Realised edaphic niche and specialisation of the fern genus Polybotrya
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Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.
Lataukset284
Pysyvä osoite
Verkkojulkaisu
DOI
Tiivistelmä
Understanding species distribution is anchored in ecology as it sheds light on the conditions in which a
species occurs. Providing well-defined species ecological niches ensures spotting indicator species and
rapid environmental conditions characterisation and grants knowledge on evolutionary mechanisms and
diversity patterns. This study aims to delineate the ecological niche of some species of the fern genus
Polybotrya fully nested in the Neotropics. From Costa Rica to the East Atlantic Brazilian Forest, species
abundance was recorded, and the edaphic condition was measured to produce their response curves
along the nutrient gradient. Species responses were diverse; some appeared specific to the poor edaphic
condition, while others harboured more generalist behaviour. This study raises some potential indicator
species for soil conditions as well as an insight into the evolutionary history of this genus. Its results are
anchored in understanding the Neotropics' diversity patterns and geological and climatic history.