Effects of sampling scale on latitudinal patterns of species diversity in seed plants in northwestern Yunnan, China

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1003.2009.08265

Abstract

Abstract:

Different latitudinal patterns of species diversity were given in previous studies and therefore mechanisms have been put forward to explain these patterns. However, there were significant discrepancies among related case studies. To test the effects of sampling scale on interpreting these discrepancies, we explored latitudinal patterns of species diversity at regional and community scales in northwestern Yunnan. Based on literature data as well as our field investigations, community and regional datasets were established, including the species richness of 68 plots at the community scale and that of seed plants in 26 counties at the regional scale, respectively. Based on these two datasets, the relationship between species richness and altitudinal gradient, as well as climatic and geographical factors, was analyzed using bivariate correlations analysis and stepwise regression. Our results showed that plant species diversity decreased with increasing latitude at the community scale, which was mainly correlated with the thermal factor. Contrarily, an increasing trend was observed with the increase of latitude at the regional scale, which was mainly due to altitude difference per unit of area. The results demonstrate the influence of sampling scales on the estimation of plant species diversity distribution. In conclusion, when determining the hotspots of plant diversity in northwestern Yunnan, we should analyze the data collected at different sampling scales to eliminate blind spots in biodiversity protection.

Key words: latitudinal patterns, species diversity, scale effects of sampling, community scale, regional scale, habitat heterogeneity, energy

Jianmeng Feng, Xiaodong Dong, Chengdong Xu, Fengshu Zha. Effects of sampling scale on latitudinal patterns of species diversity in seed plants in northwestern Yunnan, China[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2009, 17(3): 266-271.

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URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1003.2009.08265

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2009/V17/I3/266

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1 Map showing the study areas. The dots represent the studied nature reserves at community scale. 1, Xiaohei Mountains Nature Reserve; 2, Cangshan Mountains Nature Reserve; 3, Gaoligong Mountains Nature Reserve in Lushui County; 4, Gaoligong Mountains Nature Reserve in Bijiang County; 5, Yulong Snow Mountains Nature Reserve; 6, Gaoligong Mountains Nature Reserve in Gongshan County; 7, Meili Snow Mountains Nature Reserve.

Fig. 2 Latitudinal patterns of species density at the community scale

Fig. 3 Latitudinal patterns of species density at regional scale

Fig. 4 Correlation between mean annual temperature and species density at community scale

Fig. 5 Latitudinal patterns of altitude difference per unit of area

Table 1 Model summary of stepwise regression analysis between species density and altitude difference and mean annual temperature

因变量 Dependent variable	自变量 Predictors	变异解释百分率 R² variation	R²(%)	P
物种密度 Species density	单位面积海拔高差 Altitude difference per unit of area	57.8%	64.1	<0.001
物种密度 Species density	年平均温度 Mean annual temperature	6.3%	64.1	<0.001

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