Variations in Composition and Water Use Efficiency of Plant Functional Groups Based on Their Water Ecological Groups in the Xilin River Basin

Major plant species in the Xilin River Basin were grouped into six plant functional groups (PFGs) based on their water ecological groups: xerophytes, mesoxerophytes, xeromesophytes, mesophytes, hygromesophytes and hygrophytes. We surveyed the composition, delta(13)C values and proline concentration of PFGs in eight different plant communities along a soil moisture gradient. Results show that: (1) PFGs occurred variously in eight steppe communities with different soil moisture status. In wetter habitats, hygromesophytes and hygrophytes were more abundant and accounted for the majority of aboveground biomass, whereas xerophytes and mesoxerophytes became more conspicuous in dryer habitats; (2) the numerical order of the mean delta(13)C values of PFGs is as follows: xerophytes (-26.38parts per thousand) = mesoxerophytes (-26.51parts per thousand) > xeromesophytes (-27.02parts per thousand) > mesophytes (-27.56parts per thousand) = hygromesophytes and hygrophytes (-27.80parts per thousand); (3) xerophytes maintained relative higher delta(13)C values and water use efficiency (WUE) in habitats of different water availability, whereas delta(13)C values of xeromesophytes were more sensitive to change in soil water availability; (4) From xerophytes to hygrophytes, their proline content markedly increased. Significantly positive correlations existed between proline and biomass or delta(13)C values of different water ecological groups.

Ecological Species Groups and Interspecific Association of Dominant Tree Species in Daiyun Mountain National Nature Reserve

Abstract： Research on the ecological species groups and interspecific association of plant species are helpful to discover species coexistence processes and mechanisms, and to more fully understand plant community structure, function, and its taxonomy. However, little is known about the ecological species groups （ESG） and the interspecific association of dominant species in Daiyun Mountain National Nature Reserve of Fujian Province, China. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to explore the ESG using maximal tree, and to analyze interspecific associations of 32 dominant species selected from lo2 sample plots using the chi-square test. The results show that： （1） 32 dominant species have a significant overall positive interspecific association, which indicates that the natural forest in Daiyun Mountain National Nature Reserve is stable, （a） The species pairs with weak associations, non-associations and positive associations account for lo.88%, 29.64% and 59.48% of the total 496 species pairs respectively, which suggests that the population distributions of the dominant species investigated are relatively independent, （3） The following species pairs may be useful for practical application, 〈Pinus taiwanensis, Rhododendron farrerae〉, 〈Castanopsis carlesii, Altingia chinensis〉, 〈C. carlesii, Castanopsis fargesii〉, 〈Castanopsis eyrei, C. fargesii〉, 〈P. taiwanensis, Fagus lucida〉 , 〈Machilus thunbergii, Castanopsis nigrescens〉, and （4） The results of clustering analysis based on the maximal tree method indicates that the 32 dominant species can be divided into 3 ESGs when A at o.6o, that is ESG I {Pinus massoniana, Cunning hamia lanceolata}, ESG II {P. taiwanensis, R. farrerae, Enkianthus quinqueflorus}, ESG III {C. carlesii, A. chinensis, C. eyrei, Castanopsis fabri, C. fargesii, Schima superba, Machilus thunbergii, Rhododendron latoueheae}. The results may be used for the selection of afforestation tree species in South China Forest Areas and guide the natural management of plantations.

Ecological species groups and interspecific association of vegetation in natural recovery process at Xiejiadian landslide after 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

Wenchuan earthquake on 12 May 2008 triggered numerous landslides, which disturbed vast areas of vegetation in northwest Sichuan. However, based on our primary field investigation at Xiejiadian landslide in July 2009, we found an obvious increase of the number of plant species and then we made a hypothesis that, after earthquake, vegetation at this landslide might recover by itself. In this paper, we conduct a newly field investigation at Xiejiadian landslide during November 2014 to verify this hypothesis. We investigated plant species composition at total 56 sites(trees 4, shrubs 16 and herbs 36, respectively), and calculated the Schluter's variance ratio, important values, x2 test, associationcoefficient, Ochiai index, Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients, and Ecological species groups. Species sharply increased to 84 species belonging to 66 genera and 54 families, forming a complete life form containing trees, shrubs, herbs, and ground layers while only herbs detected in 2009. Moreover, an overall positive and moderately related interspecies association was detected for most of species pairs. Of total 84 species, twenty five were identified as dominant species and could be divided into four positive ecological species groups. This study verified our proposed hypothesis of self-recovery of vegetation in landslide triggered by the earthquake, and found Alnus cremastogyne, Rhus chinensis, Litsea cubeba, Vitis piasezkii and Anemone vitifolia would play a constructive role during the continuing succession of vegetation at Xiejiadian landslide.

