Phylogenetic structure of Brazilian savannas under different fire regimes

Brazilian savannas under high fire frequency exhibit phylogenetic over-dispersion, contrary to expectations that closely related species would dominate fire-prone communities. Instead, these ecosystems host a mix of long-lived resprouting species from diverse lineages, suggesting fire plays a distinct role in structuring plant communities compared to other fire-adapted regions. The study analyzed 801 woody species across central and southeastern Brazilian savannas (including UNESCO-listed Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks) and adjacent semi-deciduous seasonal forests, comparing phylogenetic distances between sites with varying fire regimes. Phylogenetic signal analysis revealed evolutionary conservation of life forms, while randomization tests confirmed over-dispersion in high-fire savannas and clustering in low-fire forest sites. These findings challenge traditional models of fire-driven community assembly, highlighting the resilience of phylogenetically diverse species in Brazilian savannas.

Silva, I. A., & Batalha, M. A. (2010). Phylogenetic structure of Brazilian savannas under different fire regimes. Journal of Vegetation Science, 21(6), 1003–1013. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1654-1103.2010.01208.x