Different sets of traits explain abundance and distribution patterns of European plants at different spatial scales

Abstract

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The effect of niche filtering on plant species abundance in temperate grassland communities

“…The observed effect of niche filtering on species relative abundance in the studied grassland communities is in line with recent empirical studies conducted either at a coarse resolution (Lachaise et al., 2021), across (rather than within) communities (Lisner et al., 2021; Sporbert et al., 2021), at the regional scale (Cornwell & Ackerly, 2010; Mouillot et al., 2007), in tropical or subtropical forests (Arellano et al., 2015; Li et al., 2015), or ex‐situ experiments (Maire et al., 2012; Zhou et al., 2016). Following most of these studies and theoretical background (Mariotte, 2014; Sporbert et al., 2021), we found overall support for a positive association between species abundance and their size, life span and clonality on a large scale and across communities. We could also confirm that more abundant species generally have more conservative leaves (i.e.…”

“…In contrast, the deterministic theory suggests that niche‐based processes, including environmental or niche filtering, biotic interactions, and intraspecific and interspecific trade‐offs, largely determine species abundance distributions within communities (Keddy, 1992; Silvertown, 2004). Several studies have provided evidence of the effects of deterministic niche‐based processes on species abundance under controlled environments (Maire et al., 2012) or in natural grasslands and forests in different biomes at the local and regional scales (Cornwell & Ackerly, 2010; Li et al., 2015; Shipley et al., 2006; Sporbert et al., 2021). However, no study has yet quantified the importance of niche‐based processes in shaping species above‐ground abundance in communities of different grassland types across broad geographical areas and multiple macro‐climatic gradients.…”

“…However, we also expected this relationship to vary across grassland types. For example, in grasslands characterized by low nutrient availability, such as alpine or dry grasslands, the trait axis related to resource acquisition could have a stronger effect on species abundance than the other trait axes because it may provide a competitive advantage or disadvantage (Lachaise et al., 2021; Sporbert et al., 2021). Under phylogenetic niche conservatism and strong niche filtering, more phylogenetically and functionally similar species within the community can also be more successful and occur with higher abundances.…”

“…species with ≥10% and <10% relative cover within plots, respectively) in grassland communities occupy different positions along different axes of trait variation? We expected rare species to generally be smaller, more conservative concerning resource acquisition, and have a shorter life span and stronger tendency towards a non‐clonal strategy than abundant species (see table 1 in Mariotte, 2014; Sporbert et al., 2021).…”

Interspecific trait variability and local soil conditions modulate grassland model community responses to climate

“…No consensus exists regarding generalized plant community responses to climate change due to complex interactions between climate and soil compositions (Yang et al, 2018 ). Measures such as trait responses offer an improved understanding of ecological responses that are comparable across regions and experimental approaches (Sporbert et al, 2021 ; Vandvik et al, 2020 ).…”