The relationship between tree biodiversity and biomass dynamics changes with tropical forest succession

J R Lasky; M Uriarte; V K Boukili; D L Erickson; W John Kress; Robin L Chazdon

doi:10.1111/ele.12322

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The relationship between tree biodiversity and biomass dynamics changes with tropical forest succession

Journal article

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The relationship between tree biodiversity and biomass dynamics changes with tropical forest succession

J R Lasky, M Uriarte, V K Boukili, D L Erickson, W John Kress and Robin L Chazdon

Ecology Letters, Vol.17(9), pp.1158-1167

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12322

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Abstract

Ecological Applications

Ecology

Evolutionary Biology

disturbance

functional traits

leaf dry matter content

productivity

specific leaf area

tropical rainforest

wood specific gravity

Theory predicts shifts in the magnitude and direction of biodiversity effects on ecosystem function (BEF) over succession, but this theory remains largely untested. We studied the relationship between aboveground tree biomass dynamics (Δbiomass) and multiple dimensions of biodiversity over 8-16 years in eight successional rainforests. We tested whether successional changes in diversity-Δbiomass correlations reflect predictions of niche theories. Diversity-Δbiomass correlations were positive early but weak later in succession, suggesting saturation of niche space with increasing diversity. Early in succession, phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity in two leaf traits exhibited the strongest positive correlations with Δbiomass, indicating complementarity or positive selection effects. In mid-successional stands, high biodiversity was associated with greater mortality-driven biomass loss, i.e. negative selection effects, suggesting successional niche trade-offs and loss of fast-growing pioneer species. Our results demonstrate that BEF relationships are dynamic across succession, thus successional context is essential to understanding BEF in a given system. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

Details

Title: The relationship between tree biodiversity and biomass dynamics changes with tropical forest succession
Authors: J R Lasky (Author) - Columbia University, United States
M Uriarte (Author) - Columbia University, United States
V K Boukili (Author) - University of Connecticut, United States
D L Erickson (Author) - Smithsonian Institute, United States
W John Kress (Author) - Smithsonian Institute, United States
Robin L Chazdon (Author) - University of Connecticut, United States
Publication details: Ecology Letters, Vol.17(9), pp.1158-1167
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1111/ele.12322
ISSN: 1461-023X
Organisation Unit: Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450569702621
Output Type: Journal article

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