Concept,Grouping and Subgrouping of Ecological Technology

Although modern technology has an important role in human economic and social development,it can result in significant ecological damage.Thus,research has begun to focus on so-called"ecological technologies"to repair the degraded land and fragmented ecological environment and build a green mode of production and development.However,the concept of"ecological technology"is currently ill-defined,given the many different research fields involved.Therefore,here we divide ecological technologies into broad versus narrow technologies in terms of their impact on economic and social development and the related needs of production and ecological governance.We redefine each concept and clarify their aims and extensions,before further dividing them into three groups and seven subgroups,and clarifying the functions of each.The grouping and subgrouping of ecological technology will lay a foundation for the technology selection,collocation,implementation,promotion,monitoring and evaluation of ecological engineering planning and design.

Responding of zooplankton to environmental factor changes in the Changjiang River estuarine regions in spring-summer from 2016 to 2020

The estuarine areas are under frequent influence from freshwater intrusion and ocean currents,in which zooplankton species are diversified and variable as they are sensitive to physio-chemical variations in water.Therefore,understanding the relationships between zooplankton and environmental factors help us know the water quality.To achieve co-existence with species in similar ecological group or habit,they could inevitably alter themselves to fit the ecology and adjust the function according to the competitive exclusion in ecological theory.However,information of the co-existence of dominant species in the Changjiang(Yangtze)River estuary(CRE)and adjacent waters remains scarce.We explored the relationships between dominant zooplankton and environmental factors in the study region in spring-summer from 2016 to 2020,involving particularly the composition of dominant species,ecological groups,their relationships with environmental factors,and co-existence of important species,using the non-multidimensional scale analysis(nMDS)method and redundancy analysis.Results show that Labidocera euchaeta and Tortanus vermiculus were dominant species in the study scope.The turnover rate of dominant zooplankton was greater(>50%)in spring while the species number was higher in summer.The dominant species were estuarine,offshore,and eurytopic based on the adaptation to salinity.In spring,the ecological groups were dominated by estuarine species,while in summer by estuarine and offshore species.In addition,the nMDS showed that the dominant species in the same ecological group were more dispersed and not prominently clustered;the dominant species were staggered among different ecological groups.The temperature,salinity,pH,dissolved oxygen,and chlorophyll a were the main environmental factors on the distribution of the dominant species in spring,while in summer were dissolved oxygen,temperature,salinity,and pH.The domination of medusae of Nemopsis bachei and Pleurobrachia globosa in zooplankton community in spring,and the continuous decrease in abundance of L.euchaeta reflected the effects of local climate change.The temperature and salinity changes in different years and the subsequent response of zooplankton reflected the influence of freshwater intrusion and/or ocean currents.Zooplankton in similar ecological habits exhibited the competitive exclusion in terms of co-existence.

Temporal and spatial variation of fish assemblages in Dianshan Lake, Shanghai, China

Using multi-mesh gillnets and trawls, the fish communities in Dianshan Lake at 6 stations from Oct. 2009 to Jul. 2010 were investigated seasonally to reveal the biodiversity and its spatial and temporal distribution patterns. The long-term changes in their structural characteristics were then analyzed to identify the main infl uencing factors and several measures for lake restoration were put forward. Thirty six species, belonging to 9 family and 30 genera, were collected, amongst which, the order Cypriniformes accounted for 61.1% of the total species number. In terms of importance value, Cypriniformes was the predominant group, Coilia nasus the dominant species, while Cyprinus carpio and Rhinogobius giurinus were the subdominant taxa. The community types did not differ among stations, but between seasons. There were no significant differences between seasons and among stations in species diversity, but richness differed both spatially and seasonally. Along with the process of eutrophication and the drastic reduction of the area colonized by macrophytes from 1959 to 2009–2010, the fish diversity declined markedly, and species numbers of herbivores and piscivores declined proportionately more than those of invertivores, omnivores, and planktivores. The decline of potamophilus and river-lake migratory fish was more marked than those of sedentary, river-sea migratory, and estuarine fishes. Eutrophication concomitant with sharp reduction of macrophyte area and overfishing may be the main reasons for the decline in fish diversity in Dianshan Lake.

