The role of landscape composition and heterogeneity on the taxonomical and functional diversity of Mediterranean plant communities in agricultural landscapes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238222
• Publication Date: 2020-09-16T17:22:14Z
• Authors: Joana Cursach; Juan Rita; Carmelo Gómez-Mar...; Carles Cardona; Miquel Capó; Amparo Lázaro
• Keywords: Gamma diversity; Ruderal species; Chronosequence; Spatial heterogeneity; Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

The expansion of agriculture is a major driver biodiversity loss worldwide, through changes generated in the landscape. Despite this, very little still known about complex relationships between landscape composition and heterogeneity plant taxonomical functional diversity Mediterranean ecosystems that have been extensively managed during millennia. Although according to Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) richness might peak at intermediate disturbance levels, increase with decrease intensity disturbance. Here, we evaluated associations (percentage crops) (diversity land-cover classes) (richness, diversity, evenness), local contribution beta (functional richness, evenness, divergence dispersion) 20 wild Olea europaea communities appearing within agricultural landscapes Mallorca Island (Western Basin). In accordance IDH, found overall peaked levels crops landscape, whereas evenness showed opposite pattern, because was mainly related an scarce ruderal species. Plant surrounded by heterogeneous were those contributing most showing highest likely diverse favour colonization new species traits into communities. addition, decreased (i.e., increased trait overlap dominant species) which may enhance community resilience against disturbances higher redundancy. However, large extent reduce such resilience, as this acted environmental filter dispersion (i.e, remaining shared similar traits). Overall, our study highlights importance considering several indices deeply understand functions context.