Phylogenetic Relationships Plays a More Important Role than Environmental Factors in Influencing Leaf Si and Ca Stoichiometry Along the Elevation Gradient in a Chinese Subtropical Forest

Phylogenetic relationships play a more significant role than environmental factors in shaping leaf silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) stoichiometry along elevation gradients in subtropical forests. Researchers analyzed dominant tree species across Mount Wuyi National Park, China, from 800 to 1700 meters, finding that leaf Si and Si/Ca ratios decreased while Ca content increased with altitude. Environmental factors like precipitation, soil available silicon, organic matter, and bulk density influenced stoichiometry but were secondary to phylogenetic conservatism—closely related species exhibited similar traits. Structural equation modeling revealed that phylogeny dominated over environmental effects, suggesting evolutionary lineage is a stronger determinant of leaf Si and Ca patterns than elevation-driven ecological changes.

Chen, Y., Huang, H., Xue, K., Cai, S., Li, Z., Lai, Z., Li, P., Li, Y., Wei, W., She, C., Dong, J., Liao, X., Jin, S., & Zheng, D. (2024). Phylogenetic Relationships Plays a More Important Role than Environmental Factors in Influencing Leaf Si and Ca Stoichiometry Along the Elevation Gradient in a Chinese Subtropical Forest. Forests, 15(12), 2154. https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122154