Phenotypic plasticity of Eurohypnum leptothallum in degraded karst ecosystems: Adaptative mechanisms and ecological functions driven by warming temperatures.

Phenotypic plasticity is a critical mechanism for plants to adapt to rapid climate change and other global change drivers. Eurohypnum leptothallum is widely distributed in fragile subtropical karst ecosystems, exhibiting strong drought tolerance, water retention, and soil stabilization capabilities, playing a vital ecological role in nutrient cycling and ecological restoration. Our study investigated the specific manifestations of phenotypic plasticity in epilithic E.