Analysis on Intra-population Variations of Functional Traits and Ecological Strategies of Phragmites australis in Chongming Dongtan Wetland Based on CSR and LHS System

Abstract:

The variations of functional traits and ecological strategies of population may greatly affect its adaptive capacity and the structure of a community. Based on the multiple functional traits of the ramet groups at the different developmental stages of 3 subpopulations of Phragmites australis in Chongming Dongtan wetland, this paper analyzed its intra-population variations of functional traits and ecological strategies, and made an ordination of the ecological strategies of each subpopulation based on the CSR and LHS schemes. The results showed that 21 functional traits, C and R strategy scores among the 3 subpopulations of P. australis were significantly different. In the LHS scheme, 3 subpopulations were separated along the boundary line of the specific leaf area (11.5 mm²/mg), plant height (175 cm) and inflorescence dry weight (4 g). Ramets at the reproductive growth stage were characterized by larger plant sizes, higher leaf dry matter contents and S scores, while those at the vegetative growth stage, the smaller plant sizes, larger specific leaf areas and R scores. In general, there were significant differences in functional traits and ecological strategies among 3 subpopulations and between the ramet groups at the different developmental stages, and the divergent pattern of functional traits and ecological strategies were basically consistent. These might provide important theoretical reference and technical support for the ecological conservation and restoration of P. australis population in this area.

Key words:Intraspecific trait variation;Ecological strategy;CSR scheme;LHS scheme;Phragmites australis;Wetland