The elevational gradient of Andean plant endemism: varying influences of taxon-specific traits and topography at different taxonomic levels

摘要: Aim  Little is known about the elevational gradient of plant endemism. It mostly assumed that patterns are determined by topographical factors such as area belts and degree habitat fragmentation, but comparative studies different taxa along same lacking. The aim was to compare endemism entire flora selected families genera in a search for commonalities. Methods  Ecuadorean vascular flora, twenty-seven families, twenty-four based on Catalogue Vascular Plants Ecuador were analysed. Results  Elevational non-random at all taxonomic levels there no common pattern. Rather, study groups showed wide variety independent levels. Most had hump-shaped with maxima elevations or higher than species richness. overall highest narrowest most fragmented belts, presumably because consequent fragmentation populations. Main conclusions  Patterns appear be influenced both taxon-specific ecological traits (e.g. life form, reproduction, dispersal, demography, spatial population structure, competitive ability) their specific interaction historical processes environmental fragmentation. which these influences become visible combination analysed: given genus family, dominate patterns, blurred averaging signal topography emerges. Beyond such, this shows frequently stated assumption biogeographical settings lead similar among wrong.