Defining a spectrum of integrative trait‐based vegetation canopy structural types

Fahey, Robert T.; Atkins, Jeff W.; Gough, Christopher M.; Hardiman, Brady S.; Nave, Lucas E.; Tallant, Jason M.; Nadehoffer, Knute J.; Vogel, Christoph; Scheuermann, Cynthia M.; Stuart‐Haëntjens, Ellen; Haber, Lisa T.; Fotis, Alexander T.; Ricart, Raleigh; Curtis, Peter S.; Penuelas, ed., Josep

doi:10.1111/ele.13388

Title: Defining a spectrum of integrative trait‐based vegetation canopy structural types

Journal Article · 16 September 2019 · Ecology Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13388 · OSTI ID:1562156

^[1]; Atkins, Jeff W. ^[2]; Gough, Christopher M. ^[2]; Hardiman, Brady S. ^[3]; Nave, Lucas E. ^[4]; Tallant, Jason M. ^[4]; Nadehoffer, Knute J. ^[4]; Vogel, Christoph ^[4]; Scheuermann, Cynthia M. ^[2]; Stuart‐Haëntjens, Ellen ^[2]; Haber, Lisa T. ^[2]; Fotis, Alexander T. ^[5]; Ricart, Raleigh ^[5]; Curtis, Peter S. ^[5]; Penuelas, ed., Josep

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering University of Connecticut Storrs CT USA
Department of Biology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA USA
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and Environmental and Ecological Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette IN USA
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biological Station, University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Pellston MI USA
Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology Ohio State University Columbus OH USA

Abstract Vegetation canopy structure is a fundamental characteristic of terrestrial ecosystems that defines vegetation types and drives ecosystem functioning. We use the multivariate structural trait composition of vegetation canopies to classify ecosystems within a global canopy structure spectrum. Across the temperate forest sub‐set of this spectrum, we assess gradients in canopy structural traits, characterise canopy structural types (CST) and evaluate drivers and functional consequences of canopy structural variation. We derive CSTs from multivariate canopy structure data, illustrating variation along three primary structural axes and resolution into six largely distinct and functionally relevant CSTs. Our results illustrate that within‐ecosystem successional processes and disturbance legacies can produce variation in canopy structure similar to that associated with sub‐continental variation in forest types and eco‐climatic zones. The potential to classify ecosystems into CSTs based on suites of structural traits represents an important advance in understanding and modelling structure–function relationships in vegetated ecosystems.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: NONE; SC0006708

OSTI ID:: 1562156

Journal Information:: Ecology Letters, Journal Name: Ecology Letters Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 22; ISSN 1461-023X

Publisher:: Wiley-BlackwellCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United Kingdom

Language:: English

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