Open AccessPatterns and drivers of plant functional group dominance across the W estern H emisphere: a macroecological re‐assessment based on a massive botanical dataset
Author(s) -
Engemann Kristine,
Sandel Brody,
Enquist Brian J.,
Jørgensen Peter Møller,
Kraft Nathan,
MarcuseKubitza Aaron,
McGill Brian,
MoruetaHolme Naia,
Peet Robert K.,
Violle Cyrille,
Wiser Susan,
Svenning JensChristian
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
botanical journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.872
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1095-8339
pISSN - 0024-4074
DOI - 10.1111/boj.12362
Subject(s) - dominance (genetics) , ecology , biology , species richness , functional group , macroecology , epiphyte , plant functional type , plant community , ecosystem , gene , biochemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , polymer
Plant functional group dominance has been linked to climate, topography and anthropogenic factors. Here, we assess existing theory linking functional group dominance patterns to their drivers by quantifying the spatial distribution of plant functional groups at a 100‐km grid scale. We use a standardized plant species occurrence dataset of unprecedented size covering the entire New World. Functional group distributions were estimated from 3 648 533 standardized occurrence records for a total of 83 854 vascular plant species, extracted from the B otanical I nformation and E cology N etwork ( BIEN ) database. Seven plant functional groups were considered, describing major differences in structure and function: epiphytes; climbers; ferns; herbs; shrubs; coniferous trees; and angiosperm trees. Two measures of dominance (relative number of occurrences and relative species richness) were analysed against a range of hypothesized predictors. The functional groups showed distinct geographical patterns of dominance across the N ew W orld. Temperature seasonality and annual precipitation were most frequently selected, supporting existing hypotheses for the geographical dominance of each functional group. Human influence and topography were secondarily important. Our results support the prediction that future climate change and anthropogenic pressures could shift geographical patterns in dominance of plant functional groups, with probable consequences for ecosystem functioning. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2016, 180 , 141–160.