Biodiv Sci ›› 2017, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (2): 111-122.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2016253

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Current research and development trends in floristic geography

Hang Sun1,*(), Tao Deng1, Yongsheng Chen1,2, Zhuo Zhou1   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201
    2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
  • Received:2016-09-20 Accepted:2016-11-07 Online:2017-02-20 Published:2017-03-06
  • Contact: Sun Hang

Abstract:

This paper summarizes the research status, existing issues, and trends in floristic geography. There is now a wealth of research accumulation on floristic investigations, distribution types of genera, floristic regions, and regional floristic analysis. It is also noted that most of these studies utilize simple statistical analyses, comparative studies, traditional methods, and single subjects, to provide a basic understanding and description of the floristic phenomenon, which is lacking spatial pattern formation processes and detailed exploration of formation mechanisms. Additionally, there are still some weak and non-existent areas of botanical investigation. Many existing specimens lack detailed or accurate information and the precise identification of plant species also needs to be much improved. At the same time, when analyzing the development trends of floristic geography, with the rapid development of related disciplines, including the development of biogeography and analysis methods and improvements, floristic geography research is an area of multidisciplinary integration, comprehensive research, and analysis. On the one hand, using database information, and combining ecology, paleobotany, and geology can allow us to probe into spatial pattern formation. On the other hand, combining phylogenetics, the tree of life, and molecular biogeography allow us to reveal floristic origins and evolution. The rapid development of various disciplines has given rise to a large amount of data, meanwhile, the emergence and application of new analytical methods and theories incorporate big data into floristic geography research, which will enhance qualitative understanding and description, and allow us to further explore the mechanisms of formation quantitatively.

http://jtp.cnki.net/bilingual/detail/html/SWDY201702002

Key words: floristic geography, floristic investigation, comprehensive research, ecology, molecular phylogenetics, biogeography, big data