[Spatial distribution patterns and intraspecific and interspecific spatial associations of population in Shennongjia, China].

is one of the dominant species in the evergreen broad-leaf forest on the southern slope of Shennongjia. The study of spatial distribution pattern and spatial correlation of population will help to understand population development and potential ecological processes, as well as the structure and biodiversity maintenance mechanism of evergreen broad-leaf forests at the northern edge of the subtropics. Based on forest dynamic monitoring data from one 1 hm permanent plot on the southern slope of Shennongjia, we employed pair correlation functions () and marked correlation functions to analyze the diameter structure of the population, spatial distribution patterns at different diameter classes, and intraspecific and interspecific spatial associations.

Disentangling the role of environmental filtering and biotic resistance on alien invasions in a reservoir area.

Large-scale water conservancy projects benefit human life but have modified the landscape and provided opportunities for alien plant invasions. Understanding the environmental (e.g.

Functional coordination between leaf traits and biomass allocation and growth of four herbaceous species in a newly established reservoir riparian ecosystem in China.

The flood-dry-flood cycle in the reservoir riparian zone (RRZ) of the Three Gorges Dam has dramatically altered the riparian ecosystem structure and composition. Previous field studies have shown that leaf traits varied greatly and were restricted to the lower-investment and faster-return end of the global leaf spectrum, which are typical characteristics of fast-growing species. However, it is unclear as to the mechanism underpinning the growth potential of these species and how it will respond to soil nutrient availability and temperature.

Patterns of plant carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentration in relation to productivity in China's terrestrial ecosystems.

Plant nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content regulate productivity and carbon (C) sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems. Estimates of the allocation of N and P content in plant tissues and the relationship between nutrient content and photosynthetic capacity are critical to predicting future ecosystem C sequestration under global change. In this study, by investigating the nutrient concentrations of plant leaves, stems, and roots across China's terrestrial biomes, we document large-scale patterns of community-level concentrations of C, N, and P.

Effects of size, neighbors, and site condition on tree growth in a subtropical evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest, China.

Successful growth of a tree is the result of combined effects of biotic and abiotic factors. It is important to understand how biotic and abiotic factors affect changes in forest structure and dynamics under environmental fluctuations. In this study, we explored the effects of initial size [diameter at breast height (DBH)], neighborhood competition, and site condition on tree growth, based on a 3-year monitoring of tree growth rate in a permanent plot (120 × 80 m) of montane mixed forest on Mt.

Altered dynamics of broad-leaved tree species in a Chinese subtropical montane mixed forest: the role of an anomalous extreme 2008 ice storm episode.

Extreme climatic events can trigger gradual or abrupt shifts in forest ecosystems via the reduction or elimination of foundation species. However, the impacts of these events on foundation species' demography and forest dynamics remain poorly understood. Here we quantified dynamics for both evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved species groups, utilizing a monitoring permanent plot in a subtropical montane mixed forest in central China from 2001 to 2010 with particular relevance to the anomalous 2008 ice storm episode.

[Decomposition of herbaceous species in reservoir riparian region of Three Gorges Reservoir under flooding condition].

A total of 10 annuals and perennials of herbaceous species were investigated in reservoir riparian region of Three Gorges Reservoir. The correlations between the plants' nutrient release rate and the substrate composition and structural matter were studied under flooding condition. The decomposition rates of different species differed substantially, with the maximum of Alternanthera philoxeroides (decomposition rate constant k = 0.

[Global consequences and control strategies of biological invasion].

Biological invasion is a worldwide ecological phenomenon, but its mechanism is still not very clear. Invasive species give impacts on native species and ecosystems through competitions, predations, changing habitats, and dispersing diseases. They pose an increasing threat to the composition and structure of natural communities across the globe.