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Is phylogenetic diversity a good proxy for functional diversity of plant communities? A case study from urban habitats
Author(s) -
Lososová Zdeňka,
Čeplová Natálie,
Chytrý Milan,
Tichý Lubomír,
Danihelka Jiří,
Fajmon Karel,
Láníková Deana,
Preislerová Zdenka,
Řehořek Vladimír
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of vegetation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1654-1103
pISSN - 1100-9233
DOI - 10.1111/jvs.12414
Subject(s) - phylogenetic diversity , biological dispersal , niche , phylogenetic tree , biology , ecology , phylogenetics , diversity (politics) , functional diversity , habitat , gamma diversity , ecological niche , alpha diversity , evolutionary biology , population , sociology , gene , anthropology , biochemistry , demography
Question It is often assumed, but poorly tested, that patterns of phylogenetic diversity reflect functional diversity in plant communities. Here we test whether phylogeny can be used as a proxy for functional diversity in general and specifically for diversity in plant niche preferences, dispersal strategies and competitiveness‐related traits. Location Central Europe, Belgium and the Netherlands. Methods We used a species composition data set from seven urban habitats, each sampled in 32 large cities of ten countries, and combined this with information about species phylogeny and functional traits, the latter divided into categories representing niche preferences, dispersal strategies and competitiveness. Results We found positive significant, yet very weak, relationships between phylogenetic diversity and overall functional diversity, and between phylogenetic diversity and diversity in both species dispersal strategies and competitiveness. The relationship between phylogenetic diversity and diversity in species niche preferences was not significant. Conclusions We suggest that the combination of multiple trait states that co‐exist in urban plant communities and even within the same lineages weakens the phylogeny–function relationship. Phylogenetic diversity is a weak proxy for functional diversity of urban plant communities. For some facets of functional diversity, the phylogeny–function relationship may not apply at all.