特征, 不同零模型可以帮助解释种群空间分布格局的形成机制。     

基于不同零模型的三江平原沼泽湿地主要物种小尺度点格局分析

在三江平原沼泽湿地,基于不同零模型的点格局方法,研究了常年积水环境条件下沼泽湿地主要优势种毛苔草、漂筏苔草、狭叶甜茅以及小叶章种群的空间分布格局特征。结果表明:在0—200cm尺度范围内4种物种基本都偏离完全随机模型,表现为聚集分布,但偏离的程度不同;除了数量最少的小叶章种群外,其他3种物种都在一定尺度上偏离了泊松聚块模型;毛苔草和狭叶甜茅种群在极小尺度上偏离嵌套双聚块模型,但不显著,而漂筏苔草种群在所有尺度上符合嵌套双聚块模型。种群的实测值偏离完全随机模型的程度越大,越有可能符合符合泊松聚块模型,偏离泊松聚块模型的程度越大,越有可能符合嵌套双聚块模型。4种物种在0—200cm尺度范围内形成的聚块是由营养繁殖引起的,多个分株系统组成大聚块,而每个分株系统形成一个小聚块,聚块的形成加剧了种内竞争,使得种群的聚集强度降低。     

垂叶榕榕小蜂群落及种间互作网络季节动态

群落中的物种相互作用构成了复杂的生态网络。有关物种的数量和组成的季节性动态变化已有较多的研究, 但是对于生态网络的动态变化知之甚少。揭示生态网络的动态变化对于理解群落的稳定性以及群落的动态变化过程和机理具有重要意义。本研究以垂叶榕(Ficus benjamina)榕小蜂群落为研究对象, 分别在西双版纳的干季和雨季采集了榕小蜂的种类和数量信息。比较了两个季节榕小蜂群落的动态变化以及共存网络的参数(例如网路直径、连接数、嵌套性和群落矩阵温度)变化。结果显示: 雨季榕果内传粉榕小蜂Eupristina koningsbergeri所占比例高于干季, 传粉榕小蜂的种群数量也高于干季, 而在干季非传粉榕小蜂的种类增加(干季15种小蜂, 雨季14种)。从榕树-传粉榕小蜂互利共生系统的适合度来看, 干季非传粉小蜂的增加对传粉榕小蜂和榕树的适合度是不利的。在干季, 共存网络物种间的连接数(干季0.95, 雨季0.47)多于雨季, 群落矩阵温度(干季23.24, 雨季2.64)也显著高于雨季。表明干季榕小蜂群落组成及种间关系较雨季更为复杂而多样, 高的矩阵温度暗示群落受到的干扰更大。     

传粉网络非对称特化的地理模式

植物与传粉者间相互作用,构成了复杂的传粉网络。非对称特化是共生互作网络中的有趣现象和基本特点,也被认为是植物-传粉者互作网络的结构特征之一。根据文献总结分析了植物-传粉者互作网络非对称特化的重要名词术语,并采用线性回归法深入分析了植物-传粉者互作网络的地理变异模式,以及植物生活型和网络大小等传粉网络特征对非对称程度的影响。结果表明:传粉网络大小与网络的交互作用间呈线性正相关关系,并随总物种丰度呈指数增长。25个传粉网络的线性回归斜率(Lβ)变异范围在0.002至0.031间,且斜率值随植物丰度(P)、传粉者丰度(A)、总物种丰度(R)、交互作用(I)及网络大小(M)上升而降低。海拔高度对传粉网络非对称性有一定影响效果,而纬度的变化并不显著影响传粉网络非对称性。草本植物、灌木及乔木植物与其传粉者之间的相关系数分别为-0.197,-0.026和0.200,表明草本物种比乔木物种非对称性更强。     

