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Rapid assessment and explanation of tree species abundance along the elevation gradient in Gaoligong Mountains, Yunnan, China

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Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of tree species abundance and its association with climatic variables along elevation gradient in the Gaoligong Mountains in west Yunnan, China. Data from scientific papers and books in the Gaoligong Mountains area were collected and extrapolated to elucidate a mechanistic understanding of elevation patterns and the relationship between the elevation range and elevation mid-point of tree species along the gradient by examining climatic variables. Tree species abundance showed a unimodal pattern with a peak at mid-elevation (about 2000 m) and species with a narrow elevation range occurred at higher or lower elevation, while a wider elevation range was found at the middle of the gradient. Tree species abundance was the highest where both temperature and water availability were moderate. The relationship between the climatic variables affecting species appear to be due to both direct and indirect factors, and the effect of these effects varied at different gradients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Ecology and Geobotany, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China

    Sun ZhenHua, Peng ShengJing & Ou XiaoKun

Authors
  1. Sun ZhenHua
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  2. Peng ShengJing
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  3. Ou XiaoKun
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ou XiaoKun.

Additional information

Supported by the National Basic Research Program (Grant No. 2003CB415102)

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Sun, Z., Peng, S. & Ou, X. Rapid assessment and explanation of tree species abundance along the elevation gradient in Gaoligong Mountains, Yunnan, China. Chin. Sci. Bull. 52 (Suppl 2), 225–231 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-7030-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-7030-4

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