Diversity, species coexistence, and functional composition patterns in subtropical Atlantic Forests invaded by non-native trees
Data files
Nov 27, 2023 version files 1.21 MB
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FAlarsenSA2.txt
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FAlarsenSA3.txt
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FElarsenSA1.csv
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README.md
Abstract
- Biological invasions are a major environmental challenge today. Interactions between invasive and native species can significantly shape community structures, influencing co-existence, diversity, and functional composition of species. The subtropical Atlantic forest in southern Brazil, a recognized biodiversity hotspot, provides a unique setting to study these interactions, given its vulnerability to alien tree invasions.
- Our study sought to elucidate the impacts of such invasions on this fragile ecosystem by addressing key questions: 1) How are tree community diversity patterns affected by the abundance of invading alien tree species? 2) What are the patterns of coexistence between native and alien invasive trees? 3) Is the functional composition of the forests altered by the abundance of invasive trees?
- To address these questions, we compiled data on the abundance and functional traits of native and invasive trees. We determined the diversity patterns and functional composition of plots with different degrees of invasion. These data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, Principal Component Analysis, and a coexistence index.
- In plots with a higher abundance of invasive trees, there was a significant decrease in the taxonomic and functional richness of native species. Furthermore, we observed that invasive alien trees coexisted with native species, and as the abundance of invasive trees increased, the native community weighted mean (CWM) of the leaf area and specific leaf area decreased.
- In conclusion, within the subtropical Atlantic forest areas of southern Brazil, our findings highlight that the abundance of invasive trees adversely affects the taxonomic and functional richness of native species. Furthermore, while invasive alien trees were found to coexist with native species, increased invasive abundance corresponded to a reduction in the leaf area and the specific leaf area of the native community.
README: Diversity, species coexistence, and functional composition patterns in subtropical Atlantic Forests invaded by non-native trees
Summary
This dataset compiles information on the abundance of tree species (diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm) in subtropical forests in southern Brazil, including sampling of invasive alien trees. It also contains functional data on wood density (WD), leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA) of tree species collected from the UDESC Dendrology Laboratory Functional Database. The dataset is intended to facilitate the study of the distribution and functional traits of native and alien invasive species across different forest formations.
Data Description and File Structure
The dataset consists of three main files:
FAlarsenSA1.csv
Contains data on the abundance of tree species across different study plots.
- area: The location where the study was conducted.
- P: Identification of plots within each location.
- PC: Continuous identification of plots across all locations.
- Exoticas: Status of each plot regarding the presence (c) or absence (s) of invasive species.
- ESPECIES: Botanical identification of each tree.
- fito: Vegetation formation (fed: seasonal deciduous forests; fom: Araucaria forest; trans: transition between fed and fom).
- origem: Origin of species, whether native (nativa) or alien (exotica).
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FAlarsenSA2.txt
Provides functional information on wood density of tree species.
- Species: Botanical identification of the tree.
- Latitude: Latitude in decimal degrees.
- Longitude: Longitude in decimal degrees.
- Municipality: The municipality where the sample was collected.
- Altitude: Altitude in meters above sea level.
- Sampling Date: Date of collection in the format YYYY.
- Exposition: Type of environment where the collection was made - natural environment.
- Plant Growth Form: Tree.
- Circumference at breast height (1.30m): circunference at breast height in cm.
- Height: Height in meters.
- Wood Density: Wood density in g/cm³.
- Methods: Collection method.
FAlarsenSA3.txt
Presents functional information on specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area (LA) of tree species.
- Species: Botanical identification of the tree.
- N: Number of leaves used.
- Leaf area: Leaf area in cm².
- Leaf dry-matter: Leaf dry matter in g.
- Specific Leaf Area: Specific leaf area in cm²/g.
- Methods: Determination method used.vvvvv