利格列汀对小鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤的神经保护作用*

目的: 评估二肽基肽酶4(DPP-4)抑制剂利格列汀对小鼠脑缺血/再灌注(I/R)损伤的神经保护作用。方法: BALB/c小鼠随机分为Sham组、I/R组和利格列汀(2.5、5和10 mg/kg) +I/R组,每组均为8只小鼠。不同剂量利格列汀组小鼠均在I/R前3周连续灌胃给药。采用小鼠脑中动脉闭塞(MCAO)1 h诱导I/R损伤模型,再灌注24 h评估神经功能缺损(n=8)和及梗死体积(n=4);再灌注48 h处死小鼠,检测脑组织中谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)、磷酸化肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、磷酸化蛋白激酶 B(p-Akt)和雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)含量(n=4)。结果: 与I/R组相比,利他列汀预处理组小鼠再灌注24 h后,神经功能缺损评分和梗死体积明显降低(P＜0.05);小鼠再灌注48 h后,脑内MDA含量明显降低(P＜0.05),而GSH、PI3K、p-Akt和mTOR水平明显升高(P＜0.05)。结论: 利格列汀对I/R小鼠具有神经保护作用,可能是通过激活PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路发挥的作用。     

浙江清凉峰国家级自然保护区野猪空间分布及活动节律

为了解浙江清凉峰国家级自然保护区内野猪(Sus scrofa)的分布及活动节律,2018年3月至2019年2月,我们利用红外相机技术对其进行了网格化监测。在千顷塘和龙塘山区域总计布设109个红外相机监测点,共计调查39 240个相机日。结果表明,在千顷塘区域,野猪倾向于在落叶阔叶林(拍摄率5.33 ±5.64)和针阔混交林(3.75 ±3.46)活动,而在龙塘山区域,则倾向于针阔混交林(4.32 ±5.21);千顷塘与龙塘山区域野猪各月间的日活动差异指数α均存在极显著差异(P < 0.01),冬季的α值高于其他季节;昼行性指数β的平均值分别为0.870和0.768,显著高于理论值13/24(P < 0.01),表明清凉峰的野猪种群具有明显的昼行性特征,且在冬季的活动时间分配较之其他季节更不均匀。通过核密度估计法分析不同季节野猪的日活动节律发现,保护区内野猪春季有晨昏两个活动高峰(08:00-10:00、17:00-19:00),冬季活动高峰出现在午后(13:00-17:00),其他季节无明显活动高峰。本研究有助于加深对野猪华南亚种生态习性的认知,为保护区的野生动物管理工作提供科学依据。     

广东云开山国家级自然保护区鸟兽红外相机调查初报

2017年1月至2019年9月, 我们在广东云开山国家级自然保护区3个观测样区布设61台红外相机, 对兽类和鸟类多样性进行调查。共记录到野生兽类4目7科9种, 鸟类6目14科34种, 其中广东省新记录1种, 为蓝绿鹊(Cissa chinensis), 记录国家II级重点保护动物2种, 为原鸡(Gallus gallus)和白鹇(Lophura nycthemera)。相对多度较高的5种兽类依次为赤腹松鼠(Callosciurus erythraeus)、赤麂(Muntiacus vaginalis)、鼬獾(Melogale moschata)、野猪(Sus scrofa)和果子狸(Paguma larvata), 相对多度较高的3种鸟类分别是紫啸鸫(Myiophoneus caeruleus)、虎斑地鸫(Zoothera dauma)和红嘴相思鸟(Leiothrix lutea)。通过对相对多度指数前三的鸟兽日活动节律观察分析, 共发现4种典型昼行性动物(赤腹松鼠、紫啸鸫、虎斑地鸫和红嘴相思鸟)和1种典型夜行性动物(鼬獾)。赤麂日活动呈现两个高峰时段, 分别为12:00-14:00和18:00-20:00。本研究评估了广东云开山国家级自然保护区部分兽类和鸟类资源现状, 为保护区野生动物保护与管理提供了数据支持。     