Correlation between the avian community and habitat at different water levels during spring migration in Zhalong National Nature Reserve,China

Zhalong National Nature Reserve （Zhalong） is an important stopover for migratory birds. In recent decades, Zhalong has become the focus of researchers and public discussion in relation to irrigation. We studied relationships between birds and habitats at different water levels to guide development of more effective habitat management measures. We used line transects to survey bird numbers and distribution during April-May from 2005-2009 at Zhalong, and used cluster analysis and Chi-Square tests to analyze data. We recorded 139 bird species of 39 families and 13 orders during spring migration, including Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Ciconiiformes, Columbiformes, Coraciiformes, Cucu- liformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Passeriformes, Pici- formes, Podicipediformes, Strigiformes. Dominant vegetation and geo- graphic region were the main influence factors of avian distribution. Different ecological groups preferred different water levels （p〈0.01） and different habitat types （p〈0.01）. Grallatores, Natatores and Passeres were the main ecological groups in different wetland habitats, and reed marsh and lake are the main habitats for management. Grallatores preferred reed marsh and lake with water levels 〉30 cm and 5-15 cm. Natatores preferred lakes with deep water （〉30 cm）. Passeres preferred open forest and reed marsh with no surface water. Different avian ecological groups occupied specific habitats depending on water level and we recorded some overlaps in bird distribution.

Ecological characteristics of Ostracoda in the South Huanghai Sea and East China Sea

This report is based on the monthly data obtained during the annual comprehensive survey in a widearea between 28°-34°N, 120°30'-127°E from December 1977 to November 1978. The species diversity, quantitative distribution and seasonal patterns of Ostracoda and its relationship to the Taiwan Warm Current, KuroshioWarm Current, Huanghai Sea cold water mass, Huanghai sea Warm Current, Changeing River runoff and coastalcurrents are discussed.

The distribution of Chaetognatha in the western central Pacific

The recorded 15 species of Chaetognatha are studied in the zooplanktonic samples collected in the waters of the western central Pacific (0°～5°N, 160°～165°E) within January and February, and within April and May in 1979. A primary analysis is conducted on the relations of Chaetognatha species composition and numerical distribution with their environmental conditions in the waters by taking into account the field hydrological data.

Ecological evaluation of marine macroalgal communities on five islands of Korea in the Yellow Sea

Macroalgae have long been used as biological indicators of marine ecosystem health worldwide due to their ecological importance and sensitivity to environmental stress.A number of previous studies have utilized macroalgal communities in monitoring surveys of environmental conditions.This study examined the characteristics and patterns of marine macroalgal communities in the Yellow Sea off the western coast of Korea.Macroalgae were analyzed for the number of species,biomass,and coverage ratio by macroalgal type.During the study period,82 macroalgal species(10 green algae,17 brown algae,and 55 red algae)were identified at the five study sites,with the highest number of species found at Gwanrido and Uido(both containing 41 species)and the lowest at Daeijakdo(27 species).The average biomass(via dry weight)was 98.63 g/m^(2),consisting of green algae(8.39 g/m^(2)),brown algae(35.08 g/m^(2)),and red algae(55.16 g/m^(2)).The dominant macroalgae species in terms of biomass were Corallina pilulifera,Sargassum thunbergii,and Ulva australis in the intertidal zones,and Botryocladia wrightii and Gelidium elegans in the subtidal zones.Richness,evenness,and diversity indices based on the biomass of abundant species were 5.08,0.65,and 2.30,respectively,over the entire study area.Based on the evaluation of the environmental states by the community indices,overall,the Ecological Evaluation Index of macroalgae communities in the study area was marked as“Good-Moderate”,but was determined as“ModerateLow”at several sites during summer.The results can be a direct approach in the assessment of coastal habitats in which anthropogenic as well as climate change influences persist.

