Patterns of distribution of nine Quercus species along an environmental gradient in a fragmented landscape in central Mexico

• DOI: 10.17129/botsci.620
• Publication Date: 2016-07-17T03:32:51Z
• Authors: Rafael Aguilar-Ro...; Felipe García-Oliva; Fernando Pineda-G...; Ignacio Torres; Ernesto Peña-Vega; Adrian Ghilardi; Ken Oyama
• Keywords: Species distribution; Environmental gradient

Elucidating the factors determining plant distribution is still on discussion. It has been stated that mostly determined by environmental factors, but evidence whether this or other processes are determinants remains inconclusive. In present study, we hypothesized oak species differ in their distribution, which might be influence environment. Particularly, explored: i) patterns of Quercus at a landscape scale; ii) climatic, soil and topographic determine iii) degree association between within fragments. The study included analysis 78 forest fragments Cuitzeo lake Basin Michoacán state, Mexico nine were registered. showed clear differences distribution; three groups significantly spatial arrangement detected with NMDS (Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling) analysis. We observed relationship temperature precipitation. particular, Q. candicans, crassipes rugosa frequently distributed sites higher rainfall lower temperature; contrast, deserticola, gentryi glaucoides more arid areas. found associations pairs species; most recurrent one was from Lobatae sections. Overall, pattern among suggests they partition habitat to avoid competition for resources.