基于遥感信息的作物模型重新初始化/参数化方法研究初探

作物模型与遥感信息的结合有助于利用遥感监测的大范围植被信息解决作物模型区域应用时模型初始状态和参数值难以确定的问题。该文借助叶面积指数(LAI)将经过华北冬小麦(Triticum aestivium)适应性调整的WOFOST模型与经参数调整检验的SAIL-PROSPECT模型相嵌套,利用嵌套模型模拟作物冠层的土壤调整植被指数(SAVI),在代表点上借助FSEOPT优化程序使模拟SAVI_s与MODIS遥感数据合成SAVI_m的差异达到最小,从而对WOFOST模型重新初始化。结果表明,借助于遥感信息,出苗期的重新初始化使模拟成熟期与按实际出苗期模拟的结果相差在2天以内,模拟的LAI和总干重的误差比按实际出苗期模拟结果的误差降低3~8个百分点;返青期生物量的重新初始化使模拟LAI和地上总干重在关键发育时刻的误差降至16%以内,模拟LAI和贮存器官重在整个生育期内都更加接近实测值;对返青期生物量的动态调整显示返青到抽穗期间较少次数的遥感数据即能有效地提高作物模型的模拟效果。与国外同类研究相比,该文在作物模型本地化、重新初始化变量和优化比较对象的选择上都有所不同,而利用遥感数据动态调整作物模型初始状态或参数值更具有新意。该文对区域尺度上利用遥感信息优化作物模型的研究具有基础性、探讨性意义。     

尖峰岭热带山地雨林根部真菌-植物互作网络结构特征

不同功能群的根部真菌可能会与植物差异性地互作, 并进一步影响地下真菌与植物群落构建。本研究采用Illumina Miseq测序方法检测了海南尖峰岭热带山地雨林中常见植物的根部真菌; 采用网络分析法比较了丛枝菌根(AM)真菌、外生菌根(ECM)真菌, 以及所有根部真菌与植物互作的二分网络(bipartite networks)结构特性。从槭树科、番荔枝科、夹竹桃科、冬青科、棕榈科、壳斗科、樟科和木犀科等8科植物的根系中, 检测到297,831条真菌ITS1序列, 这些序列被划为1,279个真菌分类单元(OTUs), 其中子囊菌门748个、担子菌门354个、球囊菌亚门80个, 以及未知真菌97个。核心根部真菌群落(420个OTUs)中, 至少有三类不同生态功能的真菌常见, 即丛枝菌根真菌(40个OTUs, 占总序列数23.4%)、外生菌根真菌(48个OTUs, 13.9%)和腐生型真菌(83个OTUs, 19.8%)。尖峰岭山地雨林根部真菌-植物互作网络结构特性的指标普遍显著高于/低于假定物种随机互作的零模型期待值。在群落水平, 不同功能型的根部真菌-植物互作网络表现出不同或相反的结构特性, 如丛枝菌根互作网络表现为比零模型预测值高的嵌套性和连接性, 以及比零模型低的专一性, 而外生菌根互作网络呈现出比零模型预测值低的嵌套性和连接性, 以及比零模型高的专一性。在功能群水平, 植物的生态位重叠度在AM互作网络高, 而ECM互作网络低; 真菌的生态位宽度在ECM互作网络窄, 而在AM互作网络较宽。共现(co-occurrence)网络分析进一步揭示, ECM群落的物种对资源的高度种间竞争(植物、真菌高C-score), 以及AM群落的物种无明显种间竞争(低C-score), 可能分别是形成反嵌套ECM互作网络及高嵌套AM互作网络结构的原因。上述结果说明, 尖峰岭山地雨林中至少有两种及以上的种间互作机制调节群落构建: 驱动AM互作网络冗余(nestedness)及ECM互作网络的高生态位分化(专一性)。本研究在同一个森林内探讨了不同功能型的真菌-植物互作特性, 对深入理解热带森林的物种共存机制和生态恢复具有重要意义。     

Shoot beetle damage to Pinus yunnanensis monitored by infrared thermal imaging at needle scale