Effects of environmental conditions and space on species turnover for three plant functional groups in Brazilian savannas

Aims Different plant functional groups display diverging responses to the same environmental gradients.Here,we assess the effects of environmental and spatial predictors on species turnover of three functional groups of Brazilian savannas(Cerrado)plants—trees,palms and lianas—across the transition zone between the Cerrado and Amazon biomes in central Brazil.Methods We used edaphic,climatic and plant composition data from nine one-hectare plots to assess the effects of the environment and space on species turnover using a Redundancy Analysis and Generalized Dissimilarity Modeling(GDM),associated with variance partitioning.Important Findings We recorded 167 tree species,5 palms and 4 liana species.Environmental variation was most important in explaining species turnover,relative to geographic distance,but the best predictors differed between functional groups:geographic distance and silt for lianas;silt for palms;geographic distance,temperature and elevation for trees.Geographic distances alone exerted little influence over species turnover for the three functional groups.The pure environmental variation explained most of the liana and palm turnover,while tree turnover was largely explained by the shared spatial and environmental contribution.The effects of geographic distance upon species turnover leveled off at about 300 km for trees,and 200 km for lianas,whereas they were unimportant for palm species turnover.Our results indicate that environmental factors that determine floristic composition and species turnover differ substantially between plant functional groups in savannas.Therefore,we recommend that studies that aim to investigate the role of environmental conditions in determining plant species turnover should examine plant functional groups separately.

Variations in the Volatile Organic Compound Emission Potential of Plant Functional Groups in the Temperate Grassland Vegetation of Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract: The biogenic volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted by the vegetation of a terrestrial ecosystem play a key role in both regional air quality and tropospheric chemistry. To describe the general emission properties of VOC of different plant functional groups (PFG) in a typical temperate grassland in Inner Mongolia, China, we randomly selected 175 plant species and measured the quantities of isoprene and monoterpene in situ. Results showed that most plants had low VOC emission potential at the species level, especially for some dominant plants, such as Leymus chinensis Tzvel., Stipa grandis Smirn., and Agropyron cristatum Gaertn. At the PFG level, the lowest VOC emission potential was found for perennial rhizome grasses, a major PFG in a typical temperate grassland ecosystem. The effects of overgrazing and subsequent vegetation succession on the emission of VOC by different plant life form functional groups (PLFG) were also discussed.

Species composition and correlation of understory woody plants in Chinese fir plantation in the lower subtropical area

There are 71 species in the shrub layer of the Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation after natural succession.The species richness and diversity have increased with slight anthropogenic disturbance.The status and function of understory woody species were judged by the analysis of the important value(IV).χ2 statistics and r test were used for testing the significance of interspecific association and correlation among 25 main understory woody plants selected from the woody population.The results clearly showed their interspecific relationships and their differences in resource utilization.Species-pairs of positive association were in the majority.Most species were accommodated in the shady habitat.There was a positive correlation between the IV of the species and the interspecific association.The higher the IV of the species,the closer and more significant was the interspecific association.Based on analytical results of interspecific association and correlation,25 woody plants in the shrub layer could be divided into four ecological species groups:I.Ficus hispida+Antidesma bunius+Mallotus barbatus+Ficus cunia+Saurauia tristyla+Mallotus philippinensis+Maesa japonica+Ficus hirta+Alchornea rugosa+Ficus fulva+Mallotus apelta;II.Cudrania tricuspidata+Schefflera octophylla;III.Cunninghamia lanceolata+Clerodendron cytophyllum+Millettia semicastrata+Randia spinosa+Litsea cubeba+Litsea pungens;IV.Ardisia japonica+Psychotria rubra+Vitex quinata+Cephalanthus occidentalis+Pithecellobium lucidum+Mycetia sinensis.If species group III or II is the advantaged species in the shrub layer,the community would change from a coniferous forest to a sparse evergreen broad-leaved forest.For group IV,the community would be relatively stable.For group I,the coniferous forest would be mixed with coniferous-broad leaved forest.The classification of ecological species groups would provide a theoretical basis on judging its ecological function,adjusting the stand structure of the plantation and directing the suitable natural vegetation type through the close-natural restoration process.