Morphological and biochemical responses of Sphagnum mosses to environmental changes

摘要: Abstract • Background and Aims Sphagnum mosses are vital for peatland carbon (C) sequestration, although vulnerable to environmental changes. For averting stresses such as hydrological changes, developed an array of morphological anatomical peculiarities maximizing their water holding capacity. They also produce plethora biochemicals that could prevent stresses-induced cell-damages but these chemicals remain poorly studied. We aimed study how various anatomical, metabolites, antioxidant enzymes vary according taxonomy, phylogeny conditions. • Methods conducted our in five Sphagnum-dominated peatlands distributed along a latitudinal gradient Europe, representing range local climate examined the direct indirect effects changes vegetation species turnover on (cellular characteristics) biochemical (spectroscopical identification primary specialized pigments enzymatic activities) traits. Key results show traits were not driven by phylogeny, suggesting taxonomy and/or conditions prevail driving variability. found moisture important determinants traits, especially those related However, with highest capacity exhibited capacity, showed high flavonoid activities tissues. Our further highlighted importance vascular plants More particularly, we raises production specific compounds tannins polyphenols known reduce plant when herbaceous cover increases. Conclusions findings underpin niche differentiation through role specialization towards biotic stressors, competitors, abiotic which factors governing growth.