为寻求基于红外热成像技术监测云南松切梢小蠹(Tomicus yunnanensis)危害的可行性, 该研究以不同受害程度的云南松(Pinus yunnanesis)针叶为研究对象, 利用红外热成像仪观测受云南松切梢小蠹危害的云南松针叶温度的日变化规律, 并通过不同受害程度针叶的叶绿素含量、叶片含水量以及净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)等生理生化因子来分析解释针叶温度的变化。结果表明: (1)云南松针叶内叶绿素和水分含量随受害时间增加逐渐降低, 叶绿素含量下降速率比含水量下降速率快; (2)叶片的P_n、G_s及T_r随受害程度增加而降低, 针叶温度与大气温度的温差(ΔT_l-a)则随受害程度增加而变大; (3)不同程度受害针叶温度与健康针叶的温差(ΔT)在14:00-15:00之间达到最大, 轻度、中度和重度受害针叶ΔT分别可达0.6、0.7、2.5 ℃; (4)不同程度受害针叶的G_s、叶片含水量与ΔT呈较强的负相关关系。针叶受害后叶片内部水分失衡引起叶温变化, 利用红外热辐射对于温度变化的敏感性, 可通过红外热成像技术精确探测针叶温度的变化, 从而检测到云南松遭受云南松切梢小蠹危害的程度。     

Predicting the global areas for potential distribution of Gastrodia elata based on ecological niche models

Aims Previous studies on the globally suitable areas for growing the medicinal plant Gastrodia elata is lacking. This study aims to predict the global areas for potential distribution of this plant based on multiple ecological niche models. Methods A total of 220 global distribution points of G. elata and 19 ecological variables were compiled and eight environmental variables were selected for the model training. Three ecological niche models, including BIOCLIM, DOMAIN, and MAXENT, were used to predict the global areas for potential distribution of G. elata. The resulting data of different models were analyzed and compared with two statistical criteria: the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Kappa value. Important findings The predictions of the three models are basically identical, showing that the global areas for potential distribution of G. elata are predominantly in the range of 20° N to 50° N in Asia, mainly in China, South Korea and Japan. A small proportion of the suitable areas occur in India, Nepal and the European countries near Mediterranean. The most suitable areas distribute in provinces close to the Sichuan Basin and the central East China, the mid-eastern parts of South Korea such as Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam- do, and the Kyushu region and the Shikoku region on Japan’s main island. Therefore, these three countries can be used as the main production areas of G. elata for its commercial development. The AUC average values of the three models are all above 0.9 and the Kappa average values all above 0.65, justifying their applications for predicting the potential areas of G. elata. Among them, the MAXENT model appears to perform the best, followed by DOMAIN and BIOCLIM.     

Community characteristics and spatial distribution of dominant tree species in a deciduous broad-leaved forest of Muzhaling,Henan, China

Aims The objective of this paper is to quantify the species composition and spatial distribution pattern in a deciduous broad-leaved forest in temperate to subtropical ecological transition zone.
Methods In this study, a 3-hm² forest was selected in the temperate to subtropical ecological transition zone to analyze the community species composition, structure of diameter at breast height, community classification and spatial distribution pattern of dominant tree species.
Important findings Our results showed that in the plot there were 85 species, 52 genera and 31 families, mainly composed of Betulaceae, Celastraceae, Caprifoliaceae, Salicaceae and Aceraceae. Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata and Pinus armandii are dominant species of the community tree layer. The rare species and occasional species accounted for 20.0% and 28.24% of total species respectively. Size distribution of all species showed an invert J-shape, which indicates that the community is in a stable and normal growth status. Using multiple regression trees, the community in this plot can be divided into four categories: 1) Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata + Pinus armandii + Litsea tsinlingensis + Cerasus clarofolia + Lindera obtusiloba; 2) Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata + Salix chaenomeloides + Sorbus hupehensis; 3) Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata + Ailanthus altissima + Cerasus clarofolia + Litsea tsinlingensis; 4) Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata + Fraxinus chinensis + Litsea tsinlingensis + Philadelphus incanus. Under the completely random distribution model, the main species in the plot display clustered distributions, with the different species occurring in different habitat types, showing obvious terrain habitat preferences. However, under the heterogeneous Poisson distribution model, these species at different scales are distributed randomly or regularly. This study helps to understand the plant community species composition of the Muzhaling World Geopark, community structure and community distribution. The results show that the terrain habitat heterogeneity is an important factor influencing the spatial distribution of the species. The present work improves the understanding of plant community in Muzhaling World Geopark, and provides technical reference for biodiversity conservation and forest management of this area.     

