Functional composition drives ecosystem function through multiple mechanisms in a broadleaved subtropical forest.

摘要: Understanding the role of biodiversity (B) in maintaining ecosystem function (EF) is a foundational scientific goal with applications for resource management and conservation. Two main hypotheses have emerged that address B-EF relationships: niche complementarity (NC) mass-ratio (MR) effect. We tested relative importance these subtropical old-growth forest on island nation Taiwan two EFs: aboveground biomass (ABG) coarse woody productivity (CWP). Functional dispersion (FDis) eight plant functional traits was used to evaluate use. Under NC hypothesis, EF will be positively correlated FDis. MR negatively FDis significantly influenced by community-weighted mean (CWM) trait values. path analysis assess how processes (NC MR) directly influence may contribute indirectly via their canopy packing (stem density). Our results indicate decreasing diversity significant CWM were linked increasing AGB all this supporting hypothesis. Interestingly, CWP primarily packing. Maximum height explained more variation both than any other traits. Together, our suggest multiple mechanisms operate simultaneously EF, understanding help elucidate function.