Anthropogenic Matrices Favor Homogenization of Tree Reproductive Functions in a Highly Fragmented Landscape

PLoS One. 2016 Oct 19;11(10):e0164814. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164814. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Species homogenization or floristic differentiation are two possible consequences of the fragmentation process in plant communities. Despite the few studies, it seems clear that fragments with low forest cover inserted in anthropogenic matrices are more likely to experience floristic homogenization. However, the homogenization process has two other components, genetic and functional, which have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to verify whether there was homogenization of tree reproductive functions in a fragmented landscape and, if found, to determine how the process was influenced by landscape composition. The study was conducted in eight fragments in southwest Brazil. The study was conducted in eight fragments in southwestern Brazil. In each fragment, all individual trees were sampled that had a diameter at breast height ≥3 cm, in ten plots (0.2 ha) and, classified within 26 reproductive functional types (RFTs). The process of functional homogenization was evaluated using additive partitioning of diversity. Additionally, the effect of landscape composition on functional diversity and on the number of individuals within each RFT was evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model. appeared to be in a process of functional homogenization (dominance of RFTs, alpha diversity lower than expected by chance and and low beta diversity). More than 50% of the RFTs and the functional diversity were affected by the landscape parameters. In general, the percentage of forest cover has a positive effect on RFTs while the percentage of coffee matrix has a negative one. The process of functional homogenization has serious consequences for biodiversity conservation because some functions may disappear that, in the long term, would threaten the fragments. This study contributes to a better understanding of how landscape changes affect the functional diversity, abundance of individuals in RFTs and the process of functional homogenization, as well as how to manage fragmented landscapes.

MeSH terms

  • Biodiversity*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Forests*
  • Humans
  • Reproduction
  • Trees / physiology*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (www.capes.gov.br) to MSC and CCFC, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (http://cnpq.br): Grant number: CRA- RDP-00104-10. The project, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (www.fapemig.br). Grant number: 472250/2010-8. The project, Vale SA (www.vale.com). Grant number: 472250/2010-8. The project. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.