Age of arboreous Tamarix austromongolica and its growth response to environment in Tongde County of Qinghai,China

Aims The objectives were to identify the age of the arboreous Tamarix austromongolica in the flood plain area of the Qinghai Plateau and clarify the response patterns of T. austromongolica’s growth to the environmental factors. We focused on social issues about whether the T. austromongolica should be protected and how to protect in the reservoir area of a hydropower station. Methods In this study, arboreous T. austromongolica in both reservoir submerged and non-submerged areas were sampled and measured based on the dendrochronology method. The ages were estimated based on the geometrical characteristics of the pith and the identified age of the inner ring. The correlation and response analysis showed the relationship between T. austromongolica’s growth and environmental factors. Important findings We accurately determined the age and historical growth dynamics of the T. austromongolica with large diameter at breast height (DBH). The results showed a special accretion phenomenon in arboreous T. austromongolica, which accelerated the DBH increasing, i.e. no direct relationship existed between the plants’ DBH and ages of the individuals. Radial growth of T. austromongolica, increased rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s and began to stabilize in the late 1980s, and mainly responded to the runoff in July and August of the Yellow River. Increasing runoff would promote the radial growth of T. austromongolica. The growth of the immaturate plant showed significant negative correlation with the wind speed in the growing season. The results will be of theoretical significance to the formation of the special morphology of the T. austromongolica, and will provide scientific practical guidance in designing the protection schemes.     

光系统II实际光化学量子效率对光的响应模型的比较

为了比较光系统II实际光化学量子效率(Φ_PSII)对光的响应机理模型(简称机理模型)、负指数模型和指数模型的优缺点, 用LI-6400-40B光合作用测定仪控制CO₂浓度和温度, 测量了剑叶金鸡菊(Coreopsis lanceolata)、黄荆(Vitex negundo)和大狼杷草(Bidens frondosa)的电子传递速率(ETR)对光的响应曲线(ETR-I)和Φ_PSII对光的响应曲线(Φ_PSII-I), 然后用这3个模型分别拟合了这些数据。拟合结果表明: 3个模型都可以较好地拟合这3种植物的ETR-I的响应数据和Φ_PSII-I的响应数据, 但由指数模型拟合ETR-I和Φ_PSII-I的响应数据得到相应的饱和光强(PAR_sat)和光系统II最大光能利用效率(F_v/F_m)之间存在显著差异, 且估算的饱和光强远低于实测值。由机理模型可知, Φ_PSII不仅与光强的函数有关, 还与植物的内禀特性有关, 即与天线色素分子的本征光能吸收截面、激子的传递效率、能级的简并度、光化学反应常数、热耗散常数和处于最低激发态的平均寿命等参数有关。此外, 由机理模型还可知, Φ_PSII随光强的增加而下降的原因是捕光色素分子的有效光能吸收截面随光强增加而降低。     

Population structure and spatial pattern of Caragana tibetica communities in Nei Mongol shrub-encroached grassland

