Biodiv Sci ›› 2015, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (2): 139-148.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2014140

• Original Papers: Community Structure and Patterns of Tropical and Subtropical Forest in China • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Synthetic comparison of eight dynamics plots in evergreen broadleaf forests, China

Yongchang Song, Enrong Yan*(), Kun Song   

  1. School of Ecological and Environmetal Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241
  • Received:2014-07-03 Accepted:2014-11-13 Online:2015-03-20 Published:2015-04-09
  • Contact: Yan Enrong

Abstract:

On the basis of unifying the scientific names of plant species, species composition and similarity were compared and related to environmental conditions across eight dynamics plots in evergreen broadleaf forests (EBLFs) in China. Ecological characteristics of species and associations with habitat type were analyzed among plots using plant growth forms and ecological indicator values. According to floristic composition and ecological characteristics the eight plots were grouped as follows: (1) Tiantong, Gutianshan, Baishanzu and Badagongshan, belonging to the typical EBLFs, and (2) Heishiding, Dinghushan, Fushan and Lianhuachi, belonging to the seasonal and ombrophilous EBLFs (i.e., subtropical rain forest). Issues with respect to the methods of community classification were discussed. Overall, we propose an increase in the investigation of herbaceous and lianas plant taxonomy and ecological indicator values as well as more research into species interactions. A key to enhanced research and investigation is to establish cooperative research plans for long-term success.

Key words: evergreen broadleaf forest, floristic composition, ecological characteristics, ecological indicatior value, community classification