Spatial pattern and process of Larix principis-rupprechtii at different scales in the timberline ecotone of Mount Wutai

Research on Mount Wutai reveals that the spatial distribution of Larix principis-rupprechtii, a dominant tree species at the timberline ecotone, is significantly influenced by negative density constraints and interactions with understory vegetation. The study found that dead trees exhibit strong clustering at scales up to 15 meters, while live trees show smaller clusters primarily between 0-3 meters and around 21 meters. Using spatial pattern analysis models (CSR, HP, RL), the research demonstrates that spatial heterogeneity effectively explains the distribution of live trees, with negative density effects being a major factor in tree mortality, particularly for seedlings and saplings. These findings highlight the complex dynamics shaping timberline ecosystems under climate change.

JIA Meiyu, 贾美玉, ZHANG Jintun, 张金屯, LIANG Yu, 梁钰, DING Mochong, 丁沫冲, CAO Ge, 曹格, & JIA Bingyu, 贾冰玉. (2018). Spatial pattern and process of Larix principis-rupprechtii at different scales in the timberline ecotone of Mount Wutai. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 38(20). https://doi.org/10.5846/stxb201711272121