Aims The community structure and function of the shrub-encroached grassland, as well as its formation mechanism, is one of hot scientific problems in vegetation science. The spatial pattern analysis is an important means for studying plant population interactions and the relationships between plant population and environment. The shrub-encroached grassland is one major vegetation type in Nei Mongol. Knowledge on the spatial pattern of shrub can improve our understanding on adaptive characteristics of shrub to steppe environment.
Methods We chose Caragana tibetica encroached grassland distributed in Ordos City as research objects. The spatial position of each C. tibetica individual in 64 m × 64 m study plot was determined by a method of “three-distance location method”, and then the spatial pattern and intraspecific associations of C. tibetica individuals was analyzed with the point pattern analysis.
Important findings The results showed that C. tibetica population was at the rising stage. The mature individuals showed a uniform distribution at the scale of less than 3.7 m, subsequently exhibiting a random distribution with an increased scale. The juvenile individuals showed an aggregation distribution at the scale of 0.3-20.4 m, but a uniform distribution at other scales. The dead C. tibetica individuals were distributed aggregately at the scale from 0.7 to 1.4 m, but randomly at other scales. An indistinctive positive association was found for live C. tibetica individuals to dead individuals at the scale of less than 9.9 m, but no associations was found between them at other scales. The mature individuals negatively interacted with juveniles at the scale of larger than 2.2 m, but unassociated at the other scales.     

A new angiosperms molecular specimen treatment method for field use

Aims This study aims to identify a more convenient drying method for obtaining molecular specimen of angiosperms in the field than the conventional silica gel drying method. Methods The leaves of Prunus serrulata var. lannesiana and Liriope spicata were dried under temperatures of 150 °C, 80 °C, 40 °C as well as under natural conditions, and by the silica gel drying method, respectively. The DNA extracts of various specimens were then analyzed using techniques of spectrophotometer detection, electrophoresis and PCR to evaluate the impacts of different drying treatments to the genomic DNA of testing plants. Important findings The concentrations of total DNA were higher for the specimens dried at 40 °C treatment and by the silica gel drying method than other treatments when assessed by the techniques of spectrophotometer detection and electrophoresis. The concentration of PCR products was highest in the specimens dried at 40 °C. Based on the results, the 40 °C drying can be recommended for obtaining molecular specimens of angiosperms because of its minimum degree of degradation, for convenience of operation and avoiding carrying large amounts of silica gel in field investigations.     

An evaluation of four threshold selection methods in species occurrence modelling with random forest: Case studies with Davidia involucrata and Cunninghamia lanceolata

Aims Predictive species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly applied in resource assessment, environmental conservation and biodiversity management. However, most SDM models often yield a predicted probability (suitability) surface map. In conservation and environmental management practices, the information presented as species presence/absence (binary) may be more practical than presented as probability or suitability. Therefore, a threshold is needed to transform the probability or suitability data to presence/absence data. However, little is known about the effects of different threshold-selection methods on model performance and species range changes induced by future climate. Of the numerous SDM models, random forest (RF) can produce probabilistic and binary species distribution maps based on its regression and classification algorisms, respectively. Studies dealing with the comparative test of the performances of RF regression and classification algorisms have not been reported.
Methods Here, the RF was used to simulate the current and project the future potential distributions of Davidia involucrata and Cunninghamia lanceolata. Then, four threshold-setting methods (Default 0.5, MaxKappa, MaxTSS and MaxACC) were selected and used to transform modelled probabilities of occurrence into binary predictions of species presence and absence. Lastly, we investigated the difference in model performance among the threshold selection methods by using five model accuracy measures (Kappa, TSS, Overall accuracy, Sensitivity and Specificity). We also used the map similarity measure, Kappa, for a cell-by-cell comparison of similarities and differences of distribution map under current and future climates.
Important findings We found that the choice of threshold method altered estimates of model performance, species habitat suitable area and species range shifts under future climate. The difference in selected threshold cut-offs among the four threshold methods was significant for D. involucrata, but was not significant for C. lanceolata. Species’ geographic ranges changed (area change and shifting distance) in response to climate change, but the projections of the four threshold methods did not differ significantly with respect to how much or in which direction, but they did differ against RF classification predictions. The pairwise similarity analysis of binary maps indicated that spatial correspondence among prediction maps was the highest between the MaxKappa and the MaxTSS, and lowest between RF classification algorism and the four threshold-setting methods. We argue that the MaxTSS and the MaxKappa are promising methods for threshold selection when RF regression algorism is used for the distribution modeling of species. This study also provides promising insights to our understanding of the uncertainty of threshold selection in species distribution modeling.     

