Intraspecific trait variability facilitates tree species persistence along riparian forest edges in Southern Amazonia

Scientific Reports
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Abstract

Tropical forest fragmentation from agricultural expansion alters the microclimatic conditions of the remaining forests, with effects on vegetation structure and function. However, little is known about how the functional trait variability within and among tree species in fragmented landscapes influence and facilitate species’ persistence in these new environmental conditions. Here, we assessed potential changes in tree species’ functional traits in riparian forests within six riparian forests in cropland catchments (Cropland) and four riparian forests in forested catchments (Forest) in southern Amazonia. We sampled 12 common functional traits of 123 species across all sites: 64 common to both croplands and forests, 33 restricted to croplands, and 26 restricted to forests. We found that forest-restricted species had leaves that were thinner, larger, and with higher phosphorus (P) content, compared to cropland-restricted ones. Tree species common to both environments showed higher intraspecific variability in functional traits, with leaf thickness and leaf P concentration varying the most. Species turnover contributed more to differences between forest and cropland environments only for the stem-specific density trait. We conclude that the intraspecific variability of functional traits (leaf thickness, leaf P, and specific leaf area) facilitates species persistence in riparian forests occurring within catchments cleared for agricultural expansion in Amazonia.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Intraspecific trait variability facilitates tree species persistence along riparian forest edges in Southern Amazonia
Series title Scientific Reports
DOI 10.1038/s41598-023-39510-x
Volume 13
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description 12454, 11 p.
Country Brazil
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