Dataset Information

Flow directionality, mountain barriers and functional traits determine diatom metacommunity structuring of high mountain streams.

ABSTRACT: Stream metacommunities are structured by a combination of local (environmental filtering) and regional (dispersal) processes. The unique characters of high mountain streams could potentially determine metacommunity structuring, which is currently poorly understood. Aiming at understanding how these characters influenced metacommunity structuring, we explored the relative importance of local environmental conditions and various dispersal processes, including through geographical (overland), topographical (across mountain barriers) and network (along flow direction) pathways in shaping benthic diatom communities. From a trait perspective, diatoms were categorized into high-profile, low-profile and motile guild to examine the roles of functional traits. Our results indicated that both environmental filtering and dispersal processes influenced metacommunity structuring, with dispersal contributing more than environmental processes. Among the three pathways, stream corridors were primary pathway. Deconstructive analysis suggested different responses to environmental and spatial factors for each of three ecological guilds. However, regardless of traits, dispersal among streams was limited by mountain barriers, while dispersal along stream was promoted by rushing flow in high mountain stream. Our results highlighted that directional processes had prevailing effects on metacommunity structuring in high mountain streams. Flow directionality, mountain barriers and ecological guilds contributed to a better understanding of the roles that mountains played in structuring metacommunity.

SUBMITTER: Dong X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4835781 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Flow directionality, mountain barriers and functional traits determine diatom metacommunity structuring of high mountain streams.

Dong Xiaoyu X Li Bin B He Fengzhi F Gu Yuan Y Sun Meiqin M Zhang Haomiao H Tan Lu L Xiao Wen W Liu Shuoran S Cai Qinghua Q

Scientific reports 20160419

Stream metacommunities are structured by a combination of local (environmental filtering) and regional (dispersal) processes. The unique characters of high mountain streams could potentially determine metacommunity structuring, which is currently poorly understood. Aiming at understanding how these characters influenced metacommunity structuring, we explored the relative importance of local environmental conditions and various dispersal processes, including through geographical (overland), topog ...[more]

PMID: 27090223

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Dataset Information

Flow directionality, mountain barriers and functional traits determine diatom metacommunity structuring of high mountain streams.

Publications

Flow directionality, mountain barriers and functional traits determine diatom metacommunity structuring of high mountain streams.

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