An analysis of epiphytic lichen communities in Tasmanian cool temperate rainforest

摘要: A three-dimensional compositional pattern in the epiphytic lichen vegetation Tasmanian cool temperate rainforest is demonstrated using robust ordination technique, hybrid multidimensional scaling (HMDS). The first two dimensions are correlated with age of host tree (and concomitant change bark texture) and wetness substrate. No measured environmental variable related to third dimension, which tentatively attributed a gradient constancy microclimate. Patterns richness growth forms cover bryophytes three putative gradients. Possible successional trends between 12 community groups derived by numerical classification described respect changes substrate age, microclimatic constancy. Temporal variation these factors due growth, together slow establishment long persistence some species, make succession communities very complex. This study demonstrates value HMDS identifying patterns generating hypotheses about causal ecological factors. existence postulated was not appreciated before analysis its discovery illustrates risk relying on constrained methods, such as canonical correspondence analysis.