Soil water use strategy of dominant species in typical natural and planted shrubs in loess hilly region

Aims Artemisia gmelinii is a dominant specie naturally established after abandonment of cultivated lands in the Loess Plateau, and Caragana korshinskii is one of the main planted shrub species to control soil erosion. Improved understanding of water use strategies of these two species is of great significance to evaluate the sustainable development of the Loess Plateau under the trend of climate warming and increasing drought events.
Methods Stable oxygen-18 isotope was used to determine seasonal variations in the water sources of native A. gmelinii communities established after abandonment of cultivated lands for 7 and 30 years and planted C. korshinskii after 30 years. The contributions of soil water from different depths to water uptake were estimated by the MixSIR Bayesian mixing model. The geometric mean regression method was used to fit the line of precipitation to get the local meteoric water line (LWML).
Important findings The stable hydrogen isotope rate (δD) and stable oxygen isotope rate (δ¹⁸O) of soil water and xylem water plotted to the right side of the LWML, indicating that the isotopic compositions of soil water were enriched due to evaporation. The native A. gmelinii communities established after abandonment of cultivated lands for 7 years and planted C. korshinskii after 30 years showed plasticity in switching water sources from different soil layers, extracting water from shallow soil (0-40 cm) when soil water was available, but deeper soil (40-80 cm) when shallow soil water was dry. In contrast, A. gmelinii growing in site after cultivation abandonment for 30 years mainly relied on water from the surface soil (0-10 cm) throughout the growing season. Our results suggest that the ability of A. gmelinii to compete for soil water reduces with aging of the community while the planted C. korshinskii will have competitive advantage under the condition of increasing frequency of drought events in the future.     

Effects of tree mortality on the spatial patterns and interspecific associations of plant species in a Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata forest in Baotianman,Henan, China

Aims Tree mortality is an important ecological process in forest ecosystems. The aims of this study were to determine how tree mortality influences the spatial patterns and interspecific associations of plant species, and what are the causes of tree mortality in a 1 hm² permanent plot in Baotianman National Nature Reserve, Nanyang City, Henan Province.
Methods We conducted field investigations in the plot and used spatial point pattern analysis to examine the spatial patterns and interspecific associations of 17 species prior to and following mortality.
Important findings (1) Most of the species in the study plot showed an aggregated distribution both pre- and post-mortality. However, the number of species showing aggregated distribution decreased and the number of species showing random distribution increased following the mortality event. (2) Most species were positively associated with Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata both pre- and post-mortality, while some had no apparent association. Following tree mortality, on fine scales, the number of species with positive associations increased, and the number of species with negative associations decreased. (3) Tree mortality was in consistency with the random death hypothesis. The interspecific associations of four species with Q. aliena var. acuteserrata completely changed following death. For most species, the spatial patterns and the interspecific association with Q. aliena var. acuteserrata either changed at minor scales or did not change. The variations in spatial patterns or interspecific associations were inconsistent among species. (4) The dead trees of Q. aliena var. acuteserrata were significantly associated with the living trees in 13 species, but the associations between dead and living trees were not in agreement with the changes in interspecific association following mortality. Only five living tree species competed with the dead trees of Q. aliena var. acuteserrata, and the competition between each of these species and Q. aliena var. acuteserrata intensified after individual death. Tree mortality is the result of a variety of factors. Although the tree mortality in the study plot was in accordance with the random death hypothesis, there were also a few individuals which were dead from competition.