Plant functional traits, ecosystem structure and land‐use history along a climatic gradient in central‐western Argentina

• DOI: 10.2307/3237080
• Publication Date: 2006-05-07T06:29:27Z
• Authors: Sandra Díaz; Marcelo Cabido; Marcelo Zak; Eduardo Martínez ...; Julieta Araníbar
• Keywords: Trait; Functional ecology; Forest dynamics

Abstract. This paper deals with theoretical concepts, methodological steps, and case studies related to the use of plant functional traits in assessment vegetation responses climate land use. Trait‐environment links are considered, special emphasis is put on between structure ecosystem function, role disturbance history determining at present. As a basis for discussion, published new from central‐western Argentina presented. Similar measured different levels precision utilized description land‐use situations along steep regional climatic gradient. The general protocol followed represents data‐driven, non‐hierarchical, low‐tech approach, that can be applied wide range spatial scales, plots regions. Climatic factors (including extreme events seasonality), frequency intensity, suggested as key considered global comparisons predictive models dynamics.