Functional traits and drought strategy predict leaf thermal tolerance
Data files
Sep 27, 2023 version files 529.72 KB
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annual_temp_anomalies.csv
1.35 KB
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annual_temps.csv
2.62 KB
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daily_climate_data.csv
467.93 KB
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FVFM_data.csv
13.37 KB
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gas_exchange_data.csv
1.47 KB
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leaf_trait_data.csv
3.27 KB
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monthly_averages.csv
315 B
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monthly_temps.csv
35.51 KB
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README.md
3.64 KB
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study_species.csv
248 B
Abstract
Heat stress imposes an important physiological constraint on native plant species – one that will only worsen with human-caused climate change. Indeed, rising temperatures have already contributed to large-scale plant mortality events across the globe. These impacts may be especially severe in cities, where the urban heat island effect amplifies climate warming. Understanding how plant species will respond physiologically to rising temperatures and how these responses differ among plant functional groups is critical for predicting future biodiversity scenarios and making informed land management decisions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of elevated temperatures on a functionally and taxonomically diverse group of woody native plant species in a restored urban nature preserve in southern California using measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence as an indicator of leaf thermotolerance. Our aim was to determine if species’ traits and drought strategies could serve as useful predictors of thermotolerance. We found that leaf thermotolerance differed among species with contrasting drought strategies, and several leaf-level functional traits were significant predictors of thermotolerance thresholds. Drought deciduous species with high specific leaf area, high rates of transpiration, and low water-use efficiency were the most susceptible to heat damage, while evergreen species with sclerophyllous leaves, high relative water content, and high water-use efficiency maintained photosynthetic function at higher temperatures. While these native shrubs and trees are physiologically equipped to withstand relatively high temperatures in this Mediterranean-type climate, hotter conditions imposed by climate change and urbanization may exceed the tolerance thresholds of many species. We show that leaf functional traits and plant drought strategies may serve as useful indicators of species’ vulnerabilities to climate change, and this information can be used to guide restoration and conservation in a warmer world.
README: Functional traits and drought strategy predict leaf thermal tolerance
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.xsj3tx9n7
Data include leaf functional trait values and thermotolerance thresholds for nine native woody plant species from southern California. Aslo included in climate data for the study site.
Description of the data and file structure
Data are included in separate .csv files for (1) climate data for the study site; (2) chlorophyll fluorescence data; and (3) leaf functional trait data.
Files, explanation, abbreviations, and units:
- annual_temps.csv: annual mean (tmean), minimum (tmin), and maximum (tmax) temperatures (degrees C) for the study site from 1895 to 2022
- annual_temp_anomalies.csv: annual temperature anomalies (deviation from average temperatures in degrees C) from 1895 to 2022
- daily_climate_data.csv: daily climate data from 1981 to 2022, including precipitation (ppt; mm) and daily mean (tmean), minimum (tmin), and maximum (tmax) temperatures (degrees C) for the study site
- monthly_temps.csv: monthly mean (tmean), minimum (tmin), and maximum (tmax) temperatures (degrees C) for the study site from 1895 to 2022
- monthly_averages.csv: average (30 year normals) monthly climate variables for the study site including precipitation (ppt) and daily mean (tmean), minimum (tmin), and maximum (tmax) temperatures
- FVFM_data.csv: chlorophyll fluorescence data (Fv/Fm values) for nine native plant species measured on plants exposed to different heat treatments (Temp; degrees C). Species codes are the first letter of genus and species (full species names are shown in the 'study_species.csv' file. Drought strategy is also indicated (D = drought deciduous; E = evergreen)
- leaf_trait_data.csv: leaf functional trait values for the nine study species including leaf thickness (Thick; mm), specific leaf area (SLA; leaf area per leaf mass), relative water content (RWC; %), leaf water content (LWC; %) and equivalent water thickness (EWT). Species codes are the first letter of genus and species (full species names are shown in the 'study_species.csv' file. Drought strategy is also indicated (D = drought deciduous; E = evergreen)
- gas_exchange_data.csv: gas exchange data for each of the nine study species, including photosynthetic rate (Amax), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and instantaneous water-use efficiency (WUE). Species codes are the first letter of genus and species (full species names are shown in the 'study_species.csv' file. Drought strategy is also indicated (D = drought deciduous; E = evergreen)
- study_species.csv: scientific names (genus and species) of the nine study species, species codes (used in other files), and drought strategy (D = drought deciduous; E = evergreen)
Sharing/Access information
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Data was derived from the following sources:
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Methods
In this study, we evaluated the effects of elevated temperatures on a functionally and taxonomically diverse group of woody native plant species in a restored urban nature preserve in southern California using measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence as an indicator of leaf thermotolerance. Our aim was to determine if species’ traits and drought strategies could serve as useful predictors of thermotolerance.